Chapter 444
Not only had Mira taken first place in the national academic decathlon, but she had also somehow established herself as a high-profile fund manager.
“If we let her keep climbing, she’ll become completely untouchable,” Roxanne said, her eyes narrowing. “Once she gets too big, she’s going to turn around and crush us. No. The moment we finish off Ethan, we focus all our resources on destroying her p>
Shane nodded slowly. “How is the situation with Ethan progressing p>
Since returning to Mavaria, his daughter had proven to be a ruthlessly effective right hand.
“Everything is on track,” Roxanne replied with a cold smile. “The first dose of the drug should be in his system tonight p>
“Good p>
At the Mercer estate, the atmosphere around the dinner table was suffocating. Mara played the dutiful daughter, carefully ladling out the soup.
She served her parents first, then placed a small, elegant bowl in front of Ethan before finally serving herself.
“You’re growing up, Mara. So thoughtful,” Ethan noted, though his voice was laced with sarcasm as he stared at the steaming liquid. He vividly remembered Mira’s warning to watch what he ate. A cold knot formed in his stomach, and he didn’t touch the spoon.
From the corner of her eye, Mara kept darting nervous glances at him. That drug had cost a fortune. The thug had initially promised it for ten grand, but had jacked the price up to fifty grand at the last second. If Ethan didn’t drink it, she wasn’t sure if she could source another batch.
The television in the living room was playing a replay of Mira’s victory interview, but everyone at the table pointedly ignored it, silently agreeing not to upset Mara.
“Mrs. Higgins, turn the TV off,” Lacey finally ordered, annoyed by the reporter’s endless praise of Mira.
Turning her attention back to the table, Lacey noticed Ethan glaring at his bowl. “Mara went out of her way to serve you. Why aren’t you drinking p>
“I don’t have an appetite for soup tonight,” Ethan replied flatly.
“She’s trying to be kind. Don’t be so ungrateful,” Adrian snapped, his temper flaring. Ever since Ethan had ruthlessly seized control of thë company, Adrian’s health had
spiraled. He had barely spoken to his eldest son in weeks.
“If you appreciate her kindness so much, Dad, you drink it,” Ethan shot back, sliding
the bowl across the table toward Adrian.
Mara froze, her fingers tightening around her chopsticks. Tears instantly welled in her eyes.
“Stop pushing your luck!” Adrian roared, slamming his hand on the table. “If you don’t want to live in this house, get the hell out! Go join your rebellious brothers and sister and sever ties with me! I don’t care anymore. At least if you all leave, I’ll finally have some peacef I have to look at you every day, I’ll drop dead from a heart attack p>
“Dad, please don’t be mad,” Mara sobbed, burying her face in her hands. “It’s all my fault p>
“Don’t cry,” Adrian softened, patting her shoulder. “Everyone makes mistakes when they’re young. It’s your brother who is acting like a tyrant, refusing to let anything go p>
Ethan let out a dark, mocking laugh. “Fine. If you feel that strongly about it, I’ll drink it. But let’s do this fairly.” He locked eyes with Mara. “Let’s trade p>
Without waiting for permission, Ethan reached over, grabbed Mara’s bowl of soup, and placed it in front of himself. Then he shoved his original bowl right in front of her.
“Drink it,” he commanded, his voice dripping with ice.
“Ethan… I was just trying to be nice she stammered, her face draining of color. “Why are you p>
“What the hell is wrong with you, Ethan?!” Lacey exploded, standing up from her chair.
But Ethan didn’t blink. He kept his predatory gaze fixed entirely on Mara. His suspicions were screaming at him now. “If there’s nothing wrong with the soup, why won’t you drink it p>
After Julian’s mysterious accident,
paranoia had become his default
state. Combined with Mara’s
f
previous betrayal of stealing the company’s bid data for the Porters Ethan was certain she was
parasite trying to kill them all.
Realizing she was cornered, Mara trembled as she reached for the bowl. “Fine… I’II drink it p>