Chapter 9: The Ex-Fiancé Returns

Ethan Carter arrived at the Moretti mansion without an invitation. That alone proved he was either desperate or foolish.

Scarlett received him in the garden room because Alexander told her the choice was hers. Two guards stood outside the glass doors. Ethan noticed them immediately.

'Are they necessary?' he asked.

'After what your family did, yes,' Scarlett replied.

He flinched. 'My family did not know about the trust.'

'But you knew about the engagement. You knew about the ring. You knew Victoria was taking my place.'

Ethan ran a hand through his hair. He looked tired, handsome, and weaker than she remembered. 'I made a mistake.'

Scarlett almost laughed. 'A mistake is missing a meeting. You replaced me while I was grieving my body, my grandfather, and my life.'

'I was pressured.'

'By money?'

He had no answer.

Scarlett looked at him and realized something painful but freeing. She had loved a version of Ethan that had never truly existed. The man before her was not cruel enough to be a villain and not brave enough to be good.

'Why are you here?' she asked.

Ethan lowered his voice. 'Victoria is scared. Your father is hiding documents. Evelyn has been meeting with a man named Victor Hale.'

Scarlett went still. 'Who is Victor Hale?'

'I do not know. But I heard your name. And the accident.'

Before Scarlett could respond, Alexander entered the room. Ethan instantly straightened.

'Mr. Carter,' Alexander said calmly. 'You are trespassing.'

Ethan swallowed. 'I came to warn Scarlett.'

'Then you have done one useful thing in your life.'

Scarlett turned to Alexander. 'Do you know Victor Hale?'

Alexander's face hardened.

'Yes,' he said. 'And if he is involved, your accident was not an accident.'