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.

with uncharacteristic deference, the normally aloof tycoon exhibiting a surprisingly gentle

him, handing the gifts Ethan had brought to

siblings, Ethan finally reached Brenna. From his jacket pocket, he produced

smile finally

to her nose, inhaling its fragrance

symbol of affection-in Brenna's hands sent jealousy churning through her veins. She

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your favorite soup," she told Ethan, pretending her heart wasn't shattering. "You have to try

noncommittal nod, the bare minimum of courtesy

Rosie's desperate affection was as clear as day. Meanwhile, Brenna, who had just

social finesse was remarkable for

Rosie... She was different. Luther felt for

he truly had Rosie's

he wouldn't meddle in matters

took root in his mind-when the moment was right, he would introduce Rosie to suitable young gentlemen

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

cleverly positioned herself beside Ethan during the

a finely honed weapon. "You Cused to love it during

she placed some food onto Ethan's

hope.

to his discard plate. "There's no need for you to do this. I am Brenna's boyfriend, and it would be inappropriate for me to accept

protest burst forth from her throat. "You've always been like family-like a brother to me. Please

Brenna. "Surely you can appreciate childhood bonds? You

just shrugged, her demeanor cold. "I don't