Chapter 16 - Ethan Makes His Final Choice
The grand ballroom of Whitmore House was empty of guests, but the crystal chandeliers burned bright against the polished wood.
Ethan stood near the center of the room where the scandalous confrontation had taken place less than a week ago.
He held a simple velvet box in his hand, his heart beating with a nervous energy he hadn't felt in boardrooms or corporate battles.
Naomi walked in quietly from the service corridor, wearing her plain gray uniform with her dark hair pinned in its usual neat bun.
“You don't have to clean the ballroom tonight, Naomi; the staff handled it,” Ethan said, his voice unusually soft.
“I like checking my own work,” she replied, stopping a few paces away from him with quiet curiosity.
Ethan stepped forward, opening the velvet box to reveal a simple silver band without diamonds, wealth, or pretense.
“I don't have a corporate empire anymore, and I don't care about high society or country club approvals,” Ethan said steadily.
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“What are you doing, Ethan?” Naomi asked, her voice dropping the formal title for the very first time.
“I’m asking the only person in this world who ever stood by me with genuine strength to start over with me.”
