Chapter 172
Ethan
The night air hit my face as we left Black Rose Restaurant. I held Amelia's warm hand, watching the kids walk ahead.
"Careful on the steps, Lucas," Amelia called, her maternal instinct shining through.
I noticed how naturally she took on motherhood—holding Ella's hand and watching Lucas. These moments I’d missed for years, and I wasn’t about to lose them again—especially not to Bennett.
"Hey," Amelia squeezed my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. "Can I ask you something?"
I turned to look at her, those green eyes that still made my heart skip. "Of course."
"Do you not like Julian?" she asked directly. "I mean, is there a problem between you two?"
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her perceptiveness. "Is it that obvious?"
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're not exactly subtle when you're jealous, Ethan. But you don't need to be. After everything we've been through, we both know what we mean to each other." She lowered her voice, mindful of the children. "So don't hold anything against Julian, okay? He's been a good friend to me."
"I'll try," I replied, though I wasn't entirely convinced. The way Lucas had responded to Julian's magic tricks at dinner grated on me.
We reached the parking lot where Michael stood beside the SUV, door already open. Just as we were about to get in, my phone rang. Unknown number. Unusual for this time of night.
"Ethan Black speaking," I answered, my business tone automatic.
"Black, it's Julian Bennett." His voice was unmistakable, with that cultured edge that probably impressed all the gallery owners in Manhattan. "I need to speak with you. Privately."
I felt my shoulders stiffen. "I see. That can be arranged. My office, one hour." I ended the call, slipping the phone back into my pocket.
I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Amelia's ear, my fingers lingering against her soft skin. "I'm sorry, but I need to handle this. Michael will take you and the children back to the mansion." I softened my voice, not wanting her to worry. "I won't be long, I promise."
She sighed but nodded. "Alright. Just be careful, okay?"
I couldn't help the half-smile that came to my lips. "Always am." I leaned in, kissing her softly, breathing in her familiar scent. "Wait up for me?"
"Maybe," she teased, though we both knew she would.
I knelt down to Lucas and Ella's level, looking into their innocent faces. My children. The reality of it still hit me sometimes with breathtaking force.
"Daddy has to go to work for a little while. Be good for Mommy, okay?"
Ella threw her arms around my neck, her affection so freely given it made my chest ache. "Bring me back a surprise!"
Lucas just nodded, his expression serious beyond his years.
I helped them into the car, my hand lingering on Amelia's. "I love you," I said quietly, meaning it more than she could know.
"Love you too," she replied, her eyes warm.
I stepped back as Michael closed the door, watching until the SUV turned the corner before heading to my own car.
---
The night security guard at Black Investment Group straightened as I strode through the lobby, my footsteps echoing on the marble floor.
"Good evening, Mr. Black," Ryan said, surprise evident in his voice. "Wasn't expecting you tonight, sir."
"Last-minute meeting," I replied with a nod. "Everything quiet?"
"Yes, sir. All quiet." He adjusted his tie nervously.
"I'm expecting Mr. Bennett in about forty minutes. Please show him directly to my office when he arrives," I explained.
"Of course, sir."
I then took the private elevator to the executive floor.
---
Julian stepped into my office exactly on time. I had to give him credit for punctuality. I'd been standing by the window, watching the city lights, using the time to compose myself.
"Thank you for meeting me on such short notice," he said, his voice measured.
I gestured to a chair across from my desk. "Please, have a seat." I walked to the side table and poured two cups of coffee, placing one in front of him.
A silence stretched between us, each of us measuring the other. I studied him carefully—the confident posture, the expensive but understated suit.
"Let's not waste time," I finally said. "You have feelings for my wife."
He didn't flinch at my directness. "I do," he admitted. "I have for years."
"Then why didn't you ever tell her?" I kept my voice calm, though my fingers tightened imperceptibly around my coffee cup.
Julian looked down at his hands. "I couldn't risk losing her friendship." He looked up, meeting my gaze.
I nodded, a flicker of grudging respect in my eyes. "I appreciate the honesty. As for looking after my family... consider us even. But that time is over."
"They're amazing kids," Julian replied. "Lucas has your mind. Ella has Amelia's heart."
Another silence fell, less tense than before. I took a sip of my coffee, letting the moment stretch.
"But that's not why you called this meeting," I said finally.
Julian straightened in his chair. "No, it's not. I'm looking to expand my art import business into high-end antiques. I need reliable international trade channels." He paused. "Your company has the best in the business."
I leaned back, studying him. This was unexpected. "I admire your professionalism. Separating business from personal matters."
"It's just business," Julian replied.
I considered for a moment. Having Julian as a business partner would mean seeing him regularly, possibly at the office where Amelia would visit. The thought of them running into each other, sharing casual conversation, remembering their time together—no. I couldn't allow it.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to have to decline direct partnership." I raised a hand as he began to protest. "However, I'd suggest you contact James Hayes. He has excellent connections in the art world, and I'll put in a good word for you.
Julian stood, extending his hand. "Deal. But know this—if you ever hurt her or those children, there's nothing in this world that will stop me from making you regret it."
I rose and shook his hand firmly, respecting the threat even as I dismissed it. "I would expect nothing less."
---
After Julian left, I returned to the window, watching the city lights. I twisted the wedding band on my finger, feeling its solid weight. "She's my wife," I whispered to myself, the words a confirmation of something precious.
I pulled out my phone, adding Julian's number to my contacts with the name "Bennett - Art Imports." Then I dialed James.
"Julian will be contacting you about art imports," I said without preamble. "He wants to expand into high-end antiques."
There was a pause on the line. "And you're sending him my way because...?"
"Because I don't want him hanging around my office where Amelia might see him."
James snorted. "Look at you, all afraid of the wife. Marriage has changed you, my friend."
"Shut up," I replied without heat. "He's serious about his business. The art market in New York is competitive, but he's got good taste and better connections."
"You think he's still after Amelia?" James asked, suddenly serious.
"He admitted he has feelings for her," I said. "But he won't act on them. He values her too much."
"If you're sure," James said doubtfully.
"He wouldn't dare," I replied firmly. "He cares too much about his career. He wouldn't approach me for business if he was planning anything else."
I glanced at my watch, thinking about tomorrow. "By the way, how's Robert doing these days?"
James's laugh was dark with promise. "Tomorrow, my friend. Tomorrow the show begins."
As I ended the call, I couldn't help but smile. Everything was falling into place. I had my family back, my enemies were about to face justice, and the future—our future—had never looked brighter.