Chapter 173

• In the grand dining room of Ethan's mansion, where the soft glow of the chandeliers cast a warm ambiance over the lavish dinner spread before them. Ethan sat quietly, his eyes fixed on his plate as he mechanically pushed the food around, his parents watching him with concern etched on their faces. The air was heavy with unspoken words, the only sound the soft clinking of silverware against fine china.
• After a few moments of strained silence, Robert cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Ethan, we...wanted to ask you something?" He said calmly, his voice measured and gentle.
• Ethan looked up, his eyes locking onto his parents, and nodded slightly. "Yeah, I'm listening."