The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 535:

Though Ethan and Jayceon were close friends, they had clashed before, even physically, in their younger days. As adults, they had grown more level-headed, avoiding fights for years.

Jayceon stood his ground. “Those kidnappers were after Brenna. They knew Patrick mattered to her. Brenna is so well-protected, with military-grade security. They couldn’t touch her, so they targeted Patrick to get to her. Can you honestly say this has nothing to do with her?”

Ethan scoffed, visibly irritated. “Jayceon, you’re Patrick’s father. You’re always too caught up in your business deals. When have you ever truly looked after your son? At your grandmother’s birthday, you left him there alone, letting your family bully him. And you call yourself a responsible father? You’ve got wealth and influence. Couldn’t you have at least hired a bodyguard for him? But you didn’t. And now, when something goes wrong, you’re quick to blame others? Where’s your accountability?”

Brenna glanced at Ethan, who was defending her with such conviction, and a subtle, appreciative smile crossed her lips. Every point he made echoed what she had been thinking.

“Exactly. And I’m the one who taught Patrick how to survive at sea,” she said.

attempt to dodge responsibility, Ethan shook his head. “Honestly, it’s no surprise Ellie wants nothing to

wall. He pointed at Ethan, his voice sharp and accusing. “Have you completely lost your sense of what’s right and

thickened with Jayceon’s disappointment, his eyes reflecting a storm of betrayal. It seemed to him that ever since Ethan had fallen head over heels for Brenna, he had been blinded, unable to see the truth right in front of him. He believed Ethan was

He finally saw Jayceon for what he truly was—a man who

𝖗𝖊𝖋𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉: gⲁⳑ𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗈𝗺

two decades of friendship, Ethan and Jayceon now stood on

was in the restroom alone at that time. No one was watching over him. We’re all shaken over what happened; no one wanted this, least of all Brenna. So why are you so dead set

jaw. “I can’t believe this is who you are now.

and together, they found a cozy spot