?Chapter 1723:


    Ethan waved, signaling her to leave.


    Setting his files aside, Ethan walked over and took the seat across from his father. “Dad,ing here won’t change anything. I’m not giving you a new house or the money for one.”


    Emmett’s temper red. He jabbed a finger at Ethan. “I never once asked for your money when you were starting your business, not a single cent. Now, I just want a house, and you keep refusing me. Is that really how you treat your own father?”


    He let out a cold snort, unable to wrap his mind around Ethan’s stubbornness. “Don’t act like you’re broke. I know for a fact you own hundreds of properties all over the country! It wouldn’t affect you at all to hand over one to me.”


    He saw no reason Ethan should refuse, especially when it cost him nothing. In a fit of anger, he swept the cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor.


    Ethan stayed silent, letting his father vent.


    Once things quieted down, Ethan spoke, his tone calm. “It’s because of Mom. You can yell at me, hit me, and smash every dish in this room—it won’t change my answer. You already have three houses. My brother and I are settled with homes of our own, and neither of us needs anything from you. Those three ces are more than enough for you and Shari to live infort.”


    Emmett’s frustration vanished in a sh as the truth hit him. So this was all because of Elsa.


    “Then just don’t tell your mother about this,” he said. “I know your mother can’t stand me, but she doesn’t get to decide what I ask from my own son. So are you giving me a house or not?”


    Ethan answered with a steady voice, “No.”


    “Oh, look at you. Suddenly, you’re the perfect son, hanging on your mother’s every word? You used to argue with her every other week, and now, you act like you listen to everything she says? Don’t be absurd. She’s never approved of you being with Brenna. Doesn’t that make you hate her?”


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    Emmett hoped Ethan would turn against his mother. But Ethan just rxed into his seat, crossing his legs and lookingpletely calm.


    “She’s my mom. Why would I hate her? She’s got her own life these days, and she doesn’t meddle in mine anymore. There’s no reason for me to be upset with her. I only have one mother. I wouldn’t side with anyone else and risk hurting her.”


    Those words struck Emmett dumb, leaving him without a retort.


    A shadow crossed his face, and he mmed his palm on the table. “So you’re determined to refuse my request now?”


    Ethan said, “The ce you’ve got now is more than enough for you. Why do you suddenly want a new house? Mom has made it clear—I shouldn’t give you anything.”


    He made it sound like every bit of the me fell at his mother’s feet.


    Emmett said, “You never used to listen to your mother’s words like this.”


    He knew it was pointless to argue. His son had grown up and slippedpletely out of his control.


    All Emmett could do was unleash a furious tirade at Ethan before storming out, the door shuddering under the force of his m.


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