Chapter 4
Ethan drove straight to a quiet, secure hotel on the outskirts of the city, far away from the prying eyes of his mother's socialite network. He carried their bags inside, checking them into a suite under Laura's maiden name to ensure total privacy and safety.
Once inside the room, Laura collapsed onto the plush sofa, letting out a long, shuddering breath that she seemed to have been holding for months. Ethan knelt in front of her, resting his forehead against her knees as heavy, silent sobs wracked his muscular frame.
"I am so sorry, Laura... I should have protected you... I should have seen what she was doing to you," Ethan wept openly. Laura ran her fingers through his short brown hair, tilting his chin up so his tear-stained, bloodshot eyes met hers directly.
"You didn't know, Ethan; she manipulated both of us, but today you stood up for our family, and that's what counts," Laura assured him gently. "I promise you, on my life, she will never come near you or our baby ever again," Ethan vowed with fierce, unyielding conviction.
May you like
He pulled his smartphone from his pocket, instantly dialing his private security team and his personal estate lawyer in Washington D.C. "I need a full security detail at our hotel location, and draft severance papers for my mother's position on the board," Ethan ordered flatly.
The battle for his family's freedom had officially begun, and he was fully prepared to burn his mother's empire to the ground to protect them.
