Chapter 385

Chapter 385
Lilian walked toward her house, her mind in turmoil.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't worried. Seeing her brother faint like that, so fragile, scared her. She wanted him to learn a lesson, not die.
“He'll be fine. Charlie said it wasn't fatal. He fainted because he's weak and has never felt real pain in his life,” she rationalized.
She picked up her phone to send Charlie a message, demanding an immediate update on Josh's condition.
However, before her fingers touched the screen, a firm hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her back.
In one swift, fluid motion, she was enveloped in a warm, protective embrace. The unmistakable scent of sandalwood and the sea flooded her senses, instantly dispelling her fear.
Lilian relaxed, a smile playing on her lips.
“Ethan... what a scare,” she whispered, putting her phone away. “Why the stealthy approach?”
She tried to turn away, but he tightened his embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck. The tension in his body was palpable.
“I'm worried about you,” he said, his hoarse voice vibrating against her skin.
Lilian remained still, allowing him to calm down. She could feel his heart beating hard against her back.
“How did you know something happened?” she finally asked. “I hadn't even called you yet.”
“I was on the phone with Charlie when I heard the sirens,” Ethan explained, turning her so they were facing each other. His blue eyes scanned her face for injuries.
“I told the driver to speed up. When I saw the ambulance leave and saw you walking alone... Lilian, I thought you were hurt.”
Lilian smiled, touching his face to ease his concern.
“Honey, you know I can take care of myself. If it was something serious, Charlie would have yelled.” She sighed. “It was my brother.” I had to... discipline him. I ended up breaking a few of his ribs. The ambulance was for him.
Ethan blinked in surprise, but soon a smile of pride mixed with relief appeared on his lips. He took her hand, kissing the knuckles that had probably caused the damage.
“Why did you hit him?” he asked, his casual tone hiding keen attention. Ethan knew Lilian didn't use gratuitous violence. Josh must have done something serious.
Lilian looked away. She knew that if she told him Josh had tried to slap her, Ethan would go to the hospital to finish the job himself.
“Honey, let's go home.”
She pulled him by the hand, changing the subject. “Theo is alone and must be wondering where we are.”
Ethan chuckled softly, realizing the evasion. He let himself be led, walking beside her and putting his arm around his wife's shoulders.
"I know you're hiding something, Mrs. Legrand. But I'll let it slide... for now.
Lilian shot him a sidelong glance.
“Théo knows we were going to introduce him to his uncle today. He must be confused because we haven't arrived yet. Let's focus on him.”
Ethan nodded, respecting her silence.
As soon as the front door opened, the tension of the afternoon dissipated.
“Mommy! Daddy!”
Théo ran into the hallway, arms open and a smile that lit up the whole house, oblivious to the violence and secrets the adults carried.

“Mommy, Daddy, why are you two the only ones here?” Théo asked, looking behind his parents, expecting to see an entourage. His forehead furrowed when he realized the hallway was empty. “Where's Great-Grandpa? Grandma? And Uncle Josh?”
Lilian bit her lip. She didn't know how to explain the afternoon's violence without traumatizing her son or breaking her promise of a family dinner.
She took a deep breath, crouching down to his height, but Ethan was quicker. He picked Théo up with ease, lifting him in his strong arms.
“Buddy, something important happened at your great-grandfather's house,” Ethan explained in a calm, convincing tone, walking into the living room. “Your grandmother and the others had to deal with a last-minute problem, so unfortunately, they won't be able to have dinner with us tonight.”
“Oh... is someone sick?” asked Théo, perceptive. “I heard an ambulance siren.”
Ethan and Lilian exchanged a quick glance.
“Yes, dear. It was your uncle,” replied Lilian, sitting down next to them on the sofa. “But don't worry. He'll be fine soon.”
“Tonight, dinner will be exclusive. Just the three of us,” Ethan added, winking at his son. “Now, wait here with Mom. Let me change clothes so we can dig into the food.”
He kissed Lilian on the forehead and went upstairs, leaving behind an atmosphere of familiar comfort.
Meanwhile, at a luxury Japanese restaurant.
The atmosphere in the VIP room was anything but comfortable.
Dinho and Gabriela sat at the low table, immersed in tense silence. Gabriela's eyes were glued to the sliding door, as if she could materialize Daniel with the power of her mind.
Time dragged on. Every second felt like an hour.
Gabriela let out a shaky sigh and looked at Dinho.
“Dinho... are you sure he's coming?” Her voice faltered. Her heart was beating so hard it felt like a drum in her chest.
“Yes, boss. He's already on his way,” replied Dinho, laughing at her anxiety. “Relax. At this rate, you'll scare the man away before he even says ‘hello’.
”What do you mean?
"You're staring at the door as if you're going to swallow him whole as soon as he walks in.
Gabriela rolled her eyes, blushing.
“Stop teasing me! I'm nervous. This is my only chance before I go back to New York tomorrow. If he doesn't show up... I'll die.”
Dinho laughed, shaking his head.
At that moment, a soft knock on the door made Gabriela jump in her chair.
Dinho immediately got up and opened the door. The imposing figure of Daniel Spector filled the space.
“Sorry I'm late, Dinho.” His deep voice was unmistakable. “Traffic was hell, and I had to take care of something before coming.”
“No problem, man. You're right on time. Let's go in.”
“Thanks. So, let's...”
Daniel stopped abruptly as he entered the room. His eyes fell on Gabriela, and his smile disappeared, replaced by genuine confusion. He turned to Dinho, whispering:
“Dinho... you two...?”
“Ah... sorry I didn't warn you,” said Dinho, feeling the weight of his friend's icy gaze.
“Gabriela was in town and was going to spend the night alone. I thought, ‘Why not combine business with pleasure?’ So I invited her.”
Daniel shook his head, processing the information, and a smile of understanding appeared on his face.
“What? No, it's not that.” He laughed. “I was just curious. Are you two dating?”