Chapter 16 - An Unexpected VisitOne afternoon, as Ethan stepped out of his office building downtown, a familiar sleek black town car pulled up to the curb. The rear window rolled down, revealing Helen. She looked older, her posture slightly less rigid, and her eyes carried a heavy weariness.
"Ethan," Helen called out softly, stepping out of the car. "Can we talk?"
Ethan stopped, his expression hardening slightly before returning to a calm, neutral mask. "Mother. There’s nothing left to talk about."
"Please, just five minutes," Helen pleaded, her voice lacking its usual commanding edge.
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Chapter 17 - Standing TallEthan looked at his mother, feeling neither anger nor pity—only distance. "You spent my entire life teaching me that weakness is unacceptable and that love is conditional, Mother. But out here, I learned that family means protecting each other, not breaking each other."
Chapter 18 - A Mother’s RegretWatching Ethan’s car disappear into the city traffic, Helen felt a tear slip down her cheek. The armor of pride she had worn for decades finally shattered completely.
Chapter 19 - Moving ForwardEthan returned home to the cozy apartment where the sweet aroma of dinner filled the air. Lily ran up to the door, throwing her arms around his waist with a joyful greeting.
Chapter 20 - A Peaceful SunsetAs evening fell, the golden rays of the setting sun poured through the apartment windows, casting a warm glow over the living room. Ethan sat on the couch with Lily resting her head on his shoulder, both of them looking out at the glittering skyline.
