The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 954:

Ellie’s patience snapped. “So she wants her employees to be impressed; what does that have to do with you? You going jewelry shopping with a woman who is not your girlfriend is bound to spark rumors. People might think you and Gracie are more than just friends.”

A chill lingered in Ethan’s eyes as he looked at Ellie, silently deciding that she and Thiago were truly a match—equally unbearable in his mind.

Brushing off Ethan’s cold stare, Ellie fired back, her words even sharper than before, “What’s with the look? Did I say anything wrong? If I remember correctly, you’ve already got a girlfriend; yet here you are, out shopping with another woman. Only a boyfriend or a husband shops with a woman like this. If you like Gracie so much, why don’t you just break up with Brenna and be with her instead?”

Shoving herself between Ethan and Brenna, Ellie tugged Brenna to the side, planting herself firmly as a barrier.

With pointed conviction, she said to Brenna, “Tell me I’m wrong. He agrees to this only because she matters to him, a lot.”

With a soft nod, Brenna signaled that she saw some truth in Ellie’s words. Gracie said, “That’s not the case at all. Please don’t get the wrong idea. I did pursue Ethan once, but he never responded to my feelings. There’s nothing romantic between us. We’re just close friends.”

was exactly what she wanted, and she marveled at how easily

wanted to

believed Brenna must be jealous

was no fool; she understood the implications clearly. “Do you

about to break up with

wished Brenna would come

side, comfort her, and put all the blame

chose your words carefully. There’s nothing between Gracie and me beyond friendship. Please don’t

ᴹᴼᴿᴱ ᵁᴾᴰᴬᵀᴱˢ ᴵᴺ ᴳᴬᴸᴺᴼⱽᴱᴸˢ.ᶜᴼᴹ

pretending if you want. Anyone can see what’s really

to Brenna. “Brenna, just

break up with Ethan, as that would play right