Chapter 208
Chapter 208:
Ernst’s tone turned serious as he replied, “The entries have topped three thousand. Rosie, you’re not very familiar with this industry; it might be best if you didn’t participate.” The implication was clear—he thought she was unlikely to succeed.
Still, masking her irritation with a polite smile, Rosie responded, “I’ve been preparing diligently for the competition, Ernst. We have an agreement with Brenna, and I intend to honor it p>
Ethan, curiosity sparkling in his eyes, asked, “What’s this agreement about p>
As he observed Brenna, his expression hardened, recalling the harsh treatment she had endured from the Harper family. Casting a glance at Ernst and Dalton, he noticed the brothers looked visibly uncomfortable.
With a serious tone, he said, “What’s going on? I need to know.” The concern in his eyes gave Brenna strength and reassurance, showing that he fully supported her and easing her worries.
Brenna briefly explained the bet they had made. Ethan’s face tightened as he understood that Rosie and Ernst had plotted against Brenna, who had just returned to the Harper family in a vulnerable state, while the rest of the family stood by and did nothing.
A newfound resolve to marry Brenna stirred within him. He was eager to shield her from further misery within the Harper family.
“I’ve handed in my project. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the judges’ decision,” Brenna said.
Suddenly, Ethan grasped her hand and said, “Marry me now. With me by your side, you don’t need to worry about this bet. Whether you win or lose, you’ll always have a home with me p>
Dalton scoffed and interjected, “Ethan, Brenna has me, her elder brother, to look out for her. She just returned to our family—there’s no need for her to rush into marriage p>
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺
Ignoring Dalton, Ethan turned to Brenna and asked, “How does that sound to you p>
Caught off guard, Brenna’s cheeks flushed pink as she tried to withdraw her hand. “Who said I’d agree to marry you?” she replied.
Disappointment and hurt crossed Ethan’s face, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Brenna didn’t truly mean to reject him. His sudden proposal, especially in front of her brothers, might have overwhelmed her, which brought him some comfort.
Jealousy simmered within Rosie as she watched Ethan, her lips pressed tightly in silence. Her gaze fixed on Ethan and Brenna’s intertwined hands, silently hoping they would soon be separated.
Ethan faced Ernst with a cold stare and asked, “Are you truly okay with Brenna losing everything? Will you take away her rightful place in the Harper family if she loses the bet p>
Ernst, his face heavy with regret, opened his arms in a gesture of surrender. Though he now recognized Brenna’s skills and strong sense of justice, he felt trapped by the finalized agreement. “The deal is already made,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do p>