Chapter 117 What Happens When You're Gone?
Tiffany clutched Alexander's arm with desperate fingers, her eyes pleading. "Alex, please," she whispered.
Alexander felt the weight of helplessness pressing on his shoulders. This was entirely Tiffany's fault, and when Ethan Bennett decided punishment was due, no one could stand in his way—especially not for something involving Olivia.
He knew Ethan's temperament all too well. If he showed anger openly, it usually blew over quickly. But when Ethan became this cold and methodical, the consequences were always worse. Better to let him vent his fury now than risk what might come later.
"Go," Alexander reluctantly pushed Tiffany forward. "You attacked someone unprovoked, and worse, you targeted Ethan's woman. He's showing restraint by just letting Olivia take one shot at you. If he wasn't respecting our friendship, you wouldn't get off with just a wet outfit." He lowered his voice. "If he were truly being himself, you'd be leaving with your skin flayed off."
Tears streamed down Tiffany's face as she walked forward. Despite her anger and resentment, she knew better than to show defiance to Ethan Bennett. One look from him had extinguished every spark of her earlier bravado.
"Ms. Morgan, please position yourself by the lake's edge." Ethan's voice carried the polite chill of a winter morning, formal words wrapped around an icy core.
If this had been anyone else—if it weren't Olivia—Ethan might have let it slide for Alexander's sake, or at least for the connection between their families. Most men wouldn't risk friendships or business relationships over a girlfriend.
But Ethan Bennett wasn't most men. In his world, there was no such thing as backing down, and nothing was untouchable. More importantly, Olivia was his weak spot—his one vulnerability. Anyone who harmed her essentially signed their own death warrant.
Tiffany bit her lip, tears glistening as she positioned herself at the lake's edge, back to the water, facing Ethan. Even now, she clung to hope—surely he wouldn't actually let Olivia shoot her with the slingshot.
She was betting on Ethan's mercy. It was a poor wager.
Ethan wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Aim for her left knee. Keep shooting until she falls into the water. Understand?"
Olivia squeezed the slingshot tightly and took a deep breath. "Maybe we should reconsider. She's Alexander's cousin, and he's your friend. This doesn't seem worth—"
Ethan's fingers dug into her waist, his voice dropping dangerously. "Either you shoot her until she falls in, or I'll take you home and fuck you ten times until you pass out. Your choice."
Olivia chose the former without hesitation, raising the slingshot and loading a stone into the pouch. There was no guilt in her decision. Tiffany wasn't her friend, and the woman had orchestrated an attack on her.
The only reason Olivia had initially hesitated wasn't out of kindness—it was self-preservation. She knew all too well that she couldn't afford to make enemies in this world of power players. In a place like Los Angeles, where influence ran deep and grudges ran deeper, one wrong move could be catastrophic.
Even with Ethan's protection, she was acutely aware of her vulnerability. She'd already made enemies of the entire Bennett family just by being with Ethan. Adding the Fullers to that list seemed unwise.
But Ethan, accustomed to intimidating everyone around him, was forcing her hand.
Olivia raised the slingshot, aimed, and fired. The stone missed Tiffany's knee, splashing into the lake behind her and creating ripples across the water's surface.
"Olivia." Ethan's voice hardened. "Focus."
"Okay," she murmured.
She lifted the slingshot again, pulling back the pouch with the stone. She released, but pulled too hard, sending the stone flying over Tiffany and into the water.
Her wrist ached from the strain. Olivia shook her hand, trying to ease the pain. She was preparing for a third shot when Ethan stepped behind her.
Ethan worried about her delicate wrists. Every part of her was fragile in his eyes—her slim bones wrapped in soft, pale skin. Even when holding her wrists, he was careful never to grip too tightly, afraid the slightest pressure might break her.
Just as Olivia loaded the third stone, Ethan moved behind her, covering her hands with his. Together, they pulled back the slingshot and released.
The stone hit Tiffany's knee with perfect accuracy.
Splash!
Tiffany fell backward into the lake, arms flailing.
Jackson, watching from nearby, immediately signaled for security personnel who were already waiting to jump in and rescue her.
Ethan didn't even glance toward the lake. He took Olivia's hand and led her away, pausing briefly as they passed Alexander.
"We're even now," he said coolly. "Once we leave, I won't hold this against you. If your family wants retribution, they come to me, not Olivia. And if I hear that anyone has bothered her again..." He paused, placing a hand on Alexander's shoulder, his voice suddenly razor-sharp. "Alex, you know my temper. Don't make me be the kind of friend who shows no mercy."
Alexander nodded repeatedly. "I'm sorry, Ethan. This is on Tiffany and on me for not keeping her in line. Look, I'll give Olivia my bar in West Hollywood as an apology. Consider it hers."
Olivia was about to refuse, but Ethan answered first: "Good."
"Let me host dinner tonight," Alexander offered. "To make it up to you both."
Ethan waved dismissively. "Not necessary. I have plans tonight."
On the drive back, Olivia turned toward Ethan, her voice soft. "Thank you for standing up for me today."
Ethan reached over to ruffle her hair. "Don't say silly things. You're my woman—if I don't stand up for you, who will?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "Or are you hoping some other man would defend you?"
Olivia ignored his jealous insinuation, leaning her head against his shoulder instead.
"Have you thought about what happens if you ever get tired of me?" she asked quietly. "You've made me enemies of everyone in your world. I'm standing in the crosshairs. If one day you don't want me anymore and I have to leave... what then?"