Chapter 203 PAYBACK

Ethan rushed to Claire's side, relief washing over him as he saw she was unharmed. "Claire, are you okay?" he asked, helping her to her feet and helping her loosen the shackles on her hands and feet. Claire nodded, still shaken. "Y-yes, I'm fine. But Stan...he was going to... " Ethan's expression darkened as he gazed at Stan's unconscious form. "He's not going to hurt you again," he promised, his voice firm. "Is he unconscious?" Claire asked as she tried to get up. Ethan's expression darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "He used you, Claire. He manipulated you because he knew you trusted him." Claire's tears spilled over, and Ethan pulled her into a gentle embrace. "I'm so sorry, Claire. I should have seen the signs. I should have protected you from him." Claire shook her head, her voice muffled against his chest. "No, Ethan. This isn't your fault. I was blind to his true nature. I shouldn't have trusted him." Ethan's grip on her tightened, his voice filled with determination. "