Chapter 32

Ethan's POV

The warm, comforting scent of crispy chicken and freshly fried chips drifted through the hallway, seeping into every corner of the house. Elena’s favorite. I had instructed Rosa and the chefs to make sure today’s lunch was perfect, just the way she liked it. After all, it had been days since she had a proper meal here, in her real home.

In the back of my mind, I could already picture her small face lighting up when she tasted her favorite dish. Lauren might think she’s capable, but I had no doubt Elena had been eating tasteless food and barely getting by these past days. I knew Lauren, she never had to worry about money when she was living under my roof, and without that, what could she possibly provide?

I pushed open the kitchen door, a room I rarely set foot in these days. The place was alive with movement and noise, the clatter of pans, the sizzling sound from the deep fryer, and the aroma of seasoned chicken skin turning golden. Ros