The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 285

Chapter 285 You’re In Deep

Trouble

Ethan and Brenna both tensed up, sensing the cold, dangerous aura pouring off Elsa like a wave.

In a flash, they straightened up, suddenly on their best behavior.

Brenna stood frozen for a moment. Elsa still wore that calm, polite smile, but the fact that she acted like she didn’t know Brenna? That hit like a slap. How could Brenna possibly tell her what to perform?

She didn’t dare.

“Anything is fine,” Brenna mumbled.

Elsa’s piercing gaze fixed on Ethan, causing him to fidget uncomfortably.

Brenna, shedding any trace of haughtiness, watched humbly as Elsa took the stage, no longer concerned with showing off to Tina,

Elsa’s vocal performance, though not destined for the charts, revealed her masterful training, worthy of a celebrated national artist.

The military band wrapped up the performance in just fifteen minutes, and Elsa even took a moment to offer Amy warm birthday wishes.

As the helicopter whisked the band away, Brenna leaned toward Ethan, murmuring, “I’m so sorry; I had no idea your mom would show up.”

Ethan’s face remained grim, unable to muster even a forced smile. He knew he would be scolded by his mother soon. Earlier, he had recognized the pilot, Kenny, who had shot him a sharp gaze.

Back inside, Brenna stopped Tina before she could slip away. “So, what did you think of the performance?

Happy with the lineup?”

Tina’s eyes blazed with fury. “You, pulling strings with the military elite? Don’t kid yourself; that was all

Ethan’s doing!”

She refused to grovel or play along with any degrading stunts.

Ethan’s tone turned icy. “Fine. No groveling, no theatrics. But I hear the Russells have several billion–dollar deals on the table, and my companies could use the contracts…”

Barton Russell,, Jayceon’s father, quickly assessed the situation. While Brenna might be negotiable, crossing Ethan and the Harper family was a losing game. He swiftly reprimanded Tina with a sharp slap. “A bet is a bet. The Russells won’t risk Mr. Mitchell’s wrath over your ego!”

Tina’s eyes welled with tears, and even Amy could only relent seeing her son’s fury, nudging Tina forward.

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“Do it.”

The crowd parted, forming a space for Tina’s degrading crawl.

Tina had no choice but to do it. She crawled and barked like a dog three times.

A stifled chuckle from the crowd was quickly silenced by the Russells‘ collective glare.

Jayceon’s expression darkened. Ethan, his lifelong friend, had publicly shredded the Russell family’s pride. How could he face his family now?

Grasping for a diversion, he announced stiffly, “Lunch is ready. Let’s go eat.”

The guests eagerly dispersed to the garden, avoiding any mention of the spectacle.

Tina, devastated, fled upstairs, crying.

In a quiet corner, Isabella and Jade discussed the drama in hushed whispers.

Jayceon pulled Ethan aside for a conversation.

Rosie seized the moment to confront Brenna, who stood alone now. “Do you even realize who that was earlier?”

Her face was grave. While most guests might not have identified Ethan’s mother, she had deeper connections to the Mitchell family and had recognized Elsa.

Brenna met her gaze coolly. “Yeah.”

Rosie blinked, startled. She had assumed Ethan hadn’t introduced Brenna to his parents. “You’re in deep trouble,” she said.

“I don’t need you to tell me that,” Brenna shot back, casting a sidelong glance before leading Patrick to eat.

During the meal, Brenna noticed Zoe Russell, Davin’s young daughter, stealing curious glances their way with wide, innocent eyes.

Patrick, too, kept looking at Zoe.

After lunch, Zoe played in the yard, clutching a stunning crystal ball. Patrick approached her. “Hi, can I play with you?” he asked.

Zoe, roughly Patrick’s age, smiled. “Sure! I’m Zoe Russell. What’s your name?”

“I’m Patrick Moore. You can call me Patrick. Your crystal ball is really pretty. Can I take a look?” Patrick said.

Zoe passed the shimmering crystal ball to Patrick. At that moment, a servant carrying a tray of drinks brushed

by, inadvertently knocking Patrick’s arm. The ball slipped from his grasp, rolling wildly across the ground. The

spot was near the basement entrance, where the floor slanted slightly downward.

The crystal ball sped toward the open door and bounced down the basement stairs with a series of clinks.

Without hesitation, Zoe and Patrick dashed after it, determined to retrieve it.