The name Ethan Bond will be everywhere

The atmosphere was strangely awkward as Ethan stepped out of Rhea's room. Julia, Augustine, and Rhea were all clearly trying not to look at each other. Rhea was blushing and fidgeting, Augustine kept clearing his throat, and Julia looked suspiciously amused.

Maids and butlers walking through the hallway exchanged puzzled glances.

"What's with the weird tension?"

"No idea. Maybe Lady Rhea had an argument with them?"

"Or maybe it's that handsome boy. He gives off the main character energy…"

Before Ethan could take his leave, Julia called after him.

"Ethan, won't you stay for dinner?"

He smiled, a little hesitant. "I really shouldn't trouble—"

"You have to stay for dinner," Augustine added firmly. 

Ethan eventually nodded. "Alright. Just for a bit."

The dining table was soon set with an impressive spread. Roast duck, creamy garlic potatoes, grilled vegetables, fresh bread, and a selection of sauces and wine. The servants moved quickly and quietly, preparing everything with practiced efficiency.

Just as everyone was settling down, the main hallway doors opened.

Three people entered the room.

Leading them was a tall man in his early 40s with sharp features and light gray eyes. He wore a dark velvet jacket over a silk inner shirt. His name was Damon Marclaire—Augustine's younger brother.

Beside him, a poised woman in a plum-colored gown walked with effortless grace. Her sleek black hair was tied in a bun, her expression cool but courteous. She was Claris Marclaire, Damon's wife.

Trailing behind them was a young man about Ethan and Rhea's age, dressed in a cream turtleneck and high-end slacks. His tousled brown hair and striking light green eyes gave him a fresh, refined look. He carried himself confidently—but his gaze lingered far too long on Rhea.

This was Luther Marclaire, their son.

"Damon. Claris. Luther," Julia greeted warmly. "Perfect timing. Come, join us."

Augustine stood and gestured to the table. "Dinner's just begun."

The three of them took their seats, with Luther choosing the spot directly beside Rhea.

He leaned toward her with a soft smile.

"Rhea, are you feeling okay?"

Rhea blinked. "I'm fine. Just a headache."

"You should've called me. I could've brought that strawberry mousse, you like it so much."

He then began scooping vegetables onto her plate without asking.

"You still don't like green beans, right? Here, have more of the carrots instead."

Rhea frowned slightly. "Why are you acting like we haven't spoken in years?"

Luther laughed. "Well, it has been three years since that family trip. I thought I should make up for lost time."

Across the table, Damon Marclaire looked toward Ethan with interest.

"And who is this young man? You all seem very fond of him."

Ethan rose slightly from his seat and offered a respectful nod. "Ethan Bond. I'm a friend of Rhea's."

"Bond?" Damon echoed, tilting his head. "That's an unusual surname."

Before Ethan could answer, Julia smiled and stepped in.

"He's the one who saved us during the assassination attempt last week."

Claris's calm expression shifted into faint surprise.

"This young man? Really?"

"He doesn't look like someone who's been in life-or-death situations," Damon added, not mockingly, but with genuine disbelief.

Julia chuckled. "Don't be fooled by his looks. Ethan's more capable than he appears."

The table chuckled, except Luther, who looked slightly annoyed.

"I don't think I've ever heard you praise someone so openly, Aunt Julia," Luther said, sipping his wine.

"Well," Julia replied smoothly, "some people earn it."

Luther coughed a little, he was clearly irked by it.

Ethan simply smiled, though inwardly, his thoughts were shifting.

Strange. In the original novel, Rhea only had grandparents. No mention of uncles, aunts, or cousins. These three never appeared—not even once.

He glanced at Luther again—still busy pouring juice for Rhea.

Something didn't add up.

Dinner continued with gentle chatter and clinking cutlery, but it wasn't long before the attention shifted again.

Both Damon and his wife Claris Marclaire turned toward Ethan, their expressions now warmer.

"Thank you, young man," Damon said with a respectful nod. "For protecting Julia and Augustine. We owe you more than a meal."

Claris smiled politely. "Yes. That must've been terrifying. But I'm glad they had someone capable nearby."

Ethan responded with a calm nod. "I'm glad I was there when it mattered."

As the adults continued, Luther still hadn't taken his eyes or attention off Rhea. He kept asking her things in a soft, persistent tone.

"You've been eating well, right? You're not skipping meals like before? And what about your sleep? You used to stay up too late reading those mystery novels—"

"Luther," Rhea interrupted, half-smiling but clearly annoyed.

Luther laughed. "Okay, I will stop."

But Rhea turned slightly toward Ethan, eyes shining.

"Not just that, Aunt. He's also the one who exposed that professor at the university. The one who was harassing students."

Julia and Augustine nodded in agreement.

Claris blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"He's the reason that man's finally in jail," Rhea added proudly. "It's all because of him."

Damon raised an eyebrow.

It wasn't just the praise,but the tone.

Rhea, someone known for being guarded even among her relatives, was openly praising Ethan. Her voice was warm. Familiar. Comfortable.

Luther's smile faded slightly. He lowered his fork, expression tightening just for a moment.

Claris, ever graceful, leaned forward with polite curiosity.

"So, Ethan… what about your family? Where do they live? What do they do?"

Ethan gave a modest smile. "My family lives quite far from here. Quiet people."

"I see," Claris said. "And you live alone?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes. Villa-069."

Rhea glanced at him. "He's actually our neighbor."

Damon suddenly looked up. "Villa-069?"

"That's…" Claris trailed off. "That villa's one of the most expensive properties in Elowen Crest."

Damon adjusted his posture slightly. "Impressive."

"This boy is full of surprises," Claris said, half-laughing.

Damon's eyes narrowed a bit, curiosity sharpened. "Forgive me asking,but what does your family do, Ethan? You must be quite well-off to own that place."

Ethan's smile turned a little more mysterious.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you just yet, sir," he said softly. "But maybe… in the future, you won't need to ask. Because the name Ethan Bond will be one you hear everywhere."

The entire table paused.

Even Julia and Augustine looked mildly surprised.

Claris chuckled. "Confident, aren't you?"

Damon gave a small, thoughtful nod.

Rhea just looked at him and smiled.

Dinner concluded shortly after. As the dishes were cleared away and everyone moved to the lounge, Ethan excused himself.

"I should be heading out. Thank you for the meal."

Julia nodded. "Come again anytime."

Augustine offered a handshake. "Our doors are always open."

Rhea walked with him to the front porch, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Thanks again… for everything."

Ethan smiled. "We're not done yet."

Rhea blushed a little. She knew he was talking about the massage.

As he stepped out under the moonlit sky, the fresh evening air cooled the lingering heat from earlier.

He walked along the quiet road outside the estate, hands in pockets, thoughts drifting.

Progress with Rhea… better than expected.

But still…

His eyes narrowed slightly.

That family. Damon, Claris, Luther… they never appeared in the original novel. Not once. Not even after Rhea's parents died. Not when her company was falling apart. Not even in the funeral chapters.

It's like they didn't exist or were hiding something.

He exhaled slowly.

Which means either they died before it all happened… or they were part of the reason the Marclaire family fell.

Either way, Ethan wasn't letting his guard down.

And then, his thoughts shifted.

Serena.

If there are answers about her, I need to go back—to the city where it all began.

He glanced up at the night sky.

If there's a past no one wants uncovered… then that's exactly where I'm headed.