I always thought a simple life was the way to go, but I still felt it should have its ups and downs. Life shouldn't be stuck in one spot like a stagnant pond.noveldrama

Plus, there were still a lot of loose ends between Ethan and me that needed sorting out.

It was just another afternoon, and I was hanging out alone in the garden at the Grayson residence. All of a sudden, I heard some heated voices from Ethan's study.

I sneaked over and saw him going head-to-head with a middle-aged man. The man was tall and sharp-looking. I could tell he was no ordinary guy.

"Mr. Grayson, you'd better come to your senses and break it off with Ms. Wiley! Or you'll regret it if you don't!" the man yelled.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest. Who was this guy, and why was he trying to break up Ethan and me?

Ethan sneered. "My personal life is none of your business, Holden Ellard. Besides, Evelyn and I were meant to be. We are in love with each other. Who the hell are you to get involved? So his name was Holden Ellard. I felt like I'd heard that name before.

Holden Ellard! The name finally clicked. He was Rowan's uncle, the one actually running Rovera Group. Even though he seemed retired, he was still the one in charge.

My goodness! Even though Rowan and Richard had been locked up, the forces behind them never stopped threatening us! But why was Holden trying to break us up? What did he stand to gain?

"You're way too gullible, Ethan," Holden said dismissively. "A woman like Evelyn only cares about money and status. Do you actually think she loves you? She's just using you!

"And with her background, she's nowhere near good enough for you. The Graysons need a well-matched marriage, not some random woman who came out of nowhere!"

"That's bullshit!" Ethan shot back,

seething in rage. "I know Evelyn better than anyone. Her love for me is real, and nobody can tell me otherwise. She's actually doing better than me now. I love her, and I'm marrying her! No one can stop me!"

"Oh, really?" Holden smirked. "Well, I'm curious to see how Evelyn manages when she can't rely on the Graysons anymore! You're going to regret being so stubborn, Ethan, From now on, Rovera Group and Grayson Group will be at each other's throats!"

"Get out!" Ethan roared, slamming his fist on the desk. "Get out now, or you'll regret it!"

I was shaking, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Suddenly, it dawned on me-maybe Vivian was behind all this again. That explained why Holden was so set on breaking up Ethan and me, even if it meant going against Grayson Group. It was all for her.

The ruthless giant in the business world was doing anything to get in with Mars Group. How could we hold our ground?

Holden snorted and stormed out of the study without a second glance. I quickly ducked out of sight so he wouldn't spot me. Once he was gone, I stumbled into the study.

"Ethan..." I sobbed, throwing myself into his arms. "I'm sorry... I got you tangled up in all this... You've had to endure so much because of me..."

Ethan held me tight, as if he never wanted to let me go. He kissed the top of my head and said, "Don't be silly. I chose this. As long as you're with me, nothing else matters, Holden's a slick one. Let him bring it on

"But..." I sniffled. "He has so much influence. What if—"

"Don't worry," Ethan said firmly. "I've been around the block in the business world. Holden's not going to scare me."