Chapter 10
That night, Ethan went to visit his parents at the old estate.
Lana ordered Claire to kneel and wash her feet.
First the water was too cold, then too hot.
Before the washing even began, Lana had splashed two basins over Claire.
At last the foot bath was done—and the villa’s front doors slammed open with a kick.
Dozens of men in black stormed in.
At their head was Ethan’s cousin, Fenton Vance.
He’d lost to Ethan in the fight for the Vance inheritance.
He’d never accepted it—and he had engineered Ethan’s car crash.
He’d always thought Ethan was dead.
He hadn’t expected him to return—or to strip him of his remaining power.
He hated Ethan, and anyone connected to Ethan.
Two guards seized Lana.
Fenton slapped her twice.
Tears poured down her cheeks.
She’d only ever bullied others; no one had ever bullied her.
She sobbed and cursed between cries.
“Fenton, you’ve got a hell of a nerve. Do you want to die?”
“Get away from me. Do you even know what happens if you touch me?”
“Bastards—Ethan and the Reed family will never let you go. You all die!”
Annoyed by the noise, Fenton had someone tape her mouth shut.
When his gaze landed on Claire’s face, curiosity curled his lips.
“Oh? So you’re my new sister‑in‑law? Pretty. Bring her too.”
Black hoods were yanked over their heads.
Soon they were hauled to an unfinished villa.
The hoods were ripped off.
Fenton’s eyes slid between Lana Reed and Claire; he laughed.
“You’re both Ethan Vance’s women. I want to see which one he loves more. Don’t you?”
“Pity you chose such a ruthless man. He cornered me—so I’ll cut you to get to him.”
“What I fear is he won’t care—maybe he doesn’t even want you.”
Fenton grabbed Lana’s phone and made her call Ethan.
The line connected on the first ring.
Ethan’s voice was gentle.
“Sweetheart? What is it?”
“Ethan, help me!” Lana shrieked.
Fenton snatched the phone back and had her gagged again.
“Ethan—it’s me. Surprise! I’m back.”
“Bad news: both your women are in my hands. Which one do you want to save? Or do you want to try saving both?”
He smirked, tapping a knife against Lana’s cheek, then Claire’s.
On the screen, Ethan saw both faces—
one swollen with crying, the other frightened but strangely composed.
In the next heartbeat, his decision was made.
Nothing could happen to Lana—she was carrying a child.
If she were hurt, the Reed family would never spare the Vance family.
He signaled his aide to trace their phones’ locations, then stalled Fenton on the line.
“Fenton, let Claire go. Name your price.”
“Hahaha—so you prefer the new sister‑in‑law.”
“How much? A billion?”
At that, Lana’s eyes blew wide with disbelief.
Her tears fell harder.
Claire’s heart sank.
She understood—Ethan wanted her to take the danger for Lana.
How cruel could he be?
But Fenton was stupid—Ethan’s play misled him.
Grinning, Fenton swung the camera to Lana.
Mascara streaked with snot—she looked truly pitiful.
Ethan’s face stayed blank, even his eyes calm.
“Show me Claire,” Ethan said.
Cold rippled through Claire.
He was vicious—truly vicious.
As the camera turned, Fenton slapped her hard.
Swelling rose fast on her cheek.
Ethan bared his teeth on the video, a beast unleashed.
“Fenton, you bastard—how dare you touch her.”
Veins stood out at his temples; his eyes burned.
“Don’t hurt her. Two billion—I’ll wire two billion!”
“Whatever you want—just don’t lay a hand on Claire.”
Fenton barked a laugh.
He fisted Claire’s hair, yanking her head back until her face filled the frame.
“So that’s your weak spot, Ethan? I thought nothing could get to you.”
“Pretty enough. But she’s just a woman. Why care so much? Is she that good in bed?”
“In that case, maybe I should taste her myself.”
He leered at Claire.
Through the phone, Claire stared at Ethan.
Tape sealed her mouth.
Her eyes stabbed him with accusation and despair, fury and hate.
