Back at the estate, the atmosphere was electric with determination. Ethan and Amara sat in the study, the newly discovered journal and documents spread across the desk like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Arthur stood nearby, flipping through a set of photographs his team had taken of the manor and its hidden room.
"This journal is gold," Arthur said, his tone professional yet impressed. "It outlines every manipulation Cecilia orchestrated. If we can authenticate this, it's enough to dismantle her entirely."
Ethan nodded, his expression sharp. "We'll need a plan. If we act too quickly, she'll find a way to wiggle out of this. We need to ensure she has no escape."
Amara leaned forward, her fingers grazing the edge of the journal. "But how? She has so many connections, so many people in her pocket."
Ethan placed a reassuring hand over hers. "That's where we play smart. We'll use her own tactics against her."
Ding!
New Subtask Unlocked: Plan Cecilia's Downfall
Objective: Build an airtight strategy to expose Cecilia publicly.
Reward: 5000 Pampering Points + Skill: Tactical Genius.
Amara's Emotional Update: Determined and Nervous
Current Mood: Anxious but Resolute.
Reward: 1200 Pampering Points.
Ethan turned to Arthur. "Start verifying the journal entries. Cross-reference the names and incidents with public records and eyewitness accounts. We need corroborating evidence."
Arthur nodded. "I'll get my team on it immediately. This might take a few days, but we'll be thorough."
Once Arthur left, Ethan focused on Amara. "While he's working on that, we need to prepare you."
Amara blinked, taken aback. "Prepare me for what?"
"For the moment we reveal everything," Ethan explained. "You'll be facing people who have believed Cecilia's lies for years. You'll need to stand strong and speak your truth."
Over the next few days, Ethan worked tirelessly to coach Amara. In between planning sessions, he used the system's store to enhance his abilities further.
Ding!
System Notification: Skill Purchased
Skill: Tactical Genius
Effect: Enhances the ability to devise and execute complex strategies with precision.
Cost: 5000 Pampering Points.
As they rehearsed potential scenarios, Ethan guided Amara through how to handle hostile questions, how to present evidence convincingly, and how to remain composed under pressure.
"You've already proven you're strong," Ethan told her during one session. "Now you just have to show them."
Amara gave him a small, grateful smile. "I don't know if I could do this without you."
Ethan's gaze softened. "You could. But you don't have to."
Ding!
Task Complete: Support Amara's Confidence
Reward: 4000 Pampering Points + Rare Skill: Persuasive Charisma (Amara's Skill).
One evening, as they sat in the study reviewing the evidence again, Amara noticed Ethan's fatigue.
"You've been pushing yourself too hard," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
Ethan waved her off. "This is nothing compared to what's at stake."
Amara frowned, standing up and walking over to him. Before he could protest, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Ethan, you can't take care of me if you're running on fumes," she said firmly. "At least take a break tonight. Please."
Her concern touched him in a way he hadn't expected. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Alright. But only because you asked."
Amara smiled, pulling him to his feet. "Good. Now, let's have dinner and relax for once."
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Relieved and Grateful
Current Mood: Appreciative.
Reward: 1500 Pampering Points.
As they sat together in the dining room that evening, the tension from the past few days seemed to lift. They talked about lighter topics, sharing small laughs and moments of warmth.
Ethan watched Amara as she smiled, her usual guarded demeanor softening. He realized then how much she had changed since their wedding day.
"You've come a long way, Amara," he said quietly.
She looked at him, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're stronger than you think," Ethan replied. "And I'm proud of you."
Amara's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't look away. "I've only been able to grow because of you, Ethan. You make me feel... safe."
Her words struck a chord deep within him, and for a moment, all he could do was gaze at her, the weight of their journey together settling in his chest.
Ding!
Task Complete: Deepen Emotional Bond
Reward: 5000 Pampering Points + Rare Item: Serenity Pendant (Boosts Amara's Confidence).
As the evening wound down, Ethan escorted Amara to her room. But as he turned to leave, she hesitated.
"Ethan," she called softly.
He stopped, turning back to her. "Yes?"
"Stay with me tonight," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... I don't want to be alone."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat, but he nodded. "Alright."
They spent the night in quiet companionship, the bond between them growing even stronger as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
End of Chapter 28