**My Heart Waited Too Long and Choosing Freedom 141**
Fiona and Grace were both present at the breakfast table, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. Amelia, however, was already seated, methodically taking small, measured bites of her breakfast, her demeanor cool and composed.
Ethan, feeling the weight of the silence pressing down on him, deliberately cleared his throat, a rather awkward attempt to shatter the stillness that enveloped the room. It felt as if he was trying to mask the remnants of his actions from the previous night. “I’m heading to the Everet Group today to finalize the deal,” he announced, directing his words toward his mother and grandmother. “Mom, Grandma, when you visit the hospital later, please let Hanah know that I’ll take care of all her medical expenses and the costs for her rehabilitation. She shouldn’t have to worry about a thing.”
Grace’s expression twisted into a peculiar mix of confusion and concern as she replied, “Okay.”
Fiona, on the other hand, shot him a glance that felt like a piercing gaze, her eyes deep and inscrutable, filled with layers of unexpressed emotion. She remained silent, returning to her breakfast as if Ethan’s words had simply floated away into the air.
Amelia, however, didn’t spare him a glance. She continued to eat quietly, her focus unwavering.
Once she finished her meal, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin and stood up, her movements deliberate and cold.
“Fiona, Grace, I’m done,” she stated, her voice devoid of warmth.
A pang of discomfort twisted in Ethan’s chest at the chill in her tone, a reminder of the distance that had grown between them.
Yet, as he thought about the monumental project waiting for him, the excitement of the deal pushed those uneasy feelings aside. He grabbed his keys and headed out, determination fueling his drive to the Everett Group’s headquarters.
Mason’s office was perched on the top floor, offering a breathtaking view of the sprawling city below. The enormous floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, and the minimalist decor exuded a sense of power and clarity, as if each item was placed with intention.
Ethan stepped into the office, finding Mason seated behind his desk, his posture tall and commanding.
“Mason,” Ethan greeted, striving to maintain a balance in his demeanor—neither too deferential nor overly confident.
Mason turned slowly, his gaze penetrating, and gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat. Did you bring the proposal?”
“Yes,” Ethan replied, quickly handing over the meticulously prepared document, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Mason didn’t reach for it immediately. Instead, he regarded Ethan with calm, steady eyes, a gaze that felt both gentle and piercing, as if he could see right through to Ethan’s very soul. A wave of guilt washed over Ethan, inexplicably tightening his stomach.
“Ethan,” Mason began, his tone deliberate, “before I take a look at your proposal, there’s something I need to clarify.”
“Go ahead,” Ethan replied, bracing himself for whatever was coming next.
“The reason I agreed to this partnership last night was because of Amelia.”
Ethan’s expression hardened, a rush of humiliation flooding his senses.
But he forced a smile, determined to maintain composure. “Yes, I understand. It’s all thanks to Amelia.”
“No,” Mason interrupted, his voice cutting through the air with an icy edge. “You don’t understand.”
Mason picked up a pen from his desk, spinning it thoughtfully between his fingers. His demeanor shifted, becoming colder. “I can invest in this project. In fact, I can contribute 20 percent more than you anticipated.”
Ethan’s breath hitched in his throat, surprise flickering in his eyes.
But just as he felt a swell of hope, Mason continued, “However, this project will serve as a belated wedding gift for Amelia.”


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