?Chapter 612:


    “It’s nice,” she said.


    Ethan pulled out a rose from behind his back and handed it to her.


    Brenna’s eyes lit up. She had not expected someone like Ethan, who always seemed so serious and business-minded, to think of giving her flowers. Lately, he had given her plenty of gifts, so she wasn’t entirely surprised. Still, the gesture warmed her heart.


    She lifted the rose to her nose and breathed in its soft scent. As she did, she caught sight of a gold ne with a sapphire pendant nestled among the petals.


    “Another surprise?” she said, her voice bubbling with delight.


    Ovee with emotion and still thinking of the couple she had seen earlier, she stood up. Then, she leaned across the table and pulled Ethan in for a kiss.


    It was just a light peck.


    By the time Ethan registered what had happened, Brenna was already back in her seat, grinning.


    “Thank you. I love it,” she said.


    Brenna felt she owed him that much. He had not only showered her with gifts but had also risked everything to save her in Plieca. Ethan, however, was still caught up in the feeling of that kiss and reyed the softness of Brenna’s lips in his mind.


    If only it hadsted a little longer, that would have been perfect. He wondered when Brenna might kiss him again.


    So lost was he in his thoughts that he did not even catch what Brenna was saying.


    A foolish smile tugged at his mouth before he could stop it.


    “Ethan, I never expected to see you in a ce like this.” A mocking voice sliced through the moment.


    At once, Ethan’s expression turned cold. He turned and saw Rosie and Maxley approaching.


    They were arm in arm, looking every bit the close couple. Maxley wore a ttering smile as he extended his hand toward Ethan.


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    Neither of them spared Brenna a nce.


    Maxley, though unfamiliar with Vand’snguage, had enough sense to tell that Ethan was in a good mood now.


    Ethan rose from his seat, shook hands with Maxley, and offered a nd greeting. “Hello.”


    Maxley pulled an invitation from his inside pocket and handed it over with both hands.


    Speaking in Plieca’snguage, he said, “I’m hosting my first businessworking event here in Vand. Several prominent entrepreneurs from Plieca will attend. I hope we can discuss potential coborations, Mr. Mitchell.”


    Ethan gave the invitation a cursory nce before epting it and setting it on the table. “Sure. I’ll be there.”


    Rosie looked at him, her expression torn between hope and grievance.


    She was painfully aware that herwsuit against the Harper family was shaky at best. She hoped Ethan could help her. “Ethan, have you heard about what’s happening with the Harper family?”


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