THE HIDDEN HEIR

CHAPTER 18:Vanessa Breaks down

Meanwhile, Vanessa sat alone in her dorm room crying quietly.

Social media had exploded with rumors about Ethan.

Some claimed he was secretly the son of a billionaire. Others believed he owned half the city already.

Every post made Vanessa’s regret worse.

Then suddenly—

Someone knocked on her door.

She opened it slowly.

And froze.

Ethan stood outside calmly in a black suit.

Vanessa’s eyes instantly filled with tears.

“Ethan…”

For several seconds, neither spoke.

Then Ethan finally handed her an envelope.

“What’s this?” she asked shakily.

“Open it.”

Vanessa slowly opened the envelope.

Inside was a bank check.

For fifty thousand dollars.

Her hands trembled violently.

“Why are you giving me this?”

Ethan’s voice remained calm.

“You once stayed beside me when I had nothing.”

Vanessa immediately burst into tears.

“Ethan, I made a mistake…”

Ethan looked at her silently.

“You didn’t make a mistake,” he replied softly.

“You made a choice.”

Those words hurt far more than anger ever could.

Vanessa grabbed his arm desperately.

“Please… can we start over?”

Ethan slowly removed her hand.

Then he smiled sadly.

“The version of me that loved you died the day you humiliated him in front of everyone.”

Vanessa completely broke down.

And this time—

Ethan walked away without looking back.