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?”

third year living with the Mercers. Ethan had assigned Miles

ever seen Ethan get physical, and he hadn’t held back.

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

embarrassed flush

that I should have hidden away

asked with a smile, probably recalling

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I started to deny it, but before I could finish, he interrupted.

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today,” he said, his tone unexpectedly firm. “Even if it means

looked at him, confused.

his lips slightly and continued, “I understand why you left, and I know why you gave up your cherished amusement park. How could I force you to go

smiled–a radiant, boyish smile that reminded me of simpler times. “Besides, I know you wouldn’t

understood

with him at the Mercer estate

hand, never did. He always protected me and had

like a real

Logan’s antics?” I asked, since Miles had

“My dad scolded him and warned that if he acted out again,

I believed him.

Mercer estate, I’d come to understand Ethan’s character. He always kept business and personal matters separate, and

undeterred. He was still aggressively poaching clients from my new company, determined to

didn’t work,” I said, my voice trembling

distress. “Is Logan

replied, trying to keep my emotions in check. “He’s determined to destroy my company

tightened with anger. “He’s going too far. I’ll talk

I said quickly. “I have a birthday gift for Ethan

eyes brightened at my words, and he smiled warmly. “Great! Are

his excitement, I pressed my lips together. “Yes, today, but I’m bringing someone

Miles asked, his smile

said softly.

on his face

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shock and heartbreak pained