CHAPTER EIGHT

Hours Before Lauren Made Shocking Announcement In Court.....

"Granny Rosa, you need to travel to China for now," Lauren said quietly.

Granny Rosa's eyes widened. "Why?"

"Because the moment I publicly reveal that I’m Ethan’s wife, my life could be in danger. He has too many enemies."

Granny Rosa blinked. "You’re really going to claim him as your husband?"

Lauren reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring. "I’m going to wear this in court today. In front of everyone—including my enemies."

Granny Rosa gasped. "But what about the baby? What if Ethan finds out?"

"Then so be it. I’ve got nothing to lose. If Ethan walks away, Caleb Monroe will take me in. But right now, I need to stay close to Ethan—because that’s the only way to hurt Madeline for what she did to me. I’ll take back what’s mine. And before I’m done, I’ll ruin everything she’s built."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"With power. Whether it’s Ethan’s or Caleb’s—whoever gives me the strength to finish this. Once it’s over, I’ll divorce Ethan and be with Caleb."

Granny Rosa’s voice shook. "And what will you tell Caleb?"

Lauren looked her in the eyes. "The truth—that I’m using Ethan to take down Madeline."

Granny Rosa began to cry. "I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I never should’ve convinced you to leave Los Angeles."

Lauren held her hand. "We’ll take back everything, Granny. What was stolen from us—we're getting it all back."

***

After Lauren's Court Drama....

Madeline hurled the glass across the floor, shattering it with a deafening crash.

"Aaaaaargh! How dare she!" she screamed, her chest rising with rage. The last thing she expected was for Lauren to pull such a bold move.

Edith Penrose stood by the window, watching through the blinds with a calm smirk.

"I never thought you were the type to give up so easily, Madeline."

Madeline spun toward her, eyes blazing. "What do you want me to do, Edith? I’ve tried everything! Every damn thing!" She pointed toward the door. "Get out of my room!"

Edith turned slowly, unfazed. "Lauren Lancaster is pregnant."

Madeline froze. "You’ve got to be kidding me."

Edith stepped closer. "She’s been visiting a hospital down the hill. Our informant—a nurse we paid—confirmed she’s three months along."

A sly grin curved Madeline’s lips. "Now this is getting interesting."

Edith folded her arms. "The problem is… she slept with both of them the same night. If it’s Ethan’s child, the marriage holds more weight. But if it’s Caleb’s… she’s exposed. Either way, you win if you move smart."

Madeline’s eyes narrowed. "What exactly should I do?"

"Act defeated. Let her think she’s won. Then send her anonymous letters—threatening to expose the baby’s paternity. Her next move will give you your answer."

Madeline blinked in surprise. "Why are you so damn smart, Edith?"

Edith smirked. "Because you need me more than you know."

***

Madeline was reviewing sales reports when her intercom buzzed.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Ethan Whitmore is here to see you."

Her heart skipped. She knew why he was here—it had to be about what happened to Lauren’s company. Or maybe… something worse.

She adjusted her blouse, straightened her hair, and tried to collect herself. But when Ethan stepped inside, all composure slipped.

He didn’t look angry. Not at all. He looked calm—almost amused. His eyes swept the room, and he nodded approvingly.

"Nice office you’ve got here."

She stood, trying to read him. "Why are you here, Ethan?"

He grinned. "That’s not how you greet your high school crush, is it?" His voice was warm, teasing. The smile on his face was dangerously charming.

She swallowed. "Ethan, I’ll do anything. Just give me a chance. I’ll give you everything my father owns—every company, every share..."

He cut her off, smiling darkly. "Even your life?"

She stiffened.

He walked slowly around the room, fingers trailing across her desk, her awards, her framed photo with her father. Then he stopped.

"I could do what I did nine years ago all over again... or something worse."

Madeline blinked. "Nine years ago? What are you talking about?"

He turned to face her fully, that maddening grin still on his lips.

"West High. Your suspension. Who do you think made it happen?"

Her lips parted in shock. "No… You? You planted the exam papers?"

Ethan stepped closer, lightly touching her chin.

"You bullied Lauren. Humiliated her. That day behind the old building, you made her cry while your little circus watched. I watched too. You thought you were untouchable."

"So you set me up?"

"Call it justice," he whispered. "You learned from the best, Madeline. Don’t act so surprised."

She slapped his hand away, breathing heavily. "How could you?"

"You made a mistake back then. And now you’ve made a bigger one—going after Lauren again." His tone dropped, suddenly ice cold. "Let’s see what kind of ending you earn this time."

Then he turned and walked out, leaving Madeline trembling in her designer heels.

Flashback — West High, Los Angeles, years ago

The sun was low behind the old school building, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement.

Madeline Carter stood with two girls from her clique, laughing cruelly.

Lauren was on her knees, desperately gathering scattered notebooks and papers. Two other girls stood nearby, wiping tears from their cheeks.

Madeline sneered.

“You really think Ethan cares about you? He’s never looked at anyone like you.”

One of her friends shoved Lauren’s shoulder. Lauren stumbled but didn’t fall.

Lauren whispered, “Please… just leave me alone.”

Madeline smiled coldly.

“Why? So you can cry more? You’re weak.”

From behind a rusty fence near the janitor’s shed, Ethan Whitmore’s eyes burned with fury. He clenched his fists but stayed hidden, watching every cruel word and shove.

He knew he had to do something.

Later that day, when the halls emptied and the classrooms were silent, Ethan crept quietly to the principal’s office.

The door was unlocked — just as he remembered from earlier.

Inside, on the desk, lay the sealed envelope of exam questions — the ones no student was supposed to see until the test day.

Ethan’s fingers trembled slightly as he grabbed the envelope.

He moved swiftly but carefully, retracing his steps through the dim hallways until he reached Madeline’s locker.

With practiced ease, he slipped the exam envelope inside.

He stepped back into the shadows, watching the locker as if it might explode.

Satisfied, Ethan slipped away before anyone could notice.

***

“I can help you get your revenge! You don’t have to stay in Ethan’s house! You don’t have to!” Caleb’s voice cracked with desperation. “I have the money, the resources — I can help you build a bigger organization!”

Lauren shook her head, tears welling up. “Madeline Carter did this to me because of Ethan. I promise, I’ll come back to you as soon as I’m done.”

Caleb’s eyes shone with pain. “If I lose you, Lauren… I don’t know what I’d do with my life.”

She pulled him into a tight hug. “You just have to trust me, Caleb.”

He watched silently as her car pulled away.

Granny Rosa had already traveled somewhere, leaving the house empty and cold.

Caleb’s world felt hollow. Ethan had taken away his peace, his future. Now, Caleb was ready to hit back — harder than ever.

***

As if Ethan’s staff had been expecting her, they opened the doors without hesitation.

Her heart hammered in her chest.

Ethan greeted her with a warm smile and pulled her into a quick hug. “Welcome back, my dear wife. You have nothing to worry about. I won’t invade your privacy.” He helped her carry her suitcase upstairs.

“I heard Granny Rosa traveled,” he said casually. “France? Africa?”

Lauren gave a faint smile. “That’s a secret.”

Her eyes flickered to the bed.

Were they going to share it again? “Is this my bed now?”

“Our bed, you mean. I promise I won’t touch you without your consent.”

She met his gaze steadily. “Why are you so obsessed with me, Ethan? Do you want something from me by claiming I’m your wife?”

Just then, his phone rang. He answered, listening intently, eyes never leaving her.

“What is it?”

“A caller said you came back just to use me as a tool — to get revenge on Madeline and reclaim what’s yours. Is that true?”