Chapter 308 Chapter 308

Chapter 308 Chapter 308
Chapter 308

The massive steel gates of the high-rise residential tower slid open silently, allowing the black SUV to roll into the quiet underground parking level. Ethan brought the vehicle to a stop in his reserved double bay, killing the engine as the bright overhead lights reflected off the polished concrete floor.

Right next to his current vehicle sat his black Lamborghini, parked exactly where it had been towed and left months ago. The front bumper was crumpled, the side panel bore deep, jagged scrapes from the night of the terrible accident, and a thick layer of garage dust covered the sleek frame.

Ethan sat behind the wheel for a long moment, his fingers tightening around the leather steering wheel as his gaze remained locked on the wrecked supercar. The sight hit him right in the chest, bringing back the sharp memory of screeching tires, metal twisting, and the sheer terror of that violent crash.

Isabelle reached across the console, laying her soft hand over his tensed knuckles. "Ethan?" she asked gently, searching his face. "Are you alright?"
Ethan let out a slow, heavy breath, loosening his grip on the wheel before turning to her with a small, reassuring nod. "Yeah. Just... seeing that car again puts me right back in that night. Let's just get what we came for."

They stepped out of the SUV, taking the private elevator straight up to the top floor. The heavy double doors of Ethan’s penthouse opened with a soft electronic chime. Inside, the grand living room was pristine but completely cold. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, illuminating pristine marble floors and Italian leather furniture, but the atmosphere felt entirely devoid of life.

Ethan walked into the main living space, his eyes scanning the room. Every corner held a shadow of his old existence. This was the place where he had spent endless sleepless nights nursing severe anxiety, staring at the doors in constant paranoia, expecting his father's lawyers, Sam's false friendly visits, or corporate threats at any moment.

He stopped near the center of the room, turning back to look at Isabelle as she walked in behind him.
"I can't stay here, Isabelle," Ethan said, his voice quiet, clear, and steady. "I thought coming back here to collect my personal documents and files would feel like taking my life back, but it doesn't. This entire place is just filled with bad memories. The anxiety, the isolation, the constant fear of what my father was planning next... it gives me chills just standing in this hallway."

Isabelle walked up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning into his chest without hesitation. "Then we don't stay," she said softly, looking up into his eyes. "You don't owe this building anything, Ethan. We can pack whatever legal papers you need right now and leave it all behind."

Ethan smiled faintly, resting his hand on the back of her head as he kissed her hair. "Thank you. We'll move straight into the main estate. It's time to build something real."
Before he could step toward the study, his phone chimed in his jacket pocket. He pulled it out, seeing an incoming video call from Dr. Liu’s Monterey clinic number.

Ethan swiped to accept the call, bringing the screen up as the therapist's familiar, calm face appeared on camera. Dr. Liu looked to be sitting in a hotel lounge surrounded by luggage.
"Ethan, my boy!" Dr. Liu’s voice came through the speaker clear and warm, a rich smile spreading across his face. "Look at you! Standing tall, clear eyes, and looking completely grounded!"

Ethan couldn't help but laugh naturally, his posture relaxing completely. "Dr. Liu. It is so good to see you, sir. Are you out of town?"
"Yes, I had to fly out to Australia on some urgent clinical business," Dr. Liu explained, waving his hand dismissively before continuing with deep satisfaction. "I have been following the news from home in Monterey. Seeing those criminals brought to justice on international television... ah, it brought peace to my heart. But more than that, seeing you cleared and mentally strong makes every single session we spent together worth it. I am so proud of you, Ethan. You did the heavy psychological work, you faced your deepest fears, and you survived."

"I couldn't have pulled myself out of that dark mental hole without you, Dr. Liu," Ethan said sincerely, his tone full of deep respect. "You helped me process the guilt, the trauma, and kept me grounded when my mind was completely falling apart."
"You did the real work yourself, son," Dr. Liu replied with a gentle smile. "Just make sure you keep prioritizing your mental health and don't take on too much stress too fast. Are you treating that young lady of yours well?"

Ethan glanced over at Isabelle, who was smiling brightly beside him, leaning into the camera frame. "She's right here with me, Doctor. And yes, I'm taking care of her."

"Good, good," Dr. Liu chuckled. "Live your life now, Ethan. The darkness is behind you."
"Thank you, Doctor," Ethan said. "Safe travels in Australia. I'll make sure to visit your clinic in Monterey the moment you get back."
"I will hold you to that promise! Take care, my friend," Dr. Liu said before ending the call with a warm wave.
Ethan lowered the phone, slipping it back into his pocket as he looked down at Isabelle.
"Such a wonderful man," Ethan said, stepping closer to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "If not for him, I would have lost my mind completely a long time ago. He guided me through the worst mental battles of my life."

"He really helped save your life from the inside out," Isabelle agreed softly, resting her hand against his chest. "We definitely have to go see him at the clinic as soon as he returns."
"We will," Ethan said, taking her hand and turning back toward the private elevator. "Let's grab those corporate files from the study, head back down to the SUV, and close the door on this penthouse for good."
Isabelle squeezed his hand tight as they walked toward the study together, ready to leave the past behind once and for all.