Chapter 13: Silent Secrets and Unspoken Alliances

Sharon’s fingers tightened their grip, her heart experiencing a momentary sensation of weightlessness. All at once, she didn't know how to respond to his words.

Ethan only had a surface-level understanding of her strained family dynamic; he didn't

Chapter 14: Echoes of the Past and Rainbound Refuge

The family banquet was bustling, filled with relatives from collateral branches of the family tree.

As Sharon walked along the garden path, the muffled sound of mahjong tiles tumbling echoed softly from the main manor.

She couldn't hide in the d

Chapter 15: Midnight Pursuit and Unspoken Trust

Ethan crouched down, raising the umbrella to meet Sharon’s gaze at eye level.

"Legs sore?" he asked smoothly.

Sharon nodded. "Yeah."

Reaching out, he wrapped a warm, firm hand around her calf, applying just the right amount of pressure to rub away