Chapter 5 Wilson, The Hidden Child

"One week!" Ethan's sharp gaze pierced directly into Grace's soul. "If you fail, I won't let you go!"

"Alright, but during this week, you must ensure my safety. If I die, you gain nothing!" Grace replied.

Ethan chuckled, his smile cynical, as if belittling her request. "Are you threatening me?" he asked, his voice intimidating, though his lips still curled in a mocking smile.

"Of course not! I just need a guarantee for my life," Grace responded firmly. "Raymond Scott will kill anyone who challenges him. I'll be his target. The judge and jury are on his side. The original evidence has been handed over to them, but all the records have been erased," she explained, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

Ethan scoffed, looking away for a moment. "If you know you're his target, why insist on reopening this case?" he asked, his tone more serious.

Grace met his eyes, her determination burning. "Because many have fallen victim to him, not just Raymond. The judge and jury must also be taken down!" she declared, her voice echoing in the silent room.

Ethan was silent for a moment, considering her words. He then nodded slowly. "Fine, I'll trust you this time," he said with a warning gaze. "But if you fail, you'll face the consequences."

Grace remained silent, her lips pressed together.

Ethan stepped closer, watching her every move. "Why are you quiet? Do you regret it? If you do, you can leave!" he said, his voice rising as if he didn't want to waste any more time.

"Send your men to protect the orphanage!" she suddenly requested, her voice urgent yet calm.

Ethan stopped in his tracks, turning to her with a raised brow, confusion evident on his face. "You're the one in danger. Why should they be protected?" he asked, his tone filled with curiosity.

Grace held his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "Don't ask! Just do it so I can focus on investigating this case!" she snapped before turning and walking out without looking back.

Ethan exhaled, watching her retreating figure. "Strange woman," he muttered under his breath.

Grace gripped the steering wheel tightly, her breathing ragged. The pain in her chest worsened-Ethan's kick had struck a vital point. Her face was pale, sweat dripping down her forehead, but her eyes remained sharp, filled with determination.

The car screeched to a stop at the side of the road. Grace opened the door with trembling hands and stepped out, her legs unsteady. She crouched, trying to stay upright, then coughed violently. Thick red liquid dripped onto the asphalt-blood.

She coughed again, harder this time, grimacing in pain. "That kick could've killed me..." she murmured weakly. Her heart pounded violently, as if it might burst from her chest.

"I have to survive for at least one more week," she whispered, trying to convince herself not to give up. "Even if I die, I must bring down Raymond Scott."

Ekin visited Ethan in prison again, his face serious. Ethan sat calmly behind bars, exuding an aura of power even in confinement-like a caged lion still commanding respect.

"Boss, why are we protecting the orphanage? They have nothing to do with Raymond," Ekin asked, curious.

Ethan's sharp gaze landed on him, and in a deep, calculating voice, he said, "Investigate Prosecutor Shin's connection to that orphanage. I want to know everything about that woman!" His voice carried a sense of determination, hinting that this situation was more complex than it seemed.

Ekin furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment before cautiously asking, "Can we trust her promise?"

Ethan smirked-a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course, I won't trust her words so easily," he stated. "But I need to know whose side she's really on. She's serious about going after those officials. That's why I want more information on her. If you find anything suspicious, report to me immediately!"

Ekin nodded quickly, sensing the tension in the room. "Yes, Boss," he responded obediently.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, curiosity flashing in them. "Have you found that rapist's child?" he asked in a low, almost whispering tone, as if weighing every word.

Ekin lowered his head slightly. "I'm sorry, Boss. Ever since she was released from prison, no one knows where she is," he said with regret. "She might have left the city out of shame."

Ethan's face hardened as memories of rage and vengeance flooded his mind. "I've harbored this hatred for twelve years. Until I kill his daughter with my own hands, I won't be satisfied. Even if she killed her own father, I still want to see her suffer-to repay my mother's pain. Jones Walker died too easily. As long as Cecillia Walker is alive, she must bear the sins of her father."

Ekin hesitated for a moment, realizing the depth of Ethan's scars. He cautiously spoke, "Boss, I've looked into Cecillia Walker's records. But they've been erased. Did she change her identity?"

Ethan let out a short, bitter laugh, filled with hatred. "Find out more! I know she's still alive. No matter where she runs, I'll find her!"

"Boss, I found some information. When Cecillia Walker was in detention, she kept saying she wanted to become a prosecutor when she grew up," Emil reported.

"A prosecutor? Is she dreaming? A child with a criminal past could never pass the selection," Ethan scoffed.

Ethan Christopher was a teenager when he lost his mother twelve years ago. She had jumped from a high building after being assaulted by Jones Walker.

"Cecillia Walker, wherever you go... I will haunt you. Only by taking your life will my mother's vengeance be fulfilled," Ethan murmured, his eyes narrowing as he relived the past that refused to fade.

Meanwhile, Grace stood in front of a children's park, her gaze locked on a young boy sitting alone, without supervision. Her eyes never left him, while guilt and memories of the past consumed her thoughts.

"Wilson, forgive Mama for not coming often," she whispered in her heart. "Every time I see you, I remember that night-the monster who ruined my future. You are innocent, my love. Mama will always do her best for you. But no one can know of your existence. My job is too dangerous for that."

What will happen when Ethan Christopher, who now despises Grace, discovers that she was the one he victimized five years ago? And worse, that she secretly gave birth to his child?