I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 82

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**TITLE: Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind**

“What on earth is happening with your engagement to Liam? Have Mom and Dad found out about this yet?” Ethan’s voice was laced with concern, his brow furrowing deeply as he regarded his sister.

“Brother, please, I can manage this. Just keep it between us for now,” Sophie replied, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Ethan Chandler’s expression shifted to one of disbelief. “And how exactly do you intend to manage this situation?” His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension.

“Honestly, Ethan, I’m not going to marry Liam. I’m already in the process of calling off the engagement,” Sophie confessed, her words tumbling out with a weight that felt almost liberating.

She understood that Ethan could handle the truth far better than their parents could, and she felt it was essential to prepare him for what was to come.

Ethan froze, his silence stretching uncomfortably between them. The seconds felt like hours as Sophie’s heart sank, realizing that her brother’s disappointment might be brewing beneath the surface.

She had been the one to champion her relationship with Liam, declaring her love with fervor. Now, as the news of her change of heart began to ripple through her mind, she couldn’t help but feel like she was dragging the Chandler family into a pit of ridicule.

“Brother, if you think it’s inappropriate to call off the engagement at this stage…” she began hesitantly.

“It’s absolutely appropriate!” Ethan interjected, his voice rising slightly. “I just never expected you to suddenly come to your senses. It’s hard to wrap my head around.”

“Weren’t you head over heels in love with Liam? What brought about this sudden change of heart?” he pressed, his eyes searching hers for answers.

Sophie clenched her fingers tightly, feeling the tension in her body. “It’s not complicated. I just realized that the love I thought I had was nothing more than an illusion, a scam that had me blinded until now.”

“Are you saying Liam deceived you?” Ethan’s voice was thick with anger, his protective instincts flaring.

“Brother, please don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of this myself,” she assured him, though a flicker of doubt crossed her mind.

“This is a monumental decision, Sophie. How can I just stand by and let you face this alone?” Ethan’s concern was palpable, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“I know you’re anxious about Mom and Dad, but let’s keep this under wraps for the moment. This afternoon, I’ll accompany you to Liam’s family to discuss the cancellation,” he declared, determination settling in his features.

“No!” Sophie exclaimed, shaking her head vehemently. “Brother, I can genuinely handle this on my own. Please, don’t interfere.”

If she mentioned the cancellation now, Liam would undoubtedly retaliate by exposing her secret pregnancy. She needed to gather evidence that would put him in a corner before she could reveal her intentions.

Ethan studied her, his gaze narrowing as he sensed the gravity of her resolve. “Alright, you can handle it yourself,” he conceded reluctantly.

He understood that Sophie was struggling to let go of the feelings she had invested in Liam, but the more he thought about the investigation results, a shadow of foreboding crept into his mind.

“Sophie, there’s something I’ve been hesitant to share, but since you’re determined to part ways with Liam, I feel it’s time to come clean,” he began, his voice low and serious.

“I had someone look into the shareholders who’ve been disgruntled with the company, and it turns out they’ve been in contact with Liam recently,” he revealed, his tone grave.

The unrest among the shareholders, with Liam stepping in to calm the storm, might just be a calculated act, a ruse to give him a legitimate claim to a share of the Chandler Group.

Sophie’s hands tightened in her lap, her heart racing. She had known Liam was not a good person, but the depths of his malice were far beyond what she had imagined.

He had set his sights on the Chandler Group!

Ethan noticed her silence and spoke gently, “Sophie, I know this is hard for you to digest, but everyone encounters a few scoundrels in their lives. As long as you cut your losses in time, you’ll be alright.”