Chapter 12 - The Serpent in the Family Tree
Ethan’s face went dead white. The terrifying silence in the study was louder than a gunshot. Thomas Carter’s sudden death had broken Ethan years ago, driving him to establish the Children's Heart Hospital in his honor. Learning that his father had been murdered transformed Ethan's protective instinct into pure, unadulterated fury.
"Who is that man, Ethan?" I asked softly, stepping closer to squeeze his hand.
Ethan didn't answer immediately. He stared at the monitor, his jaw clenching until the muscles turned white. "I know that signet ring on his pinky finger," Ethan said, his voice dropping an octave into dangerous territory. "It belongs to my stepmother... Victoria Carter."
My breath hitched. Victoria Carter was the icy, enigmatic matriarch who controlled forty percent of Carter Global’s overseas assets. She had lived in Switzerland since Thomas's death, rarely contacting Ethan.
Before we could process the revelation, the study door was thrown open.
Standing in the doorway, framed by two armed guards in black tactical gear, was a stunning woman in her late fifties, wearing a white silk trench coat and holding a gold-headed cane.
Victoria Carter had arrived.
"Hello, Ethan," Victoria said smoothly, stepping into the light, her eyes scanning me with utter disdain. "I see you’ve received my little engagement present."
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Ethan pushed me behind his back, his body locked like a drawn bowstring. "You poisoned my father."
"I saved this family from his weakness," Victoria corrected coldly. "Your father was going to donate half the Carter fortune to public hospitals. I simply protected our legacy. And now, you are risking everything for this... secretary."
