Chapter 48

I tried to convey a sense of serenity that I didn't feel as the elevator doors opened and I entered Monroe Enterprises' busy office. With calls to make and meetings to get ready for, the morning had begun in a fog, but Emily kept coming back to me. I wasn't telling her everything, and I was beginning to feel the weight of that restriction. However, I couldn't take the chance that she would become embroiled in Victor's or the FBI's inquiry. That problem didn't need to involve her.

Ben stopped me as I got closer to my office, a look of frustration fixed on his face.

"You can't continue acting like everything's normal, Ethan," he stated in a low but anxious voice.

I pretended not to understand and arched an eyebrow. "Ben, what do you mean? We need to negotiate deals and attend meetings today. That sounds like a regular day to me."

He crossed his arms and sighed in frustration. "Ethan, don't play games. It's pulling you in too many different directions. How long do you think you can continue this until something breaks, given Victor's demands, the FBI's breathing down our necks, and whatever you're doing with Emily?"

I brushed by him, clenching my jaw. "Ben, nothing will break. Everything is under my control."

Ben's voice rose as he followed me. "You believe you have everything under control, but you are deceiving everyone, including Emily. She is entitled to the truth."

I felt my patience waining, so I paused and faced him. "What Emily can manage is the issue here, not what she deserves. She doesn't have to be involved in this."

Jack came into the room before Ben could reply, his face unreadable. "We need to talk, Ethan."

I made an effort to speak steadily. "Jack, what's this about?"

Jack took a step forward me and stared at me. "It has to do with my role. I've taken up Emily's case as her legal counsel."

My chest constricted, and I tried to sound calm. "You're our family lawyer, Jack. You're supposed to be representing both of us."

Jack's expression didn't change. "I am now her representative. I don't think you understand the situation you're placing her in, Ethan. She's in the dark about too many things, and that makes her vulnerable."

Ben jumped right in, his anger exploding. "Jack is correct. Emily is trapped with us in this chaos, and she has no idea what's happening."

I felt the tension building as I ran a hand through my hair. "Look, I understand how tough this is, but I'm not bringing her into it. I'm keeping her at a distance to protect her."

Jack shook his head in a disapproving tone. "Ethan, keeping her at a distance won't keep her safe. Whether she realizes it or not, she will be directly in the line of fire if things with Victor go out of hand."

I tightened my teeth and muttered as my eyes hardened. "Jack, I've made my decision. I don't need you to get involved."

Jack's face became expressionless. "You are just making things more difficult for everyone if you reject my legal advise. Whether you like it or not, I'm here to keep you both safe."

Ben tried to diffuse the situation by placing a hand on my shoulder. "Jack has a point, Ethan. Perhaps it's time to begin being more transparent. It will only get worse if Emily learns on her own."

The phone on my desk rang before I could answer, breaking the tension. When I noticed the number flashing on the screen, the same sense of fear descended upon me. I knew who it was without having to look twice.

Victor.

Jack looked between us, his brow furrowing in perplexity, while Ben's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the caller.

"Ethan, will you respond to that?" Jack inquired in a dubious tone.

I paused and looked at Ben, who nodded slightly and advised me to proceed with caution. I picked up the receiver and cleared my throat.

I replied in a bland tone, "Ethan Monroe."

"Ethan," Victor's voice was silky, yet it had a tinge of dread that made me shudder. "I hope I'm not disturbing anything crucial."

"Not at all," I answered, maintaining a calm tone despite my racing heart. "How may I help you?"

After a moment, Victor answered, "I wanted to discuss our arrangement," and I could almost hear the smirk in his voice. "I assume you haven't forgotten about our little agreement?"

I felt Jack and Ben's eyes on me, listening to everything I said, and my jaw tightened. "Obviously not," I replied firmly. "I have everything under control."

"Good," Victor muttered, his tone beginning to take on a hint of darkness. "I would like not to be let down. Ethan, make sure you fulfill your half of the agreement, and there won't be any issues."

I put the phone down as the line died and felt the anxiety fall heavily on my shoulders. I looked at Ben, and he gave me a very telling look. But it was impossible to read Jack's expression.

"Who was that?" Jack's brows narrowed as he glanced between Ben and me, his tone fierce.

I tried to brush it off with a shrug. "Just a business call. Nothing significant."

Jack, however, wasn't persuaded. He crossed his arms and his eyes hardened. "Ethan, I hope you're telling the truth. I need to know whether you're involved in anything risky. I can't defend you as your attorney if you don't tell me anything."

Ben moved uneasily next to me, obviously attempting to hide something from me, but Jack's suspicions persisted.

"Ethan," Jack demanded in a stern tone. "What are you actually up to?"

I paused, sensing the walls enclosing me. "I assured you, Jack-everything is under control. I don't need you to get involved in my affairs.

Jack's face grew serious, and he sighed quietly. "Ethan, if that's how you want to play it, then fine. Secrets, however, have a way of coming back to haunt you, believe me."

Ben and I were left alone in the dense silence as he turned and walked out of the office. Ben exhaled deeply and wiped his face.

Ben whispered, "You're pushing your luck, Ethan," in a worried tone. "How much longer do you think you can continue doing this? Victor will not wait indefinitely."

With everything bearing down on me, I slumped against the desk. "I'm not sure, Ben. However, I'll manage it and. I have no other option."

Ben's expression was one of frustration as he shook his head. "You're going to have to inform Emily eventually, Ethan. She should be aware of her challenges."

I turned my head away, reluctant to accept the veracity of what he was saying. "When the time is appropriate, I will inform her."