Behind me, Ryan’s angry voice echoed down the hall:
“That idiot! Thinks he’s all that! Good riddance—saves my sister the trouble!”
After leaving the retreat, I blocked Claire’s number.
But she kept calling from different numbers, like she’d gone mad.
Each time I heard her voice, I hung up immediately.
Until the twelfth call finally got through—Claire’s tearful voice came through the line:
“Ethan, please! Ryan regrets everything. He booked a private dining room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel to apologize to you.”
“You know how much I love you. We’ve been together three years. Please forgive me this once.”
Her sobs made my heart soften.
Maybe... maybe she really realized her mistake.
“Just an apology?”
“Yes! Just an apology! Ryan promised he’ll never bring up money again.”
I hesitated for a long time before finally agreeing.
But when I pushed open the door to the luxurious private dining room, I froze.
The room was packed—full of Claire’s extended relatives.
No fewer than a dozen of them.
Ryan sat at the head of the table, holding the baby with a smug grin.
When he saw me, he stood up immediately.
“Everyone, look! This is my future brother-in-law, Ethan!”