CHAPTER 112 UNEXPECTED VISIT

He continued. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Ethan poured himself a generous amount of whiskey, the golden liquid glinting in the sunlight streaming through the office windows. He took a long sip, feeling the burn of the alcohol against his throat, a welcome distraction from Madeline’s presence. “So,” he continued, turning to face her. “What brings you here? Another attempt to persuade me to take you back, I assume?” His tone was dry, his expression guarded. Madeline, unfazed by his aloofness, leaned forward in her seat, her eyes fixed on him. Madeline regarded Ethan like a predator sizing up its prey, her eyes unwavering. “I have something important to tell you,” she said, her voice low and deliberate. “Something that’s going to change everything between us.” Ethan felt a prickle of unease in his gut, like a warning siren sounding in the distance. He studied Madeline’s face, looking for clues, but her expression was as impenetrable as ever. “Well,” he drawled, “I’m al