Chapter 4

I went back to Grant Manor to pick up the rest of my things.

As I pushed the door open, the sound of the TV drifted out from the living room.

Ethan was sitting on the couch, with Emily nestled in his arms.

She was wrapped in a cashmere blanket, the one my dad had personally picked out for me as a birthday gift.

He used to tease me for always feeling cold. "Even after you get married, you still need to take good care of yourself."

But now, that blanket was draped over Emily.

She sat comfortably in my marital home, leaning against my husband, wrapped in the blanket my dad had left me.

My fingers curled tightly at my side.

I had the urge to walk over and snatch it back.

But I just looked away.

Dad was already gone. I had no reason to be upset over a blanket anymore.

As soon as they heard the door open, both of them turned to look at me.

Ethan's expression soured the moment he saw me. "You actually remembered to come back?"

His eyes landed on my black coat, and his frown deepened. "Who are you wearing all black for?"

After he said that, he flicked his sleeve like he was trying to shake off some bad luck.

I glanced down at the mud stains on my sleeve and said nothing in explanation.

I knew if I said anything, I'd probably end up crying.

I ignored him and walked straight to the stairs.

He strode over and grabbed my wrist. "Are you ignoring me? I'm talking to you.

"You hung up on me last night, blocked me on WhatsApp, and now you're standing here with that expressionless face.

"Claire, do you think I'm too soft on you?"

I stared at his hand gripping my wrist. "Let go."

Ethan gave a mocking laugh, and instead of letting go, his grip only got tighter. "Are you still making a scene because of the money for the Bennett family?

"You didn't show up at the gala last night, so the Bennett family's last chance is gone.

"This morning, I had our business partners withdraw the temporary credit line they promised the Bennett family."

He stared into my eyes. "Your dad's probably already desperate, cornered by those loan sharks, huh?"

He looked down at me, towering over me. "Do you always care so much about filial duties?

"Why don't you beg me?

"Maybe I'll go easy on your dad."

I looked at him in silence.

My dad had already been laid to rest.

He would never have to suffer again.

Emily got up from the couch and walked over to Ethan.

She looked at me with a faint smile. "Miss Bennett, Mr. Grant is looking out for you. Just say a few nice words, and this will all blow over."

She paused, then added softly, "Mr. Bennett is getting older. You can't expect him to keep being hounded by those loan sharks, can you?

"If something really happens, you'll regret it when it's too late."

Ethan released my wrist. "Enough. Quit the drama. Go change your clothes. You're coming with me to the Grant Estate this afternoon."

Just then, his phone on the table started ringing.

It was Ryan calling.

Ethan picked up the phone, clearly annoyed. "What is it?"

On the other end, Ryan's voice was trembling. "Ethan, where are you right now?"

"At home. What's up?"

"You need to come to the City Police Department, quick."

Ethan frowned. "What's going on at the City Police Department?"

"Captain Kirk from the City Police Department just called me. He said Mr. Bennett's case is closed, but there are still a few documents that need to be signed by the family. He couldn't get in touch with Claire, so he called me instead."

Ryan took a deep breath, his voice hoarse. "Mr. Bennett slipped and fell from the rooftop of his company three days ago.

"The funeral was this morning."