**Chapter 142: Two Wins**
Mason regarded Ethan with a calm demeanor, his expression unreadable. “Very well,” he replied, “leave the proposal here, and instruct your legal team to begin the follow-up on the contract.”
Ethan, buoyed by a sense of triumph, practically radiated satisfaction as he exited the room. However, the assistant who accompanied him back inside wore a puzzled frown.
“Mr. Everett,” he began, his voice tinged with concern, “why would you do this? You’ve granted the Rowes such a significant advantage all at once, and you’ve only added a minor verbal condition. They might interpret this as a sign of weakness, and it could lead to them becoming even more unreasonable in the future.”
Mason remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the window as he watched Ethan’s car disappear down the street until it was no more than a distant speck.
“A benefit?” he echoed, turning back to his assistant, his eyes dark and piercing.
“That remains to be seen. Let’s wait and observe how this unfolds,” he concluded, his tone enigmatic.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ethan returned home, transformed from the weary, guilt-ridden man who had left that morning. He now bore the air of a victorious general, his chest swelling with pride that he struggled to contain.
In the living room, Amelia sat on the couch absorbed in a television show, flanked by Fiona and Grace. The moment Ethan stepped over the threshold, it felt as though a sudden gust of wind had shattered the serene atmosphere they had been sharing.
“Grandma, Mom, I’m back!” he announced, his voice booming, his gaze immediately seeking out Amelia’s.
Grace sprang to her feet, her face alight with eagerness. “Ethan, how did it go? Did the Everett Group agree to the terms?”
Ethan paused, savoring the moment before responding. Instead of answering her question, he moved closer to Amelia, reaching behind his back to reveal a dark blue velvet box that he presented to her with a flourish.
“This is for you,” he declared, a proud smile playing on his lips.
Amelia’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the luxurious jewelry logo emblazoned on the box. For a brief moment, her gaze flickered to Ethan’s beaming face, but she made no move to take it.
Ethan’s smile faltered for a heartbeat, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. He bent down, placing the box gently on the coffee table in front of her, and opened it himself, revealing the contents inside.
Nestled within was a stunning diamond necklace, the centerpiece a flawlessly cut pink diamond that sparkled brilliantly under the light.
It was undeniably extravagant, yet it was utterly mismatched with Amelia’s understated taste. She had always favored subtle designs adorned with thoughtful details, not the ostentatious pieces that screamed for attention.
Ethan’s misunderstanding of her preferences stung like a sharp jab.
“Do you like it?” he asked, his voice tinged with hopeful anticipation. “I happened to pass by the store and thought it would look perfect on you.”
A wave of exhaustion washed over Amelia, the weight of his thoughtlessness pressing down on her. He hadn’t even taken the time to learn what she truly liked; instead, he had simply relied on his own sense of style to fulfill his role as the “good husband.”
All this effort… merely to win that project.

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