More Than A Favor

Chapter 103

I checked my calendar and realized Ethan’s birthday was in three days.

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It didn’t feel right to bring up business on his birthday–I didn’t want to ruin his celebration. So, I decided to deliver his gift early and ensure I wouldn’t have to visit on the actual day.

Just as I was planning my visit, Miles showed up unexpectedly.

I hadn’t seen him since we left the amusement park, and at first glance, I barely recognized him.

“Have I changed so much that you can’t recognize me?” Miles joked, his usual lightheartedness

evident.

Seeing him reminded me of Ashton, and I smiled faintly. “If your mom saw you like this, she’d definitely be worried.”

“No, she said I look more manly now,” he said with a grin, clearly trying to make me laugh again.

I pressed my lips together. “You do look more masculine.”

Pleased, Miles touched his face. “I think so too.”

Despite his attempts to lighten the mood, I found myself unsure of how to respond.

Thinking about my visit to Ethan, I decided to ask him, “How have Tessa and Ethan been lately?”

“They miss you a lot,” Miles replied, his words hitting me harder than I expected.

It was true–I used to visit the Mercer estate every day after work. Tessa and Ethan had been a constant part of my life, but since I moved out, I hadn’t visited even once.

“I’m planning to visit them today,” I said after a brief pause. “I need to discuss something with Ethan.”

Miles looked at me curiously. I could tell he wanted to know more, so I didn’t keep him in suspense.

“Logan has been aggressively interfering with the company I joined, even going so far as to poach our clients,” I explained.

Miles didn’t look surprised, which told me he already knew.

Sure enough, he said, “I’ve already told my dad about this. He’s not happy about your resignation.”

I stayed quiet, but Miles pressed on. “I’m here today as a messenger for my dad. Elaine… please come back to the company.”

His serious expression made me smile despite myself. “If you fail your mission today, will Ethan punish you?”

my third year living with the Mercers. Ethan had assigned Miles a task, and when he didn’t complete it well, Ethan

seen Ethan get physical, and

reacted at the time–he didn’t cry or try to explain himself–but when

flush on his

then that I should have hidden away to spare him

Miles asked with a smile,

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deny it, but before I could finish,

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he said, his tone unexpectedly firm. “Even if it means getting beaten when I

at

and continued, “I understand why you left, and I know why you gave up

that reminded me of simpler times. “Besides, I know you wouldn’t return even

truly understood

with him at

the other hand, never did. He always protected me and had even scolded Logan for frightening me more than once.

a real

also support Logan’s antics?” I asked, since Miles had mentioned that Ethan

dad scolded him and warned that if he acted out again, he’d

I believed him.

living at the Mercer estate, I’d come to understand Ethan’s character. He always kept business and personal matters separate, and if Logan made a mistake

He was still aggressively poaching clients from my

didn’t work,” I said,

my distress. “Is Logan still

trying to keep my emotions in check. “He’s determined to

going too far. I’ll talk

handle it,” I said quickly. “I have a birthday gift for Ethan anyway. I’ll see if he likes

brightened at my words, and he smiled warmly. “Great! Are you going today? We can go to gether.”

I pressed my lips together. “Yes, today,

smile unwavering. “A friend?”

I said softly.

his face

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moment of shock and heartbreak pained me more than I expected.