Page 73 of Broken Rivalry

Hawthorne merely shrugs, amusement shining in his eyes. “Seems so.”

I steel myself, meeting his gaze. “Ethan doesn’t owe me a house. But you owe us. Pay him back.”

He raises an eyebrow but nods in agreement. “Very well.”

As I turn to leave, he adds, “For the record, had your father come to me first, shown loyalty, instead of going to the authorities, I would’ve protected him.”

I pause at the door, my hand resting on the handle. “That’s in the past. It doesn’t matter.”

“To me, it does,” he counters. “And I played no part in your father’s downfall.”

I face him once more, determination in my voice. “One more thing. Keep Ethan away from me.”

He scoffs, “That’s a tall order. The boy’s got a mind of his own.”

I can’t help but think, does he really? But I dismiss the thought. “You know, Ethan always sought your approval. You’ve been too hard on him. Maybe try showing you care once in a while.”

A smirk curls his lips, his expression one of wry amusement. “I raised Ethan to be a leader. I couldn’t coddle him. He needed to toughen up. You have seen yourself that at this level, it is sharks leading sharks. I could not raise a soft, naive man.”

“You ended up raising a calculating manipulator,” I let out.

“And yet you are here pleading for his well-being.” He raises an eyebrow. “Careful, Miss Donovan. One might think you have feelings for my son.”

“I used to,” I retort, my voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve always found ways, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m sure you can figure this one out.”

He sighs, rubbing his temples. “I can try for a week, maybe two. But it won’t change the endgame.”

Those weeks are all I need—time to rebuild, to prepare myself for whatever comes next, and to hide the hurt.

“It’s my problem to deal with. I’d say thanks, but…”

I laugh, more out of disbelief than amusement. But his serious look stops me. “I’m sure you think that’s a compliment, but it doesn’t feel like one.” Taking a deep breath, I ask, “Can I trust you on this?”

He thinks for an instant, then nods. “I’ll do what I can.”

With that, I leave the office, ready to focus on myself and the new chapter I’m about to start.

Chapter 24

Ethan

Emergency situation. I’ll be back on Monday. Let’s talk then. I text her, but I can’t confirm if she’s seen it due to her outdated phone. But deep down, I sense she won’t respond.

I’m not fooled by her “school” excuse. I know Poppy. Pushing her now would be a mistake. Something’s spooked her, and I’m betting it’s the intimacy we’ve shared, the ease with which we’ve slipped into each other’s lives, and the implications of what that means. She confessed her love for me, a monumental step I sensed she wasn’t ready to take.

I have no qualms about making her mine publicly; I already have in many ways, but soon she’ll have to reciprocate. She can’t run around forever, and I will not remain her dirty little secret. I want a future with her, not a vague promise of a maybe.

I groan, rubbing my temples. I can almost hear Cole’s teasing voice, mocking me for admitting such vulnerabilities.

When my father called me this afternoon telling me that FIFA finally granted me a meeting to discuss my project and that it was tomorrow or nothing, I saw it as a sign. A chance to give Poppy the space she might need, even if it’s tearing me apart.

I sink into the jet’s plush seat. The cabin’s ambience is serene, with the engine humming and the faint glow of overhead lights highlighting the luxury within. But even this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity can’t distract me from thoughts of her.

She’s hesitant, and I get it. It’s far easier for me to claim her than it will be for her to admit to the world, to her mother, that she’s in love with me because no matter what—her mother will only see one thing—I’m a Hawthorne, and yet Poppy saw above all this and fell in love with me.

A grin spreads across my face. She loves me. I can see it in her eyes.

A hushed voice breaks through my thoughts. The hostess stands beside me, a tray of champagne and small appetizers in hand. “A congratulatory gesture from your father,” she explains.

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