Chapter 50 Chapter 50
Chapter 50
He arrived at the Castellan villa.
Convoys of dark SUVs were already parked at the front lawn, all with number plates boldly tagged DRAKE MONROE. The size of the cars alone looked like a parade meant to announce power.
Ethan didn’t spare any of them a second look. He adjusted his suit jacket and walked straight towards the entrance, emotionless.
Inside the dining hall, the table was already set. Gold cutlery, expensive wines lined in order, and staff serving drinks with forced smiles.
And there they were Maria Castellan, Richard Castellan, Mr. Drake, Amelia, and her stepmother, Zoe Drake. All seated properly like royalty waiting for their final guest.
Ethan walked towards them, slow and steady.
“You’re late,” Richard stated sharply the moment he came close.
Before Ethan could respond, Mr. Drake leaned forward with a fake sympathetic smile.
“Stress… I understand. Work can be overwhelming. I hope you’re still taking your medication. I see my daughter has been very supportive. She doesn’t joke when it comes to taking care of you.”
Ethan paused halfway to sitting. His jaw tightened.
He wanted to reply.
He wanted to tell this man to keep his mouth away from his life.
One word was already on his tongue, but then—Maria’s eyes met his. Those eyes that begged him to hold himself. Those eyes that looked scared. Tired. Begging.
Ethan swallowed the words that were already burning his throat and sat down without a sound.
Mr. Drake continued proudly, patting Amelia’s hand like she was already Ethan’s wife. “She’s doing wonders. A woman like her can stabilize any man. Mental stress is not a crime when the right woman is by his side. Isn’t that right, Richard?”
Richard forced a smile. “Exactly. A woman who handles problems before they become disasters.”
Amelia smiled sweetly, trying to look humble, but her eyes shined with pride. Zoe Drake added softly, “She’s a natural caretaker. Not many young women understand sacrifice the way she does.”
Ethan picked up his fork. He didn’t look up. He didn’t say a word.
He simply cut his steak and ate as though no one was talking.
Mr. Drake wasn’t satisfied. He wanted a reaction.
“So, Ethan,” he pushed further. “Business grows when strong families merge. The Castellan–Drake future must be finalized soon. Don’t you think?”
Ethan didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at him.
He didn’t nod, didn’t shake his head.
He just ate like the conversation didn’t exist.
Richard’s face changed. He felt insulted. But before he could flare up, Maria leaned forward softly, acting like it was nothing unusual.
“You know Ethan has been working nonstop. He barely sleeps. Today alone, he had meetings back-to back. He’ll adjust with time. We all know him.”
Amelia smiled again, too eager to look committed.
“I don’t mind waiting. I know he needs someone patient. I’m… willing to be that person.”
Ethan finally stopped chewing.
Everyone waited for him to say something.
He lifted his glass and drank water.
Not a single word came out of him.
Mr. Drake leaned back with a satisfied face—he assumed his daughter was winning.
Richard, adjusting his tie out of irritation, suddenly started discussing business aggressively—trying to shift attention.
“The shipping contract must close by next quarter. I will not tolerate delays. The market is shifting fast.”
“Yes,” Drake said. “And that’s why Ethan’s marriage to Amelia should be handled this year, before other families begin to form ties with us. If we don’t secure unity now, competitors might use that opportunity.”
Richard nodded. “True. A family bond between our companies sends a powerful message.”
“And if Ethan has personal issues, Amelia will stand in for him. You know she already took responsibility for many things when he wasn’t stable One year ago,” Drake added shamelessly.
Ethan’s fork dropped on the plate.
The sound was sharp enough to stop the conversation.
Everyone stared.
Amelia reached out to touch his arm but he moved away before she could even get close.
The air around the table turned awkward instantly.
Ethan wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up.
“I’ll leave now,” he said coldly.
“Sit—” Richard tried to order him.
But Ethan was already walking out.
Richard clenched his jaw, humiliated.
Mr. Drake exchanged glances with Zoe and Amelia.
Maria forced out a quick laugh to keep things from collapsing.
“Ethan does that sometimes. He has quiet episodes. He prefers to be alone.”
“Exactly,” Richard added quickly, trying to save face. “He needs time to himself before making decisions. He’ll come around.”
“That’s not a problem,” Mr. Drake replied proudly, patting Amelia’s hand again. “My daughter will help him overcome all this.”
Amelia kept smiling like a future queen already crowned.
Maria swallowed sadness.
Richard swallowed shame.
Ethan swallowed nothing he was already gone.
\---
CASTELLAN ENTERPRISE — SAME NIGHT
Cars lined the entire parking lot. Expensive cars. Famous plates. The event was already in full glow. Most of the guests were inside, drinking, smiling, networking.
Unlike the earlier family dinner, this was a place Ethan loved.
A place he controlled.
He stepped out of his car, straightened himself, and walked inside the hall.
Within seconds, co–business partner surrounded him, shaking his hand, discussing deals. Unlike at the Villa, he greeted them calmly, answered briefly, and kept moving.
But his eyes…
They were searching for someone.
He didn’t know why.
“Mr. Castellan, the decoration looks stunning,” one of the partners said. “One of your female staff handled this event tonight. Such charisma. She introduced everything flawlessly. Best dinner I’ve attended in a while.”
Ethan forced a bland smile.
He hadn’t seen her yet.
Why did he feel irritated hearing them talk about her?
He walked away, scanning the hall.
\---
Celine was moving around confidently, greeting guests, checking every detail. Ariana had styled her hair beautifully, and the brown bodycon gown she wore suited her more than anything she’d worn in months. She looked striking without even trying.
People admired her quietly.
Some watched openly.
And all she did was continue working focused as always.
She bent a little to adjust a floral stand.
That was when it happened—a small tear at the back of her dress.
She didn’t feel it.
But Ethan did. He saw it from where he stood.
The rip would widen if she bent again.
If she turned sharply, it would open more.
She walked carefully, unaware.
Still greeting guests with her professional smile.
Ethan moved—fast, but subtle.
She turned slightly, ready to walk past the stage area.
Before she could make another step,
Ethan stood right behind her.
Close.
Close enough she could feel someone there.
She paused.
Her eyes widened.
Then she slowly turned.
And their eyes met.