Chapter 52 The Trap
Liam stared at Ethan in shock and panic. How could Mr. Douglas, usually so adept at strategy in the business world, be so blinded by concern for a child?
With Stellar Enterprises holding out, the Wilsons' project faced daily delays. Each day past the contract deadline meant another sizable chunk of penalty fees—a fortune indeed.
Ethan didn't give a damn about the Wilsons' fate, but since the Douglas and Wilson families were tied by marriage, it was easy to raise suspicions that Ethan had it out for his own brother, Daniel.
Family feuds were already a ticking time bomb within Stellar Enterprises, and such disputes could easily spell trouble for himself.
"Mr. Douglas..." Liam ventured cautiously, compelled to speak his mind, "You seem... unusually concerned about Jasmine and the kid. It's... not like you."
Liam had put it mildly. Ethan's involvement was not just uncharacteristic—it was downright astonishing.
Ethan couldn't be bothered with a long explanation. "Sometimes, whether it's people or events, you have to look beyond the surface to see the truth."
Liam paused, unsure what Ethan meant.
But Ethan always had his reasons for doing things.
A man like Ethan, who prioritized his career, wouldn't easily fall for any woman. Nor would he pressure the Wilsons over Justin, unless...
Unless the Wilsons had done something to provoke Ethan and Justin's case was just the tipping point.
Liam nodded in understanding and left the office, chiding himself for oversimplifying the situation.
Daniel and Evan had indeed been too cunning lately. What gave them the guts to collaborate on a project without Ethan's consent?
What irked Liam most was that Daniel and Evan had repeatedly contacted Mr. Patrick of SHC Group behind the scenes, clearly aiming to bypass Ethan and go rogue.
So, Ethan's move against the Wilsons was a calculated show of force, a lesson for both the Wilson family and Daniel.
It was also a wake-up call to the SHC Group bigwig.
...
The Douglas Family Estate.
"Dad, I'm glad you're back. Ethan... I don't know what's gotten into him, but he's suddenly gone on the offensive against the Wilsons," Daniel said, holding back his anger in front of Howard.
Howard furrowed his brow and glanced at Evan. "What did you boys do to tick off Ethan?"
He knew Ethan well enough; without a serious provocation, he wouldn't make such bold moves. He knew better than anyone that less trouble was more peace.
"It's all because of that bitch Jasmine," Daniel spat out, his face darkening with anger. They had been on her trail for three days now and not a peep! She better stay hidden because if Evan and Daniel catch her...
"Jasmine?" Howard inquired, puzzled.
"Yeah, Jasmine," Daniel growled. "Evan ticked her off, and somehow, that lowlife managed to get Ethan to back her up." Daniel was seething. Deep down, he knew Ethan wouldn't get involved over some girl, especially not to cross the Wilson Family.
But he couldn't let Howard know about the secret dealings he and Evan had with Mr. Patrick or their little schemes behind the scenes.
Howard huffed, "If you're not gonna come clean, I can't help you."
He knew Ethan all too well; the man would never betray the Douglas family over a fling, especially not for someone like Jasmine. Daniel and Evan were clearly not telling the whole truth.
And Jasmine? She was nothing more than a convenient excuse for Ethan to make a move.
Daniel froze for a moment before casting a nervous glance at Evan.
With no good options left, Evan confessed in a hushed tone, "Uncle, Daniel and I were working on a project. We've been involved with Mr. Patrick of SHC Group and a few partners. Perhaps Ethan misconstrued our intentions... thinking we went behind his back to deal with these partners."
Instantly, Howard's expression turned stone-cold. Frowning at Daniel, he sternly questioned, "Growing too big for your britches, are you? Don't want to follow your brother's lead anymore?"
"No, it's not that... Dad, I'm capable on my own. I'll never fully prove myself under his shadow. I just want to achieve something that'll make you proud," Daniel replied, his voice tinged with desperation.
Why should he always be overshadowed by Ethan?
Ethan's only keeping him down out of fear that he might one day take his place.
Howard pointed a warning finger at Daniel, "Next month, there's a chamber of commerce dinner in Boston. You two had better get there and explain your dealings with Henry to Ethan. When you get back, we'll sort this out."
Evan interjected, somewhat anxious, "Uncle, our company's project can't afford that kind of delay."
"Then go and plead with him now; see if he agrees," Howard retorted coldly.
Neither Evan nor Daniel said another word.
Why was Ethan so unyielding? If begging him were effective, would they have gone behind his back to connect with Henry in secret?
Daniel's expression grew even darker.
Ethan... Why did he always have to be on such a high pedestal?
Daniel cast a meaningful glance at Evan; he had already hatched a plan in his mind.
He knew he needed to dirty Ethan's reputation, to sully it with scandal.
During the Boston trip, Henry would certainly take Ethan to the nightclubs, and that would be the perfect opportunity. Just a whisper of a scandal with a woman of ill repute would tarnish Ethan's image.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
