Chapter 5 Ethan froze . He hadnt ordered anything . [ ] But the cardboard box in the couriers hands oozed a faint , metallic stench , the kind that clung to the back of your throat . Panic coiled in Ethans gut like a live wire , his hands betraying him as he fumbled with the flaps . The moment the box cracked open , a sharp intake of breath ripped through the air six voices , unison , horrified , as if the room itself had sucked the oxygen away . Lilas scream split the air first a raw , animal sound . [ ] Ethans knees buckled . [ The box fell , its contents spilling onto the floor : a tiny , misshapen form , still wrapped in bloodied tissue , trailing strings of gore . 0 And on the lid , scrawled in drying blood : [ ] A gift for you and Lisa . Enjoy the family you wanted . [ ] His phone was in his hand before he could think , fingers fumbling to dial my number only to be met with the cold beep of a blocked line . [ ] She knows , he whispered , staring at the blood on his shoes , his voice cracking . She knows everything . Then , suddenly , he rounded on Zack , hands locking around the other mans throat , eyes wild . [ What did you do to her last night ? What did you do ? Zack shrank under Ethans murderous gaze , his voice wobbling . We had your blessing , man ! Shouldnt you be asking Lisa ? She said the drugs would knock her out no memory , no problem ! [ ] He jabbed a trembling finger at Lisa . Lisa froze , then latched onto Ethans arm , voice trembling . [] Ethan , Im devastated too ! That was our baby ! I gave her pills , but I didnt touch her look at the blood ! It mustve happened last night when [] Shut up , Zack hissed , shooting her a glare . [ Since when do you care about this cow ? Her kids gone now youre free to be with Lisa , Ike you wanted ! We did you a favor , man her bodys a wreck . You think shed ever bounce back after childbirth ? The punch came without warning crunch . [ ] Ethans fist slammed into Zacks cheekbone , sending him sprawling . Blood gushed from his mouth , two teeth clattering to the floor . Shes my wife , Ethan snarled , towering over the man . [ ] You dont get to talk about her . Zack spat blood, eyes blazing . Over a woman ? Dont act innocent ! Youre the one who said we needed leverage your idea to let us have her . Now the kids dead , and youre playing hero ? Ethan didnt hesitate . [ ] He hauled Zack up by the collar and slammed him into the wall , fist after fist raining down until Lisa shrieked . [ ] Shed slipped in the bloodied mess , landing square on the boxs contents . [ ] What the hell is this ? Disgusting ! Her voice cracked , eyes wide with revulsion . ] Ethan paused , glancing at her coldness flickering in his eyes , a flicker of realization : this was never about love . It was about control . itis assistant burst in , panting . Chapter 5 Boss ! Someone posted a video you and Ms. Its everywhere . Hawthorne Corp stock is crashing . ] Ethan grabbed the tablet , fingers flying . The screen showed him : smirking , slapping Lis The comments were a storm : [ ] Mr. Perfect Husband ? More like a monster . [ ] Pregnant woman ? Theyre animals . [ ] Lisas a homewrecker she deserves to burn . Lisa collapsed to her knees , face ashen . [ ] 0 That bitch ! She planned this aborted the baby She clung to Ethans leg . We have to stop her- ] unconscious face as Lisa giggled , positioning her for photos . [ ] purpose to ruin us ! Ethan shoved her off , turning to the assistant . Where is she ? I want to see her .