The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 135 You're Really Heartless

Brenna stared at the screen, waiting for Ellie's response. When the message finally came, it was brief but loaded

with emotion.

"Not now. I don't want to see him. If my son didn't keep asking about his father, I would've erased him from my memory completely."

Staring at those lines on the screen, Brenna fell into deep thought, pondering how she could help her friend through this tough time.

So absorbed was she in her reflection that she didn't notice Ethan's shadow creeping closer, his eyes darting to

her screen with calculated intent.

Seizing the opportunity, Ethan discreetly captured a photo of Brenna's phone screen and forwarded it to Jayceon, his fingers moving with barely contained excitement.

The revelation was staggering-Ellie had had a child with Jayceon. From the conversation, he estimated the boy

to be about five.

But something didn't sit right. Jayceon had been desperately searching for Ellie for seven years, which meant

the boy should be at least six.

Ethan's phone immediately erupted with Jayceon's frantic responses. "Who are you with?"

"Whose phone is this?"

"Is this message from Ellie?"

"Tell me, please. Why aren't you answering?"

"Ethan, I'm begging you. Please help me find out if it's from her."

"Get me Ellie's contact, and I'm in your debt forever."

"Do I have a son? Can you help me find out where Ellie is and what's going on?" "Why are you ignoring me?"

Ethan muted his phone, the screen fading to black as he slipped it into his pocket. Jayceon's relentless barrage

of messages was easy to ignore, but the weight of his sneaky actions pressed against his conscience. If Brenna ever found out that he had been helping Jayceon behind her back, there was a real chance he would lose her for good. He knew what mattered more now.

With a sigh, he retrieved his phone again, deleted the chat history with Jayceon, and blocked him.

Only after doing all this did he feel somewhat relieved. Even if Brenna checked his messages now, she would

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Chapter 135 You're Really Heartless

find nothing amiss. He smirked, feeling clever about his actions.

Hours dragged by at the police station while Brenna assisted with the investigation. Ethan waited through the long night, ignoring the persistent vibrations in his pocket as Jayceon's calls came in one after another-until he blocked those, too.

Once the investigation was over and he finally brought Brenna home, Ethan returned to his own house, only to find Jayceon sitting in his living room, an unmistakable scowl darkening hi features.

Ethan spared him a glance, his expression indifferent. He didn't bother waiting for Jayceon to speak. "Don't

bother asking. I've got nothing more for you." His voice was flat, final. "I won't betray Brenna again."

Jayceon's expression immediately darkened more, his words heavy with frustration. "Please, just help me out

here. I've been losing my mind searching for Ellie. Do you understand how devastated I felt when I saw what

you sent me? She has been out there alone, raising a child, and I had no idea. What kind of person does that

make me?" he said.

Ethan's voice remained calm, though it carried an undeniable edge. "That's your mess to clean up, Jayceon.

You're the one who created this situation, and now, you have to face the consequences. You've got all the

connections, all the resources-use them. I refuse to believe that with everything you have at your disposal, you

can't track her down. As a friend, I've done all I can for you."

Jayceon's jaw tightened as disappointment flashed in his eyes. "You're really

heartless,” he muttered bitterly before storming toward the door.noveldrama

But just as he reached it, he stopped and turned back, his voice softer but still laced with pain. "Thanks, though.

At least now I know Ellie's in Norview."

Ethan's gaze softened for a moment, though his tone remained calm. "Norview is vast. Where would you even

start to search for her?"

Jayceon hesitated, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions. “She has places she loves-places that mean something to her. I'll start there." He took

a deep breath, determination flickering in his eyes despite his despair. "I've

already booked a flight. Once I find her... I'll thank you properly."

Ethan nodded slowly, watching Jayceon intently as he spoke. He knew Jayceon had powerful connections in Norview-finding Ellie shouldn't be impossible for him.

“I hope you find her,” Ethan said finally, his voice calm but sincere. When Brenna returned home, dawn was breaking, casting a soft light over the household. The staff at home was already busy preparing breakfast, their movements efficient.

Shepard stepped out of his bedroom, blinking in surprise at the sight of Brenna in the hallway. "You're up early -just getting back, or are you heading out?" he said, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Having returned late himself, he had been unaware of her nighttime excursion.

Brenna offered a casual reply, her tone light. "I went to visit a friend. Just returned now."

She purposely kept the events of the previous evening to herself, not wanting to burden Shepard with concerns.

Shepard studied Brenna for a moment before nodding. "Try not to make overnight stays a habit. The city's not what it used to be. It's not safe to be out at night," he said.

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Chapter 135 You're Really Heartless

"Okay," Brenna replied with a nod.

Then, a sudden realization sparked in her eyes. "Dad," she said, her voice sharper now. "What if Ernst actually loses the Harper Group's CEO position?"

Moving closer to Brenna, Shepard recognized the unspoken reference to the bet agreement in her words. While lacking legal weight, honor would demand its fulfillment.

He considered his response carefully, hands sliding into his pockets. "Truthfully? It wouldn't affect much. Either I'd take the reins temporarily, or we'd bring in seasoned leadership. The company would operate as usual." His steady gaze held hers, projecting calm assurance.

Brenna's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "That's reassuring. I'd never let

my actions jeopardize the Harper Group-even if it meant conceding to Ernst," she

said.

Shepard's expression softened with affection. "You're a wise young woman. Your mother and I won't let you suffer, not even because of your brother's actions. I also heard you've already submitted your work. If you truly secure first place, I'll honor my promise and give you those shares," he said.

"Thank you, Dad," Brenna replied, a warmth spreading through her chest.

Later, as Shepard and Giselle lingered over breakfast, they discussed a stroll through the garden. Their plans were interrupted by the sight of two police cars parked at the entrance.

Officers emerged from the cars, one clutching a document, and approached them. "Is this Rosie Harper's residence?" one of them asked, his tone firm but polite.