The sudden shift in the Winters relatives’ attitudes finally lifted the long-held gloom in Victoria Hayes’ heart. For once in her life, Ethan Blake had made her proud.
“Ethan has always been close friends with Marcus Collins, the wealthiest man in Crown City. He just prefers to stay low-key, not one to flaunt his connections. At home, he’s always been obedient to me…”
It was rare for Victoria to praise Ethan, but in the ears of the Winters relatives, her words sounded oddly sharp.
Outside the private room, Marcus spoke earnestly. “Mr. Blake, I had planned to call you later tonight, but I didn’t expect to meet you here. There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
“Mr. Collins, please—just call me Ethan. What is it?”
Marcus leaned forward. “My wife and daughter both have troubling health
