The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 245 Being Ignored

As noon approached, Ethan's sleek car glided to a halt outside the Harper estate. Clad in his signature tailored black suit with artfully tousled hair, Ethan cut a striking figure, embodying effortless style with a touch of sophistication.

To everyone's astonishment, Ethan emerged with an uncharacteristic smile, his usual icy demeanor visibly softened. The tension that typically coiled around his broad shoulders had evaporated.

Rosie's eyes were glued to Ethan. Months had slipped by since she had last seen him, and now here he was, beaming-surely that smile was meant for her. Her heart fluttered with hope.

"Ethan!" she called out eagerly, maneuvering her wheelchair toward him with unseemly haste.

Brenna set her salad fork down with deliberate calm. She had intended to greet Ethan, but Rosie's desperate interception made her pause. Watching the scene with detached amusement, she waited for Rosie to be ignored by Ethan.

Ethan, buoyed by the significance of being included in a Harper family gathering, even offered Rosie a rare courtesy. "How's your recovery coming along?" he asked.

The words were polite, yet his gaze never strayed from Brenna. The warmth in his eyes as he looked at her could have melted glaciers, his expression tender with affection.

Without waiting for a response from Rosie, he strode past her as if she were merely part of the landscaping,

making a beeline for Brenna.

Rosie's face crumpled. The brutal dismissal cut deeper than any physical pain from her injuries. Even Ethan's retreating figure seemed to reject her, his entire being focused solely on Brenna.

Hot tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

The Harper siblings exchanged knowing glances. They felt no sympathy for Rosie, and Audrey even believed Rosie had brought the humiliation upon herself.

the normally aloof tycoon exhibiting

him, handing the gifts Ethan had brought to

finally reached Brenna. From his jacket pocket, he produced a single perfect

it, her smile finally reaching her

her nose,

The sight of that rose-a symbol of affection-in Brenna's hands sent jealousy churning through her veins. She wanted one from Ethan,

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frustration, she forced a brittle smile. "I made your favorite soup," she told Ethan, pretending her heart wasn't shattering.

noncommittal nod, the bare minimum of courtesy required in the

with a growing sense of sympathy toward Rosie. Rosie's desperate affection was as clear as day. Meanwhile, Brenna, who had just returned to the family, had

social finesse was remarkable

different. Luther

Luther believed only he truly

family. While he wouldn't meddle in

mind-when the moment was right, he would

for today's meal comes straight from the garden. I picked them myself," Rosie declared, sliding a porcelain

had cleverly positioned herself beside

your favorite dish," she murmured, invoking childhood memories like a finely honed weapon. "You Cused to love it

onto Ethan's plate with her own fork, her

hope.

for you to do this. I am Brenna's boyfriend, and

burst forth from her throat. "You've always been like family-like

gaze darted to Brenna. "Surely you can appreciate childhood bonds? You

demeanor