Page 61 of Ethan: The Untouchable CEO

Aiden: Okay, you just opened a challenge.

Chase: Great.

Chase: Next time, I’ll be dragged into the search again.

Colt: And you’ll give up, like every time before.

Nick: Don’t even try to vanish again, Jones.

Nick: Rules are meant for a reason.

Nick says exactly what crosses my mind the second I read Colt’s message.

We’ve had this conversation before—more than once. Not because we need control, but because there are lines we agreed on a long time ago, back when we chose to build a real bond.

Living close, moving through life like a unit—bound by blood for some, by loyalty for the rest—comes with rules. Not spoken out loud every day, but understood. Respected.

Except when it comes to him.

Colt has always moved differently. On his own terms, in his own rhythm, slipping in and out without warning, without explanation. And for a long time, that was just… how things were.

Not anymore.

My grip locks around the glass, the cool weight grounding me as the thought clicks into place with quiet certainty.

This time, I’m not behind.

The next time he decides to disappear, I’ll already be one step ahead.

Not because I need to know where he goes. I don’t. But if something goes wrong, I won’t be left in the dark again.

I’m here to protect him and everyone else, at any cost.

Even if he never knows.

Especially if he never knows.

Zayn: Anyone notice we’re all here again, except Ethan?

Zayn: Not that we are surprised.

Ryan: He’s probably spending the night in meetings.

Ryan: Making sure everything’s perfectly organized for the next week.

Kai: Which doesn’t mean he won’t still open his laptop during vacation.

Aiden: Betting a thousand he’ll log in at least three times a day.

Chase: Make it two thousand. I’m in.

Nick: typing…

The phone vibrates again, and I already know what’s coming. Something meant to provoke a reaction.

I don’t give it one.

Instead of opening the chat, I lock the screen and slide the phone back into my pocket, letting the noise fade on its own.