Chapter 86 Behind My Back
I was honestly shocked by Ethan's stamina and endurance.
I knew his physical condition was impressive—I'd experienced that firsthand many times—but I had seriously underestimated him. Even with his injured back covered in healing welts, he maintained his usual intensity. It was almost inhuman.
When we started, I'd suggested taking control, thinking his injuries would limit him. With my stamina, I figured I could manage ten minutes at most before finding a way to help him finish quickly. But after those ten minutes passed, Ethan seized control with surprising strength, demonstrating shocking endurance despite his wounds.
Afterward, I lay dazed in his arms, feeling like I was the injured one. Damn this man—I'd wasted emotional energy worrying about his condition for nothing.
Ethan seemed more affectionate after being satisfied, gently cleaning me up and carrying me back to bed. I slept soundly and woke to find him already gone. After showering upstairs, I changed into comfortable loungewear and headed downstairs for breakfast.
After eating, I wandered into the first-floor study and picked up a novel. I'd barely settled into the leather chair when my phone rang. Seeing the caller ID made me frown instantly.
"Hello, Grandma," I answered, trying to keep my voice neutral.
"Have you eaten yet?" Martha asked with forced cheerfulness.
"Yes, I have. Have you?"
She laughed lightly. "Yes, I have. The food at the rehabilitation center is wonderful—better than most restaurants."
I had no interest in small talk. "Is something wrong, Grandma?"
She'd called just last night. Two calls in such quick succession meant she wanted something.
Her voice shifted to a dramatic sigh. "Oh, Jessica is talking about divorcing your father again."
I remained silent, waiting for what would follow.
"What will your father do?" she continued with another heavy sigh. "And what about Tyler? He's still so young—a boy needs his mother."
"She's not taking Tyler with her?" I asked.
Martha's voice suddenly regained its strength. "Take him? Absolutely not! He's our grandson—a Reed! If she wants to leave, she'll leave alone." Her voice softened again. "Though of course, it would be best if she stayed. Your father might not be successful, but he's a good man—no gambling, no cheating, and such a gentle temperament. She's so ungrateful."
I couldn't find words to respond.
Martha continued in her weakened voice. "She's demanding a divorce, saying your father has no ambition. She says the schools in the county are terrible and their house is too small. She wants to buy a house in Linda Mar."
I let out a cold laugh. "Is she out of her mind?"
"Don't speak about your stepmother that way," Martha chided, despite having criticized Jessica herself moments ago. "She just wants Tyler to attend better schools. For her child—we can all understand that."
"Does Dad even have money to buy a house in Linda Mar?" I asked sarcastically.
"Well..." Martha paused meaningfully. "That's why I'm calling you."
The realization hit me like ice water. My heart sank as I understood her intention.
I forced a laugh. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
"Olivia," she said, her voice turning sweet, "your boyfriend is quite wealthy, isn't he?"
The audacity left me speechless for a moment. "What exactly are you asking, Grandma?"
"I'm wondering if you could talk to your boyfriend about borrowing some money. We could buy a house in Linda Mar, then sell the county house to pay him back."
"You want me to ask him for money so you can buy a house?" My voice hardened with disbelief. "Grandma, do you think I exist solely to pay off the family's debts?"
I'd never been a pushover. If someone's request was reasonable and within my means, I'd usually help. But this kind of manipulation? Absolutely not.
When I refused, my grandmother went behind my back and contacted Ethan directly. I didn't discover this until a month later.
I had just finished class and was heading to Reeding Waters—the house Ethan had given me for my nineteenth birthday, our little home together. As I slid into the car, my grandmother called.
"Olivia, we moved into our new house today!" Martha exclaimed.
"What new house?" I asked, completely confused.
"Oh, you don't know yet? Ethan bought us a new house in Linda Mar! Four bedrooms, two bathrooms—it's so spacious. You'll have your own room whenever you visit."
I froze, unable to respond.
"When I called you that day and you wouldn't help, I thought maybe you were just embarrassed to ask. So I called Ethan myself." Her voice swelled with satisfaction. "I only asked to borrow money for a three-bedroom house, but he bought us a four-bedroom outright! Paid cash—not a penny from us. Like a gift to the family!"
Fury coursed through me, my body shaking with rage.
"Halloween is coming up," she continued cheerfully. "You should bring him home. I'll invite your great-aunts and everyone to meet him."
I hung up without another word, my face cold with anger.
"Take me to Bennett Enterprise," I instructed the driver, my voice dangerously calm.
At the CEO's office, I found Ethan with a cigarette between his lips, his expression dark as he gave orders. "Book a flight to Bangkok for tomorrow morning—the earlier the better."
His assistant responded nervously. "I should go instead, sir. This was my mistake."
Ethan shot him a frigid look. "Would that help? I leave to handle other projects, and you manage to lose track of two grown men."
The assistant fell silent, chastened.
Ethan turned to another assistant. "Make a call. Tell them we can't interfere directly with the election, but—"
He stopped mid-sentence, noticing me standing in the doorway.
His entire demeanor changed instantly, lips curving into a seductive smile.
"What's wrong, baby?" he asked, eyes fixed on mine.