Chapter 17
In fact, Ethan had long wanted to get rid of Clara. Not only did she act like my future mother–in–law and barely lift a finger around the pack, but rumors about her were rampant. She was notorious for gossiping with the servants, stirring up trouble, and had a reputation for gambling-
Worse, she often flirted with married men, undermining the stability of the pack. Ethan had told me many times that she wasn’t safe to have around. But in my last life, blinded by my infatuation with Ryan, I always defended her. I convinced myself that if I kept Clara happy, Ryan would treat me better. I lied to Ethan, telling him how kind she was to me, and he reluctantly let her stay.
Now, looking at her standing there defiantly, it was clear that Clara no longer viewed me as her master. She stood unmoving, her chin lifted slightly, as if daring me to push her further. She had grown comfortable, perhaps thinking I still wouldn’t do anything to her.
At that moment, a firm but calm voice broke the tension. “What’s going on?”
I turned and saw Ethan walking down the grand staircase. My heart clenched. He looked much younger
than in my past life. Back then, Ethan had grayed early, stress etched into his face from the tireless search for me. The worry had aged him prematurely, leaving him looking weary and
here he stood, strong and full of life. His broad shoulders were exhausted all the time. But not wrapped in a perfectly tailored suit, emphasizing the power he naturally exuded. His dark hair, neatly combed back, gleamed in the light, and his sharp jawline highlighted his handsomeness. The way he carried himself radiated authority, yet there was a gentleness in his expression when he
looked at me.
The moment I laid eyes on him, I felt a lump in my throat. I blinked quickly, trying to hold back tears, but the relief of seeing him, of being in his presence after everything that had happened in my previous life, was overwhelming. It was as if I had finally found someone to lean on.
“Brother,” I said, my voice wavering slightly. “Clara doesn’t listen to me. She keeps talking back. My words were simple, but the emotion behind them wasn’t. They carried the weight of years of pent–up frustration.
Clara froze, her mouth slightly agape, clearly unable to believe I had the nerve to complain about
her so openly. She had always believed I would cover for her, just as I had in the past.
Ethan, too, seemed taken aback for a second. He had warned me about Clara and Ryan numerous times in the past, but I had always brushed it off. He probably didn’t expect me to take the initiative
like this.
A
wave of emotion surged through me as I looked at him. Ethan had always doted on me, ever since.
17
we were children. After our parents died, he tried his hardest to make me happy, spoiling me in every way possible. But in my past life, I had pushed him away. When he tried to talk sense into me about Ryan, I resented him, convinced that he didn’t understand. We argued constantly, and after I married Ryan, I cut all ties with Moonshadow Pack. I hadn’t realized how much I had hurt him until
much later.
When Ryan needed Ethan’s support to inherit the Stardust Pack, I had no choice but to return and beg for Ethan’s help. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes–heartbroken and helpless. Even then, despite everything, he helped us. He used all his resources to secure Ryan’s position as Alpha, but in doing so, he sacrificed his own health and happiness.
Thinking of the past made my chest ache. Without thinking, I ran toward Ethan and wrapped my arms around him. I buried my face in his chest and sobbed like a child who had been deeply wronged. His body tensed for a moment, clearly taken aback by my sudden outburst. But then, he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. He wasn’t used to comforting me like this–after all. I hadn’t shown him any vulnerability since we were kids–but he did his best, patting my back awkwardly.
“I’m here,” he murmured softly, I’ve got you.
It felt good to let it all out, to cry in the arms of someone who truly cared about me. Once my sobs subsided, Ethan pulled back slightly and wiped a tear from my cheek. His face was a mix of tenderness and concern.
Then, his expression hardened as he turned toward Clara, who was still standing there in shock. “1 don’t care what happened,” he said in a cold, commanding tone. “You’ve upset my sister, and that’s enough. Clara, you’re no longer welcome in this pack. I’m evicting you.”
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Chapter 18
