The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 735:

Kenny was stunned by Ethan’s words. No one had ever spoken to him like this before. He had always believed he was successful and respected.

His eyes narrowed as he stared at Ethan, hurt flickering beneath the surface. “Is that really what you think of me? You look down on me?”

Just then, Neville entered quietly, setting down the coffee without a word. His eyes briefly scanned the room—Ethan was still composed, while the others had already looked defeated. With a silent sigh of relief, he left the room.

Kenny said with sarcasm, “Right, you’re ruthless to everyone; why would I expect you to spare me?”

Though part of him recognized the truth in Ethan’s words, he pushed the thought away, clinging to his sense of righteousness. “You trample over others’ feelings and act like your own family are your enemies. I could never be that cold. Mom and Dad gave me everything. The least I can do is repay them by being a dutiful son.”

“You’re free to repay them however you choose, but keep me out of it. Don’t interfere in my affairs. Kenny, this is only the start. If you continue to do this, I won’t go easy on you,” Ethan said.

Kenny let out a snort. “I don’t recognize you as my brother anymore. From now on, your life is none of my concern!”

Minna watched them in stunned silence. For the first time, she saw Ethan clearly—a man no one could manipulate. The illusion she’d clung to shattered, and she realized how naive she’d been, believing she could win Ethan over through Elsa.

She realized she had been nothing more than Elsa’s pawn, used to control Ethan.

Clarity hit her at once, yet as she looked at Ethan—so remarkable—she couldn’t let go of him completely, clinging to the last fragile thread of hope.

Even if marrying Ethan was out of the question, just being able to see him every day was enough for her.

Ethan shifted his focus to Emmett. “What kind of deal are you trying to strike with me?”

That cold indifference in his expression unsettled Emmett, stirring both discomfort and a flash of anger in him.

Ethan’s heart seemed carved from stone. Elsa’s tears meant nothing to him.

“We won’t interfere with your life anymore. Who you choose to love or marry—that’s your business. Just drop the report,” Emmett said.

Ethan shrugged. “I can drop it. But do you think the military will just ignore the matter? Even if I do that, Kenny won’t walk away unscathed.”

“That’s not your concern. At least he won’t be expelled.” Emmett seethed with frustration as he gave Elsa’s hand a firm pat. “I warned you not to interfere so much. He’s not a boy anymore; he won’t just listen to you. Even when he was a child, he was defiant, choosing punishment over joining the army. He has grown up now; of course, he won’t just do as you say.”noveldrama

Elsa felt defeated. The truth had finally settled in: she couldn’t control Ethan.

Kenny stared at Ethan’s unyielding expression, resentment rising in his chest. “I never imagined you’d turn out like this, making Mom and Dad upset over something so small.”

He locked eyes with Ethan, his glare unwavering. “I don’t want a brother as cold as you. Don’t speak to me like we’re family from now on. And you don’t deserve to be Mom’s son, either.”

.

.

.