Charles_Goo

Emma Hamilton is born into one of the most powerful families in the country. With a grandfather who was a founding marshal, a father who is a business tycoon, and brothers who are leaders in the military, politics, the underworld, and more, she seems destined for a life of privilege and power. But her life takes a dark turn when a malicious stepmother and a conniving imposter throw her out of her own home. Despite her desperate attempts to prove her identity, she is met with disdain and rejection.

Heartbroken and betrayed, she leaves, vowing to never look back. Yet, as she distances herself from the family that discarded her, she unexpectedly discovers their longing for her return. Each of her powerful brothers, who once seemed indifferent, now plead for her forgiveness and beg her to come back. But Emma, who has learned the value of self-worth and resilience, must decide whether to forgive those who wronged her or carve out a new path on her own.

Pampered by six brother: A sudden change life

The conversation then shifted, and Emma, her curiosity piqued, asked, "What about the Twilight Alliance? How's it been developing? I've heard things, but honestly, I have no clear idea of its scale or what it really entails."

Ethan met her gaze, his expression becoming more serious. "The Alliance has grown a lot," he began, choosing his words carefully. "But it's enough to protect the people I need to protect."

There was a quiet intensity in his voice, one that made Shirley glance between the two of them with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She had always sensed that Ethan's world was one of shadows and secrets, but hearing him speak so frankly, even in such measured tones, was something else entirely.

Emma seemed to understand, nodding slowly. "That's all that matters," she said softly, her eyes reflecting the depth of their shared history and the unspoken understanding between them.

Ethan's expression softened as he looked at her, appreciating how much she grasped without needing him to explain. "Exactly," he replied. Then, as if sensing the gravity of the moment, he switched gears slightly, his tone lightening. "But enough about me. What about you two? I want to hear more about what you've been up to."

Shirley, sensing the shift, jumped in with a story about one of their recent adventures, and soon the table was filled with laughter once again.

As the night wore on, the warmth of their reunion overshadowed the dangers lurking in the shadows. For a brief moment, Ethan allowed himself to simply enjoy the company of his sister and her friend, putting aside the burdens of his world. But even as they laughed and talked, he couldn't completely silence the part of his mind that was always calculating, always preparing for what might come next.

When the evening finally drew to a close, Ethan escorted them back to the car, making sure they were safely on their way home. As the car drove off, he stood there for a moment, the smile from earlier fading as his thoughts returned to the threats that still loomed.

He knew that he couldn't let his guard down—not for a second. There was too much at stake, and the world he operated in didn't allow for any mistakes. As he got into his own car, his phone buzzed with an update from his operatives.

"Sir, we've established contact with the false heiress. Surveillance is ongoing. No significant leads yet, but we're closing in."

Ethan nodded, his expression hardening. "Good. Keep me informed. I want to know the moment you have something concrete."

With that, he ended the call and leaned back in his seat, his mind already strategizing the next move. The evening had been a brief respite, but now it was time to return to the reality of his world—a world where trust was scarce, and danger was always just a step away.

34. Enough to protect Emma