Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 25

Belen burst into laughter—loud, mocking, hollow. Heads turned again, some gasps echoed through the room, but Belen didn’t care. His eyes gleamed with twisted amusement as he leaned in, his voice sharp as shattered glass.

“You think you’re powerful now, Alice?” he sneered. “You really believe Martin Irving let you go because you impressed him with that silver tongue—or that sweet pussy of yours?” His eyes raked over her like she was nothing. “Please. You were just a toy. A pawn. Do you honestly think he’s going to make you his wife? You’re nothing but a tool for him to avenge his son.”

Alice didn’t flinch. But Ethan’s jaw tightened. He stepped closer, placing himself between her and Belen, his expression calm—too calm.

“Careful,” Ethan said smoothly, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. “You’re talking a little too loudly for someone so uninformed.”

“Oh?” Belen scoffed. “And who are you again? Her latest sugar daddy?”

Ethan chuckled under his breath, like Belen’s words were the punchline of a bad joke. “No,” he said, his voice quiet but razor-sharp. “I’m the man who’s going to make sure no one—Martin, Veronica, or even you—ever lays a finger on Alice again. She’s under my protection now.”

That got a few whispers from surrounding tables.

Belen narrowed his eyes. “Protection? What, did she crawl into your bed to earn that privilege too?”

Alice took a step forward, her voice like ice. “Watch your mouth, Belen.”

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