---- Chapter 6 Ethan arrived with a fleet of yachts, each one packed with his most trusted men. He had come prepared-more prepared than I ever expected. "The sea breeze is sharp," he said softly. "Come inside and change into something warm." Before I could answer, he was already guiding me into the warmth of the cabin. A clean set of clothes was delivered promptly. The crew left without a word. "Why aren't you changing?" he asked a moment later, his voice unnervingly gentle. "Don't like them? Or do you not feel cold?" I stood still, staring at him. 'What exactly do you mean by all this?" A flicker crossed his face, something unreadable, but he didn't answer. "Just change," he said quietly. ---- I didn't move. "No need. Wouldn't want to dirty your yacht-or your clothes."' Ethan let out a quiet sigh. "Joy, don't talk tome like that." He stepped closer. ''I know everything now. Kevin lost all the money gambling. Don't worry-I'll make him pay for it."" He took my hand. His grip was gentle, but there was no room to pull away. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I thought you were doing alright. I thought 300 thousand would cover your father's treatments, your daily expenses..." I laughed coldly. "Really? So I'm supposed to be grateful?" The anger I'd kept buried surged forward. "Should I thank you for making me lose my pups, again and again and again? For destroying my family? For coming back into my life only to punish me over and over again?" ---- He pulled me into his arms, tight, almost desperate. "No. No, Joy-don't think that. I never meant for it to be like this. Please, believe me. I wouldn't have left you all that money if I wanted you to suffer, would I?" He held me like he could will away the years, the pain, the wreckage. I reeked of alcohol, but he didn't care. "Joy," he murmured, "I was wrong. I misunderstood you. It's my fault. Please... forgive me." Forgive him? What a laughable request. One misunderstanding, and my parents ended up in hospital beds. One grudge, and I spent five years clawing my way through hell. The first night I stepped into that club, that gilded