CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN - TENSE ENCOUNTERS

He nodded, crossing the room to pull her into a tight embrace. "I've got your back," he murmured into her hair. "No matter what happens." A sharp knock at the door made them both jump. Claire took a deep breath, steeling herself. This was it. Mason moved to answer the door, positioning himself protectively in front of Claire. As it swung open, they found themselves face to face with Ethan Blackwell. He was younger than Claire had expected, probably in his early thirties. His dark hair was unkempt, and there were deep shadows under his eyes. But what struck Claire most was the intensity of his gaze – a mixture of anger, resentment, and something else she couldn't quite place. "Mr. and Mrs. Steele," he said, his voice eerily calm. "How kind of you to invite me over." Mason's jaw clenched. "Cut the pleasantries, Blackwell. We're here to end this. Whatever grievance you think you have against us-" "Grievance?" Ethan interrupted, a bitter laugh escaping him. "Oh, it's so much more tha