Chapter 77: The Return Home

After weeks of therapy, playdates, and shared moments of healing, Ethan, Olivia, and their family were finally ready to head back home. They knew the journey wouldn't be easy. Their return would stir trouble, especially with Patrick, Martha, and Jenna still pulling strings behind the scenes. But this time, they had a plan, and they were determined to take back what was rightfully theirs.

Ethan had lost a significant amount of weight during his recovery, and his once strong, imposing frame had slimmed down. In a way, it worked to their advantage. His new appearance, along with casual outfits, a cap, and a mask, made it easy for him to remain anonymous in public. He looked almost like a teenager, and anyone who glanced his way would never think he was the man who had built an empire from scratch.

"Are you sure about this?" Olivia asked as they packed up the last of their bags at the hotel. She could sense the tension in Ethan's eyes, though he masked it well.

Ethan adjusted his baseball cap in the mirror and nodded. "It's the best way to lure Patrick out. If he thinks I'm still gone or powerless, he'll make a move. We need to let him believe that for a little longer."

Olivia bit her lip. "I just hate the idea of you hiding like this."

"I'd rather be hidden for now than lose you both again," Ethan said, his voice firm but gentle. "Once we get back, we'll take our time. We'll be smart about it. We need to know exactly what Patrick and the others are planning before we strike."

Olivia sighed, walking over to him and adjusting the collar of his jacket. "Okay. But you promise to stay safe?"

Ethan smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Always."

They gathered their things, with Linda taking Eva by the hand and Alex and Emma close behind. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they headed to the airport.

As they arrived at the airport, Olivia felt a strange sense of dread settling in her chest. Something didn't feel right. She couldn't put her finger on it, but the hairs on the back of her neck prickled as they moved through the bustling crowds.

"Stay close," she whispered to Eva, who was skipping beside her, oblivious to the tension in the air.

Ethan, walking a few steps behind with his mask and cap firmly in place, kept a close eye on his family. His instincts were on high alert. He knew better than anyone that people like Jenna and Martha wouldn't take their return lightly.

As they neared the security checkpoint, Olivia suddenly stopped in her tracks. Standing near the entrance, with a smug smile and cold eyes, was Jenna.

Jenna hadn't changed much. She still exuded an air of superiority, dressed in a designer coat and heels, her blonde hair perfectly styled. But there was a darkness in her expression, a sneer that made Olivia's stomach churn.

"Olivia," Jenna called out, her voice dripping with mock sweetness as she approached.

Olivia tightened her grip on Eva's hand and glanced at Ethan. He gave her a subtle nod from beneath his cap, urging her to stay calm. He slowly stepped forward, ready to intervene if necessary.

"Well, well," Jenna continued, her eyes darting between Olivia and the child at her side. "I see you've returned. Thought you could hide forever?"

"Get out of our way, Jenna," Olivia said, her voice steady but cold.

Jenna's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I just came to give you a little warning. Things have changed since you left, darling. If you think you can just waltz back into your old life, you're in for a rude awakening."

Before Olivia could respond, Ethan stepped in between them, his face still concealed by his mask and cap. Jenna's eyes widened slightly as she looked up at him, trying to figure out who he was.

"This isn't the time, Jenna," Ethan growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Leave."

Jenna narrowed her eyes, studying him for a moment longer. Something about his stance, the way he protected Olivia and Eva, sent a chill down her spine. She didn't recognize him, but there was something familiar in his presence. Something that made her uneasy.

With a huff, Jenna backed away, but not without throwing one last warning over her shoulder. "You'll regret coming back, Olivia. I'll make sure of it."

As she disappeared into the crowd, Olivia let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"She's just trying to scare us," he said softly.

"I know," Olivia replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we won't back down."