?Chapter 966:


    Nodding miserably, Gracie let her grief overwhelm her, tears flowing freely. Without warning, she began removing her clothes—she tossed her suit jacket onto the chair and unbuttoned her shirt.


    Ethan turned sharply away, stunned. “Stop it, Gracie! This won’t help; put your clothes back on immediately. Even if you undress here, nothing between us will change.”


    “Please, Ethan, just look at me!” Gracie’s words tumbled out as she stepped closer, stripped down to nothing but her underwear.


    Firm resolve kept Ethan’s eyelids shut. His tone was unwavering. “Get dressed, Gracie. No matter what’s happened, we’re still friends. My breakup with Brenna was her decision, not mine. In my heart, she’s still the only one I love. She’s just angry at me—that’s all. I’ll see her at lunch and make things right. Please, don’t do this.”


    “No, Ethan, you don’t understand! He did all this to me!” Gracie sobbed, her voice cracking with sorrow.


    When Ethan finally turned and cautiously opened his eyes, disbelief gripped him at the horrifying sight before him. Bruises covered Gracie’s arms, chest, back, waist, and thighs—some fresh, others faded but still vivid. Among the injuries weresh marks, clear evidence of brutality.


    Speechless, Ethan whispered, “Who could possibly have done this to you? You’re the daughter of the Wilson Group’s CEO, one of Norview’s most powerful figures with political connections everywhere. Who’d darey a finger on you?”


    Despite his struggle to grasp the shocking scene, the harsh reality left no room for doubt. Gracie’s voice quivered as she muttered painfully, “It’s my husband, Ethan. I’ve been secretly married for a year. He hits me constantly. My father’s health is declining, and now my husband controls everything within the Wilson Group. I


    She begged him to let here here. “Ethan, please help me. I’m not here topete with Miss Harper for you. I just need your help. I want you to help me kill him!”


    Ethan paused, picking up her clothes and handing them to her. “When did you get married? Who did you marry? You didn’t even tell me. Why didn’t you send me an invitation? Now put your clothes back on first.”


    One by one, Gracie slipped into her clothes, wiping away her tears and doing her best to cover each painful mark. When she met Ethan’s gaze, she saw a deep sorrow clouding his eyes. Overwhelmed again, she stepped forward into his embrace, clinging to him as fresh tears streamed down her face. “No one but you can challenge him, Ethan. He has the Wilson Group under his thumb— even my father’s closest allies in the Vand division follow his orders now. You’re my only hope.”


    Ethan gently pushed her away, his expression darkening. “Who exactly is he?”


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    Her voice quivered. “He’s Hector Kurt, Spencer’s son. Spencer is the current leader of Norview’s biggest gang. Hector is the one responsible for Jade’s father’s death. He wiped out all of my father’s loyalists. Ethan, you have to help me kill him!”


    Ethan eased Gracie onto the sofa and sat beside her, watching her break down with raw sadness. He felt a deep ache for the lively, bold girl she once had been. Time had stolen her spark, leaving behind a quiet, easily wounded soul, and he mourned what she’d lost.


    Comforting someone had never been his strong suit. He fumbled for a box of tissues and handed it to Gracie. “Here,” he said gently. “Dry your tears.”


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