Chapter 35: Confrontation at the Charity Gala
(Ethan's POV)
The obsidian ashtray on my desk was overflowing with cigarette butts.
I rarely smoked, yet today I'd gone through nearly a pack. The bitter taste lingered in my mouth, but it did nothing to ease the turmoil in my mind.
Hector Grayson's words echoed relentlessly: "I'm going to have her."
My fingers crushed another cigarette, amber eyes flashing with barely contained rage. No one would take Samantha from me. No one.
James Quinn entered my executive suite, his expression neutral as always. He discreetly wrinkled his nose at the smoke-filled air but made no comment.
"Clear my schedule for the next seven days," I ordered, not bothering to look up. "I need time away with my wife."
"A retreat, sir?" James asked, already t
