Ethan's brows pursed into a frown. "I went with Liv. If she's done something wrong, we're both held accountable for it."

Linus leveled a cold look at him. "The both of you? Who are you to do that with her?"

That remark alone reminded Ethan of his position.

"Need a reminder that you guys divorced a long time ago?" Linus added, rubbing salt over Ethan's wound.

Ethan remained silent. No matter how much he regretted the divorce, nothing could be done to amend it.

Without that marriage certificate, nothing bound him with Olivia.

She could only bite the bullet and enter the study alone.

Mason was painting. He cast her a glance without lifting his head. "You're back."

Nothing had been said yet, but the pressure was already weighing on her. The hair on her skin stood.

Was this the prestige of someone who wielded power?

Her head dipped low instantly. "Sorry, Grandpa."

As the good daughter she had always been, she lacked the experience of asking for mercy. But an apology would defini