?Chapter 1609:


    Lucy’s eyes lit up with agreement. “Exactly what I’ve been thinking! We already made a deal—after the wedding, we stay out of each other’s business. He handles his affairs; I handle mine. We’ll just smile and pretend to be a loving couple at family events. Gracie, I can’t stand the idea of marriage. All my parents ever do is argue—my father’s out there with mistresses and a trail of illegitimate kids. I’mpletely done with the concept of marriage. If no one’s loyal in the first ce, then what’s the point of calling it a marriage?”


    After a pause, she continued, “But my father’s making me go through with it just to seal his business deals and line his own pockets. If I refuse, he’ll stop my allowance and take away my dividends. I don’t really have a say in it. Honestly, sometimes, life just feels meaningless.”


    Gracie gave a small nod. “You got someone you’re into?”


    Lucy quickly shook her head. “No. What about you? That guy Ethan you’ve always talked about? Is he married yet?”


    Gracie’s smile faded, a flicker of displeasure crossing her face. “Not yet. But he’s got his eye on someone. I don’t stand a chance. Honestly, Lucy, I’m bitter about it. Ethan’s the best man I’ve ever known—loyal, grounded, and capable. He’s the kind of guy people don’te across twice. My family’s t broke, so I don’t even qualify for a business match with him anymore. I’m telling you—I really like him. And the thought of him lying next to someone else, holding her at night… it makes my heart ache.”


    Lucy’s eyes sparked as something came to mind. “Almost forgot—my fiancé mentioned Ethan’s caught up in some mess with Hector. It’s over this cutting-edge tech or research, something called Gene One. Rumor has it there was even a shootout involved.”


    Gracie’s stomach twisted. Hector wasn’t just another rich man; he was ruthless, with a grip on Norview’s power circles. If Ethan offended him, things could get dangerous fast. “Is Ethan hurt?”


    “No clue.” Lucy gave a yful grin. “But even if he’s not bleeding, he’s probably running for his life. Why don’t you go rescue him? Might just win his heart that way.”


    She meant it as a joke, but Gracie didn’tugh. Her mind was already racing. She believed Lucy had a point—this might be the perfect chance for her to get close to Ethan.


    “Find out everything you can about the matter for me. I’m booking a flight now,” Gracie said.


    Lucy’s face lit up. “Wait, seriously? You’reing here? It’s been way too long since we’ve hung out—I can’t wait! I’ll press my fiancé for more details. Sit tight for my update. And if you need backup to save your guy, I’m totally in. This is going to be thrilling!”


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    Gracie didn’t hesitate. She booked her flight and rushed to start packing.


    Ethan had left the country for about four days, and Brenna had been texting with him daily.


    But since yesterday, he’d stopped replying.


    Sprawled on her bed, Brenna looked at the messages she’d sent yesterday at noon, asking Ethan what he was eating for lunch. Last night’s message checked if things were running smoothly. He hadn’t replied to either. A knot twisted in her gut.


    Ethan was in trouble; she just knew it.


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