Chapter 138

Margaret Sullivan's pupils contracted sharply as she pushed open the hospital room door.

Ethan Sullivan sat in a wheelchair, his right leg encased in plaster, his handsome face as pale as paper.

"Ethan!"

She rushed forward, shoving Evelyn Sullivan aside.

"You're in this state, and you're still protecting her?!"

Ethan frowned. "The accident was just that—an accident."

"An accident?" Margaret sneered. "If you hadn't been rushing to file for divorce, would this have happened?!"

"Mother." His voice turned icy. "Calm down."

Margaret's chest heaved with rage. "Pack your things. You're coming home with me."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"This isn't up for debate!" she snapped. "I won't let you stay with this jinx any longer!"

Ethan's head jerked up, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"She is my wife."

Margaret took half a step back, staring at her son in disbelief. In just a few months, he'd become so fiercely protective of Evelyn.

"Ethan, she's not worthy of you! I'll handle the divorce proceedings."

"That won't be necessary." His tone was glacial. "Stay out of it."

"You—" She trembled with fury. "I nearly died of fright when I heard about your accident, and this is how you speak to me? For her?!"

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"Who told you?"

Margaret's expression faltered. She avoided his gaze.

"That's irrelevant. You must divorce her!"

"Uncle West will take you home."

"Ethan Sullivan!" Her voice rose to a shrill pitch. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

Ignoring her, Ethan turned to Evelyn.

"Help me shower."

Evelyn had barely taken a step when Margaret shoved her away violently.

"Get out!"

Rubbing her wrist, Evelyn smirked coldly.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Mrs. Sullivan."

She turned and walked out, her departure final.

The moment the door closed, Ethan maneuvered his wheelchair to face his mother.

"I won't divorce her."

Margaret's nails dug into her palms.

"Isabella Jackson is the one who suits you best!"

"I don't need an arranged marriage."

"You used to love Isabella!" Her voice shook. "Have you really fallen for that country bumpkin?"

Ethan's gaze darkened.

"This isn't about feelings."

"She can't give you any advantage!" Margaret was nearly hysterical. "The Jacksons are the ones who—"

"Enough!" Ethan cut her off sharply. "Stay out of my affairs."

Margaret staggered back, bracing herself against the wall to keep from collapsing.