27. A rest for Emma

Ethan Hamilton's expression softened as he reached out and gently ruffled Emma's hair, his touch surprisingly tender given the hard edge he usually carried. "Rest up, Emma," he said softly, his voice filled with a protective warmth that belied his usual cold demeanor. "I promise you, I'll get to the bottom of this. If someone is behind what happened to you, I'll find them. And when I do, I'll bring them to you, make sure they pay for what they've done."

As he spoke, something dark flickered in Ethan's eyes, a barely contained rage that radiated from him in waves. The room seemed to grow colder, the air heavier as an intense, almost tangible aura of menace filled the space. It was as if a switch had been flipped inside him, releasing the deadly assassin that lurked beneath his charming exterior.

Ethan Hamilton wasn't just anyone. He was the head of a powerful and secretive assassin organization, a man who had orchestrated and executed countless high-profile hits. His reputation was one of legend—feared even among seasoned warriors and soldiers. The kind of man who could make even the most hardened of veterans hesitate.

Emma felt the shift in the air immediately, a chill running down her spine. She knew her brother had a dark side, but she had never seen it so unrestrained, so raw. Even Shirley, who had been standing close by, couldn't hide her reaction. Her eyes widened in fear, her body instinctively recoiling as if she were witnessing something terrifying—something beyond her comprehension.

For a brief moment, it was as if the room was filled with shadows, the very presence of death itself looming over them. But then, as quickly as it had appeared, the oppressive aura vanished. Ethan blinked, his expression softening as he realized the effect he was having on those around him.

With an almost sheepish look, he quickly pulled back the dark energy, returning to the warm, protective brother Emma was more familiar with. "Sorry about that," he said with a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I didn't mean to scare anyone. I guess I've been in the field a bit too long."

He looked down at Emma, his eyes filled with regret. "But don't worry, little sister. I'll keep my promise. You just focus on getting better, okay?"

Emma nodded, though the memory of the chilling sensation still lingered. She had always known her brother was involved in dangerous things, but this was the first time she truly understood just how formidable he was. And despite the fear, there was also a sense of comfort in knowing that someone as powerful as Ethan was on her side.

As Ethan Hamilton turned to leave Emma's hospital room, she hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Ethan, wait…" Her voice was soft, but there was an edge of curiosity and something else—an emotion she couldn't quite place.

Ethan paused at the doorway, glancing back at his sister. "What is it, Emma?"

She shifted slightly in her bed, the memory of the person who had saved her still vivid in her mind. "The person who saved me earlier… was that your doing? Is that person one of your people?"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ethan's mouth. He stepped back into the room, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Yes, that was one of my people,named Shadow. I didn't want to worry you, so I had them watching over you from the shadows. I had a feeling something wasn't right, and it seems I was correct."

Emma nodded slowly, digesting this information. It made sense now—the way she had felt an unexplainable sense of safety even when she had been in danger. But there was something else nagging at her, something familiar about the person who had come to her aid.

"Ethan," she began, her brow furrowing in thought, "for some reason… that person felt familiar. Like I've seen them before."

Ethan chuckled lightly, his expression turning playful. "Well, I'm not surprised. You probably have seen them before, though you might not have realized it at the time."

Emma tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"

Ethan crossed his arms, leaning casually against the wall. "Remember the times when I came back home for a visit, and I had someone with me? A tall, quiet figure who never spoke much?"

Emma's eyes widened slightly as she recalled the vague memories. She had seen someone with Ethan on those rare occasions when he returned home, someone who had always seemed to blend into the background, barely noticeable. It had been so subtle that she hadn't paid much attention, dismissing them as just another one of Ethan's many associates.

"That was them?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

Ethan nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "Yes, that was the same person. My most trusted lieutenant, the one who's been keeping an eye on you from the very beginning. I figured it would be better if you didn't know, just in case. But I guess the cat's out of the bag now."

Emma's mind raced as the pieces fell into place. The familiarity, the quiet presence that had always seemed just out of reach—it all made sense now. She looked up at Ethan, a mix of emotions in her eyes. "I can't believe I didn't realize it sooner."

Ethan's smile softened into something more genuine, a rare glimpse of the brotherly affection he often kept hidden. "It's not your fault. They're good at what they do—staying unnoticed, blending in. But now you know. And now, you also know that I've always had your back, even when you didn't see it."

Emma's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper, an emotion that made her feel both safe and vulnerable. She reached out, taking Ethan's hand in hers. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."

Ethan squeezed her hand gently, his expression turning serious again. "Just focus on getting better, Emma. Let me handle the rest. And don't worry, you're in good hands."

He gave her one last reassuring smile before pulling his hand away. As he turned to leave the room, he paused in the doorway, throwing a final comment over his shoulder. "And don't be too surprised if you keep feeling those familiar eyes on you. My lieutenant takes their job very seriously."

Emma couldn't help but smile at that, a sense of warmth spreading through her despite the circumstances. "I'll keep that in mind."

Ethan nodded, satisfied, and finally stepped out of the room, leaving Emma to her thoughts. As the door clicked shut behind him, she settled back against her pillows, her mind swirling with everything that had happened. The shock of the accident, the sudden revelation about her brother's secret protector, and the realization that she had been watched over all this time—it was a lot to take in.

But beneath the layers of confusion and worry, there was a deep sense of comfort. Ethan had always been the protective one, the brother who made sure everyone was safe, even if it meant going to extreme lengths. Knowing that he had been watching over her all along, even in ways she hadn't been aware of, brought her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.

And now, as she drifted off to sleep, she found herself wondering more about the mysterious lieutenant, the person who had saved her life without a word, without hesitation. The familiarity she felt wasn't just from those brief encounters in the past—it was something deeper, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. But for now, she would rest, trusting in Ethan's promise that she was safe.

As she closed her eyes, a single thought lingered in her mind: "Whoever they are, I'm glad they're on my side."