Chapter 244

Chapter 244

Once the two left, Ethan stood alone in the empty apartment, guilt written all over his face.

"I'm so sorry, Yanny. I failed to protect you."

Yanny shook her head. If Delbert had actually raised his hand earlier, she wouldn't have hesitated to slap him right back. But before she got the chance, Ethan had already stepped in.

Compared to how he used to ignore her completely, these protective gestures now touched her deeply.

"Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."

Ethan's tone was resolute.

"I promise you—no matter what happens, I won't let them hurt you."

A smile crossed Yanny's face, warmth spreading through her chest.

"I know."

The moment the words left her lips, her phone rang, shattering the quiet between them.

Seeing Michael's name, Yanny quickly answered.

They hadn't been in touch since William's injury. After all this time without word from him, seeing the call now made her heart race.

"Ms. Spencer, William's awake."

Joy flashed across Yanny's face.

"Really?"

There was a rustle of noise on the other end, then William's voice came through, weak but unmistakable.

"Yanny."

Yanny grabbed Ethan's wrist, excitement flooding through her.

"Are you okay?"

William made an affirmative sound.

"Just need a few more days of rest and I'll be fine. Are you guys swamped right now? I want to come back and help."

Before he could finish, Yanny shot him down without mercy.

"Absolutely not. You're still recovering—you need to rest. Things aren't so desperate here that we need a patient pitching in."

Ethan quickly chimed in.

"Yeah, I'm still doing physical therapy myself, but it's not serious. Just focus on getting better."

Ethan spoke deliberately, making sure William knew the two of them were together. Sure enough, William went silent for a moment before responding.

"Got it. Ethan, if you can't take care of Yanny properly, you'll answer to me. Don't forget—I can take care of her too."

Remembering what Yanny had said before she left, William felt both relieved and heartbroken.

Male competitiveness kicked in. Ethan wanted to stake his claim, so he replied smoothly.

"Of course. I worked so hard to get Yanny back—you think I need you to tell me that?"

Despite his words, Ethan still felt a twinge of anxiety, worried that William might steal Yanny away once he returned.

Yanny shot him a playfully reproachful look, as if calling him childish.

"Okay, you two—can we not do this every single time? William, just focus on recovering. When you're ready to come back, we'll pick you up together."

A flicker of comfort passed through William's heart.

"All right. If you need anything, contact me anytime."

After hanging up, Ethan glanced at the person beside him, feeling a renewed sense of security.

"Yanny, want to go out to eat in a bit?"

Neither of them were skilled cooks—the food from earlier had actually burned. Yanny didn't hesitate, nodding in agreement.

Ethan booked a restaurant, choosing all of Yanny's favorites. The moment she stepped inside, she noticed the place was completely empty except for a bouquet of roses on the table.

Next to it sat an exquisite gift box.

"Yanny, I know I can never make up for what I put you through. But I swear—if you give me a chance, I'll keep proving myself through my actions."

Ethan opened the box to reveal a stunning diamond necklace.

Yanny recognized it as the one she'd admired for ages. A smile bloomed on her face.

"Thank you."

Seeing her accept his gesture, Ethan's heart soared.

After dinner, Yanny clutched the bouquet as they walked home side by side. They didn't expect to run into someone they knew.

A woman in an elegant dress looked them both up and down, disdain clear in her eyes.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Smith."

Ethan gave her a brief, indifferent glance. This was Olivia Loomis, an heiress Bianca had introduced him to once. After Ethan's cold reception, she'd nursed a grudge ever since.

Seeing Ethan like this now didn't surprise her one bit.

"I never imagined you'd end up like 'this'. When I threw myself at you before, you couldn't care less. Now look how far you've fallen. Karma's real."

When she noticed Yanny beside him, Olivia let out a cold laugh.

"Ma'am, you probably don't know what kind of man you're standing next to. The way things are now, you won't get anything from being with him. He's only with you because he has nothing left. Woman to woman, I'm telling you—leave while you can."

Ethan looked at her, barely even remembering who she was.

"Yanny, let's go."

But Yanny stayed rooted in place, her gaze toward Olivia turning ice-cold.

"Do you actually think what you just said makes any sense?"

Olivia didn't understand at first. Then Yanny continued.

"You want to be someone who only clings to power and money, so you assume everyone else is the same. Is that really how you want to live your whole life—dependent on others? Of course he was cold to you. If Ethan had been warm to someone like you, I wouldn't be standing here with him right now."

Olivia's face darkened instantly. She bit down hard, her face flushing crimson, then let out a scoff.

"Keep playing the saint. If you like this kind of man, then I wish you two the best—forever!"

With that, she spun on her heel and left. Once home, she exploded in rage, smashing everything in her room to pieces.

"My darling daughter, what's wrong?"

Seeing her mother standing anxiously at the door, Olivia clenched her jaw. The memory of that scene made her blood boil.

"Mom, I don't want to marry Ethan anymore. You know what his situation is now. If I stay with him, who knows when I'll ever enjoy wealth and status again? The Smith Group isn't even his anymore—why should I marry him?"

Olivia's mother, Helena Loomis, hesitated.

"But our family has worked with Ethan for years. Wouldn't this be... awkward?"

"What's awkward about it? Ethan brushed me off back then—should I really swallow my pride and marry him now? If I marry Delbert instead, our family will be even better off."

Helena paused, processing.

"This... we'd need to discuss it with your father."

Aubrey had already approached Olivia today. If she married Delbert, it would strengthen their position in the new project and help them solidify their standing in the Smith Group.

"Mom, I'll talk to Dad myself. He won't refuse something like this. If we keep supporting Ethan, we're basically opposing the future chairman of the Smith Group."

Helena bit her lip.

"Fine. Let's go find your father."

News of Delbert and Olivia's engagement spread quickly.