Chapter 99

Janet weakly slumped on the sofa.

The window was open, and her long hair billowed with the wind. She sighed and closed her eyes.

Moments later, she turned to look at Ethan, her gaze cold and aloof. “What the hell is going on, Ethan?”

Everything had been a hoax.

She was so touched when Ethan stood up for her. But she felt like a fool now.

“I can explain.” Ethan quietly glanced at his phone. Although he looked calm, he was burning with rage inside. He was mad at his subordinate for ruining his perfect plan.

‘Damn it! What a stupid, useless man!

Why did he have to send a message about the painting now?’

“No need! I clearly saw everything. You had joined a few people and performed a drama to deceive me.

Janet sneered.

Ethan was startled.

He rubbed his brows and blew out a loud breath. He didn’t want to reveal his guilt.

Janet had caught him red-handed, and Ethan didn’t dare to deny it. He sat up and looked at her innocently. “Yes, that was a setup. It was a rented villa.”

Janet crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you think I’m a fool?” She was seething with rage.

She took a deep breath to control her rage. “What the hell were you thinking? Do you have too much money to spare? It was a stupid thing to do.”

“I just wanted you to be happy.” Ethan squatted in front of Janet and held her knees. “Don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry,” he said intently.

Janet shook her head and stood up, intending to leave.

Ethan grabbed her shoulders, and the two fell onto the sofa.

Janet’s face reddened with rage. She quickly grabbed her clothes in fear. Ethan’s dark eyes bore into hers; he looked frightening. “Do whatever you want, but please don’t ignore me.”

“You are crazy!” Janet shouted as she tried wriggling out of his hold. “Don’t touch me! You tried fooling me. What makes you think I’d listen to you?”

Before she could utter another word, Ethan wrapped her into a tight embrace.

His body trembled, for he couldn’t control his emotions anymore.

Ethan was an influential personality in the business world. People feared him. However, his voice broke when he spoke. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t do anything to you without your consent. I just want to talk to you. Can you please listen to me?”

He knew Janet was unhappy but didn’t know what to do to make her feel better.

“I just want you to know that I care about you a lot. If you don’t like what I just did, I’ll try something else next time. Anything for you. From now on, I will listen to your every word. A few days ago, when you told me about Brandon, I knew it was my fault that it appeared I didn’t care. Trust me when I say I do care about you. Scold me, beat me, do whatever you want to vent your anger, but please don’t ignore me. I’ve never been with anyone before, and we are newly married. This is all new to me. I’m bound to make mistakes. Correct me if I do something wrong, but don’t just turn your back to me. I want to be a better man — a better husband for you.”

Ethan stared into Janet’s eyes. Their faces were inches apart. The intensity of his gaze trapped Janet.

Ethan’s shaggy air gently brushed against her face, emanating a faint peppermint fragrance. The macho man now looked vulnerable in front of her. Janet could tell that he meant every word.