Chapter 167
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 167
Daisy’s POV:
I heard the front door open and quickly set aside my magazine,
smoothing my hair before Ethan could see me.
“Ethan! You’re home,” I called out, hurrying to the foyer.
He looked tired, his shoulders tense beneath his expensive coat.
Still, he managed a smile when he saw me.
“Let me help you with your coat,” I offered, reaching for the lapels.
Ethan stepped back abruptly, his hand clutching protectively at his
pocket.
“No, I’ve got it p>
I froze, my hands still outstretched. The sharpness in his voice
surprised me.
“Sorry,” he added, his tone softening. “ I just … I’ll keep it on for now p>
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I studied his face, noting the way his eyes darted away from mine.
Something’s different.
“Are you okay?” I asked, following him into the living room. “You
seem… distracted p>
“I’m fine, Daisy. Just tired.” He sank into the leather armchair, still
wearing his coat despite the warmth of the apartment.
I perched on the sofa across from him, choosing my words carefully.
“Did you… find anything new? About her p>
The question hung between us, delicate and dangerous.
Ethan’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
“A bit of progress,” he said vaguely, fiddling with his watch. “Nothing
definitive yet p>
“I could help, you know,” I offered, leaning forward. “I want to. After
everything the Coles have done for me… it’s the least I can do to
repay p>
“Daisy,” Ethan interrupted, his voice gentle but firm.
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“You don’t need to repay anything. This family is your family. Forever.
No conditions attached p>
I smiled, blinking back the tears that threatened to form.
“I need to shower and change,” Ethan said, standing up.
My eyes tracked to his coat pocket, where his hand had reflexively
checked something for the third time since he’d arrived.
Whatever he was hiding, it was important.
“Of course,” I nodded.
As soon as I heard the shower running, I slipped into Ethan’s
bedroom suite.
His coat hung neatly on the back of his desk chair.
My fingers trembled as I reached for the coat.
The expensive wool felt smooth under my touch as I carefully slipped
my hand into the inner pocket.
Something small – a plastic bag–met my fingertips.
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I pulled it out, holding it up to the light.
A single strand of hair.
My breath caught in my throat.
A hair sample? For DNA testing? Èthan’s progress wasn’t just a bit”
as he’d claimed–he was already collecting evidence.
And there was only one person this could belong to.
Audrey Lane.
The room seemed to tilt around me.
How did Ethan even get this? Did he already suspect that Audrey
might be his long–lost sister? The very thought made my stomach
twist into knots.
Audrey and I had been at odds from the moment we met.
If she turned out to be Ethan’s biological sister… if she came back to
claim her place in the Cole family p>
My hands began to shake more violently.
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I’d be cast aside. Everything I’d worked for, everything I’d sacrificed-
gone.
The Cole name, the inheritance, my position–all of it would go to
her. The real daughter.
In a moment of panic–fueled clarity, I pulled a strand of my hair,
wincing slightly at the sting.
With trembling fingers, I opened the tiny plastic bag, removed
Audrey’s hair, and replaced it with my own.
The evidence that could destroy my life disappeared between my
fingers as I quickly tucked it into my sleeve.
I had barely sealed the bag and slipped it back into Ethan’s coat
pocket when the bathroom door clicked open.
“What are you doing?” Ethan’s voice was ice.
I whirled around, heart pounding in my throat, forcing my features
into an expression of innocent surprise.
Ethan stood in the doorway, a towel wrapped around his waist, his
hair still dripping.
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“I–I was just hanging up your coat properly,” I stammered. “It looked
wrinkled p>
“Get out.” The coldness in his voice shocked me.
“Ethan, I-
“Now, Daisy p>
I backed away from the coat, tears welling in my eyes.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to p>
“Did you go through my pockets?” His voice was dangerously quiet.
“No! Of course not!” I protested, the lie bitter on my tongue.
He studied my face for a long moment, then moved to check his coat.
I watched as he reached into the inner pocket, relief washing over his
features when he found whatever he was looking for.
He carefully placed it under his pillow before turning back to me.
“I’m sorry I snapped,” he said finally. “But my bedroom is private. You
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know that p>
I nodded, wiping away a tear. “I really was just trying to help p>
Ethan’s expression softened. “I know. It’s been a stressful time for all
of us p>
“Will you at least watch a movie with me tonight?” I asked, seizing
the opportunity to change the subject.
“That new thriller everyone’s talking about is streaming now p>
He hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. Just give me a few minutes to get
dressed p>
In the darkness of the home theater, I stole glances at Ethan.
The film played before us–all explosions and car chases–but his
mind was clearly elsewhere.
His fingers drummed against the armrest.
When the credits finally rolled, I stretched and turned on the small
table lamp.
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“That was good, right p>
“Mmm,” Ethan murmured, his eyes distant. “Yeah, it was good p>
“You should get some rest,” he added, checking his watch.
“And I’ve been meaning to tell you – maybe you should head back to
Chicago for a while. Focus on your exams p>
I stiffened. “Why? Are you trying to get rid of me p>
“Of course not,” he said quickly. “I just thought p>
“I’ve already registered for a tutoring program here in New York,” I replied. “I’m not going anywhere, Ethan p>
Something flickered across his face. I couldn’t tell.
“Well, then,” he said, rising from his seat. “I should get some sleep.
Goodnight, Daisy p>
“Goodnight,” I replied, watching him leave.
As the door closed behind him, I let the smile slide from my face.
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I wouldn’t let anyone take my place.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.