As Ethan Hamilton made his way toward the car, his expression remained calm and composed. However, beneath that exterior, his mind was racing with thoughts and calculations. Without breaking his stride, he spoke softly, seemingly to no one. "Ensure that the news of Emma's injury is kept under wraps. If my third brother catches wind of this, it will complicate everything. He'll stir up chaos and make it nearly impossible to find the mastermind behind this, not to mention undoing all the groundwork I've laid."
To an outsider, it would have appeared as though Ethan was speaking to thin air. But then, a soft, almost eerie voice responded from seemingly nowhere, "Understood." The voice was close, yet no one could be seen. It was as if the air itself had answered him—a testament to the extraordinary stealth and concealment abilities of Ethan's subordinates.
Ethan didn't react visibly, showing no surprise at the voice. He simply nodded slightly, satisfied with the response. His thoughts turned to the task at hand, knowing that his orders would be executed with precision. He continued walking, his eyes scanning the area as if ensuring there were no prying eyes before stepping into the waiting vehicle.
Meanwhile, back in the hospital room, Shirley had moved closer to Emma, her expression thoughtful. She had been silent for a while, processing everything that had just occurred. Finally, she spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and concern. "Emma, your fourth brother… he's not like ordinary people. His presence… it's overwhelming. I've met influential people before, but I've never felt anything like this. His aura… it's almost suffocating. Even though he tried to hide it, I could still sense it—this intense, violent energy."
Emma looked at Shirley, noting the seriousness in her tone. "I know what you mean. Ethan's always been different. He's always had this… edge to him. But I never really understood how deep it ran until now."
Shirley nodded, her gaze distant as if replaying the encounter in her mind. "And his eyes… There was something in them. Something dangerous, something that speaks of… experience. Like he's seen and done things most people can't even imagine. It's as if he's always ready for a fight, always on the edge."
Emma sighed, her thoughts mirroring Shirley's. "He's been through a lot. More than I know, I'm sure. But he's always been protective of me, even when I didn't realize it."
Shirley hesitated, then spoke again, her voice quieter this time, as if she was afraid to voice her thoughts aloud. "You know, I can't help but wonder… Who would dare go after you, knowing who your family is? It seems almost reckless. Either they're completely ignorant of your background, or they're desperate. Or maybe… they know something we don't."
Emma's eyes narrowed slightly at Shirley's words. The idea that someone might be ignorant of her family's power seemed unlikely, but the alternative—that someone knew and still proceeded—was even more unsettling. "Whoever it is, they'll regret it," Emma said softly, her tone laced with determination. "Ethan won't stop until he finds them. And when he does…"
Shirley didn't finish the thought, but the implication hung heavily in the air. Whoever was behind this would face the full wrath of Ethan Hamilton, and that was something no one would want.
Trying to lighten the mood, Shirley forced a small smile. "But let's not worry about that right now. Your job is to rest and get better. Let your brothers handle the rest. They're more than capable."
Emma nodded, though her thoughts were far from at ease. "You're right. I need to focus on recovering."
Shirley offered her a reassuring pat on the arm. "Exactly. And if there's anything you need, I'm right here."
"Thank you, Shirley," Emma replied, grateful for her friend's presence. Despite the gravity of the situation, she felt a little more at ease knowing she wasn't alone.
As the two women settled back, the room grew quiet once more. But the silence was filled with unspoken questions and a tension that neither could completely shake. Shirley's mind continued to churn with what she had witnessed, wondering just how deep Ethan's connections and influence ran. And Emma, despite her best efforts to focus on recovery, couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of something much larger.