Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1031

"That was a fast lesson learned."

Ethan said, "I suddenly have a much deeper understanding of your situation. So, they used to oppress you just like that, feeling entirely entitled to do so simply because they were your father and brothers. It's completely outrageous! Still, those two years you spent in prison were terribly unjust."

Lillian gave a faint smile. "I was young and naive. It won't ever happen again. Back then, I didn't even realize the kind of family I was truly living in. It was only later that I finally woke up and saw how they really treated me."

She laughed softly, finding her past self utterly ridiculous.

Ethan shook his head. "Well, it's all in the past now. Ms. Mercer, your path forward is smooth sailing from here on out. Don't waste another thought on them."

Lillian offered a small smile in return. He was right; she wouldn't dwell on it anymore.

Upon returning to Halfridge Villas, Leonard immediately came to Lillian's side.

"How did it go? Are you alright?"

Ethan patted his chest. "Boss, why would you even ask that? With me there, do you really think I'd let Ms. Mercer take a hit? During the dinner, I gave it my all to protect her. I stepped up when needed, backed off when appropriate, and ruthlessly put them in their place when they deserved it. Don't worry, she didn't suffer a single scratch. Plus, I got a massive feast out of it. Hahaha, you should have seen Colin's face when he had to pay the bill."

After listening to Ethan's endless chatter, Leonard's gaze shifted back to Lillian.

He took her hand, his eyes roaming over her as if checking to ensure she wasn't missing a single hair.

He had been restless ever since she left. If he had known how much it would bother him, he would have tagged along despite it being inappropriate for him to meet the Mercer brothers just yet. He needed to see her with his own eyes to feel at ease.

Lillian smiled warmly. "Relax, I'm fine. Ethan was there, and he did most of the talking for me."

Because of this, even though they were both heading to the university tomorrow, they likely wouldn't cross paths.

Since Leonard had other capable men by his side, Ethan was naturally assigned to accompany Lillian.

He would head home right after the main event, but Lillian planned to stick around a bit longer. She had received a call from her old professor yesterday, which meant she would probably have lunch with the faculty.

She had let down quite a few professors who genuinely cared about her back in the day. Now that they were reuniting, she owed them an apology.

Ethan nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Ms. Mercer, I'll be right on time!"

Meanwhile, Sebastian, who had been practically living out of his office at the Blake Group recently, also left work early to head home and prepare for the anniversary...