Chapter 14 - ETHAN'S LAST GAMBLE
Ethan refused to accept defeat.
He found an old business associate who promised him a way out.
One signature.
One transfer.
One offshore account.
One final move.
Ethan believed he could recover everything.
But Gloria had anticipated him.
The transfer was blocked.
The associate disappeared.
And the evidence became part of the court record.
Ethan sat in his apartment staring at the ceiling.
His life had become a collection of locked doors.
His parents rarely called.
Sienna had left.
His children visited only when they wanted to.
Natalie no longer argued with him.
That was somehow worse.
He had spent years believing anger meant she cared.
Now she simply didn't need him.
He called her one night.
She answered.
“What do you want?”
“I want to talk.”
“You're talking.”
He swallowed.
“I made mistakes.”
Natalie was silent.
“I want another chance.”
“At what?”
“At us.”
Natalie closed her eyes.
“There is no us, Ethan.”
“I still love you.”
She answered quietly.
“You loved the version of me who never said no.”
He had no response.
“You don't miss me,” she continued.
“You miss the woman who made your life easier.”
The line went silent.
Then Ethan whispered.
“I'm sorry.”
Natalie believed him.
But forgiveness didn't mean returning.
She said goodbye.
May you like
And ended the call.
---
