Chapter 240: Ethan Will Not Give Up
"We'll drink with you," Damien said.
The others offered their support, eager to help Roland relax.
Roland replied, "I'm fine. I need to stay with my mother and handle things." Though visibly struggling, he maintained a brave front. His visit was specifically to thank Alexander and Isabella. He wouldn't know where he'd be without them. "It's because of you two"
Suddenly, Stephanie's voice cut through the air. The Quirk family had brought her along to escort Alexander and Isabella home. As elders acquainted with Stephanie, they weren't comfortable leaving her alone.
Stephanie's complexion was still pale, but Roland's words resonated with her own plight. She bowed her thanks to Alexander and Isabella. Their eyes met briefly before both quickly looked away, an awkward exchange between two individuals burdened by guilt and a shared history of deception. They felt victimized, yet simultaneously guilty, creating a complex, unspoken tension. Neither desired further contact, recognizing themselves as victims of the same deceitful pair.
However, others saw a connection between them, two recently deceived individuals standing together. A fleeting notion of a match emerged, fueled by their attractiveness and height difference. This idea quickly dissipated. Realistically, a relationship was unlikely unless some unforeseen event occurred.
After a brief conversation, the Quirk family departed with Stephanie. In the car, they steered clear of the "scumbag," instead focusing on Stephanie's situation: her mother's imprisonment, her father's overseas business, and her divided time between her home and grandparents.
News spread rapidly. Despite her desire for quiet at home, Stephanie received numerous calls, leading her family to decide she should stay with her grandparents. Compared to the Ford family drama, Stephanie's situation was less sensational. Public attention primarily focused on Roland, Ethan, and Sasha's tumultuous love triangle, along with Owen and Daphne's acrimonious divorce.
Meanwhile, Isabella earned the nickname "Gossip Queen" online. People joked that after reforming the entertainment industry, she moved onto wealthy circles, spreading positivity and correct values. Some tagged her, questioning the authenticity of various family dramas. Isabella had become an insider source for wealthy circles. This prompted Danielle to call, inquiring about Isabella's activities and a potential new persona. Isabella felt unjustly implicated.
The next day, the Ford family drama remained a trending topic, even more captivating than a melodramatic TV show. By day three, however, the buzz subsided as Daphne's influential family and Roland's police status tightened narrative control. On day four, Owen and Daphne divorced, with Owen, deemed at fault, leaving with minimal assets. The Ford family resented Owen, refusing further association, leading to his anger-induced hospitalization. Daphne, resolute, seized the mistress's overseas properties, forcing her return to confront Owen and Ethan.
The Quirk family sat in the living room, ostensibly discussing gossip while receiving updates from Isabella. "Great. She's swift and decisive."
Ethan, ignoring his hospitalized father and Sasha, secluded himself in a hotel, struggling with anger and a dental filling. Eavesdroppers nearly erupted in laughter.
Sasha's depression complicated her pregnancy, leading to hospitalization. Unable to reach Ethan, she returned to their condominium, only to find access denied; Roland had sold it, removing her from the records, leaving her belongings with the security guard. Sasha collapsed, distraught, and was hospitalized. The Quirk family commented, "She has the audacity to try going back. How thick-skinned!"
Sasha's attempts to contact Roland at his workplace (he was on leave) and mansion (empty) proved fruitless. The Quirks observed, "It seems Daphne and Roland have completely seen through Sasha's true nature. Can't they avoid her if they can't provoke her?" She encountered Ethan's mother, who had arrived to fight for her son's assets. The Quirks remarked, "Birds of a feather flock together. The two most important women in Ethan's life have come to the same conclusion." Sasha, stubbornly persistent, clung to Ethan's mother, searching for Ethan.
The Quirk family was speechless. The ensuing argument between Sasha and Ethan's mother resulted in a shocking revelation: Ethan's mother had beaten Sasha, resulting in the loss of the baby. The Quirk family was stunned. They considered this a mercy, sparing the child from such parents.
The next day, Isabella provided further updates. Ethan, finally appearing after his dental work, coldly dismissed Sasha, declaring their relationship over and her worthlessness. Sasha's delusion shattered. The Quirks deemed him a bastard.
"My goodness! Sasha is going to jump off a building!" Isabella exclaimed. The Quirk family was shocked. Then they realized it was a ploy to force Roland's appearance; Sasha had left his contact information at the police station, claiming to be his ex-girlfriend. The attempt failed due to hospital security and Sasha's subsequent psychiatric evaluation. Roland never came; a distant relative handled the situation. Isabella's laughter erupted. The Quirks sought a change of scenery to better enjoy the story.
The scandal seemingly subsided. Then Isabella’s expression darkened. Ethan, still persistent, sought Stephanie, unconcerned about Sasha's loss. He wanted a wealthy heiress, not an illegitimate child. The Quirks tensed. Selena tried to warn Stephanie, but it was too late. Ethan, having previously planted a tracker on Stephanie's phone, drugged her at a bar and took her to a hotel. Panic set in. Selena sprang into action; Alexander contacted Roland, relying on the police for swift intervention. Roland was already there. Everyone looked at Isabella with suspicion and confusion. [The passage ends abruptly here].