Chapter 9 - The Rightful Heir
The chaotic, violent energy completely evaporated from the sunlit chapel.
Ethan instructed his security team to politely dismiss the stunned guests. Within minutes, the massive, beautiful room was completely quiet, save for Ethan and his eight-year-old daughter.
Nora was still standing near the altar, clutching her tiny silver pin. She was trembling slightly from the adrenaline of the afternoon. She had just witnessed the absolute destruction of the woman who was supposed to be her stepmother.
Ethan walked slowly toward her.
The cold, terrifying executioner completely vanished. He looked exhausted, vulnerable, and his dark eyes were filled with a profound, overwhelming love.
He dropped to both knees right on the hard marble floor, entirely ignoring his expensive tuxedo, and wrapped his arms fiercely around his little girl. He pulled her against his chest, burying his face in her light-brown hair.
"You saved my life today, Nora," Ethan choked out, tears of pure relief falling from his eyes. "You are the bravest person I have ever known. I am so sorry I didn't see what she was."
"I just didn't want you to go away, Dad," Nora whispered, hugging him back with all her might.
"I'm never going away," Ethan vowed, holding her as if letting go would make the world end. "It's just you and me, princess. Always."
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He gently took the silver pin from her hand, treating it like a priceless artifact of her incredible courage.
👉 Ethan and Nora walked out of the chapel together, leaving the nightmare behind forever.
