Ethan’s POV
I showed up twenty minutes late on purpose. After leaving Amara in that parking garage, the last thing I wanted was to spend the evening watching my mother show off Lila Vancrest like some prized possession.
Right then, I didn't care. The whole drive to the restaurant, I could only think about one person: Amara.
The hostess led me into the private dining room. I stepped inside. The conversation stopped. Silence settled in the room instantly.
Fantastic.
My mother sat at the center of the table beside my father; across from them were the Vancrests.
Richard Vancrest. Katherine Vancrest. Lila. Liam was notably absent. He already knows how I feel about this farce.
The Vancrests, with their usual polished smiles and their expensive costumes. "Finally," my mother said. "You've
