Chapter 8 - ETHAN'S HARDEST TESTRobert requested a private meeting before charges were finalized.
Against Naomi's preference, Ethan agreed under controlled conditions with attorneys present.
Robert looked exhausted.
“You've destroyed this family.”
Ethan almost laughed.
There it was.
Robert continued.
“Tessa betrayed everyone.”
Ethan remained quiet.
“Your mother may lose her house.”
Nothing.
“Emily would hate what you're doing.”
That one hit.
Ethan's fists tightened.
Robert noticed.
Then smiled.
Barely.
Ethan saw it.
Even now.
Robert wanted the angry man.
The violent widower.
The father who couldn't control himself.
Ethan slowly opened his hands.
“Finished?”
Robert's smile disappeared.
“You think you're better than me?”
“No.”
Ethan stood.
“I think I'm finally harder to manipulate.”
Then he left.
Outside, his hands shook.
He wanted to go back.
He didn't.
That moment mattered more to Ethan than slapping Tessa ever had.
At the party, anger controlled him.
May you like
Here, he controlled what he did with anger.
That was strength.
