The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216 Why Would I

Do That

Utterly amazed, Greta and Lilith stood side by side, munching on barbecue skewers as they watched Braeden mingle with Brenna.

Lilith’s eyes lit up. “Who would’ve thought? Brenna’s circle includes military officials.”

Greta, far more serious than the cheerful Lilith, nodded thoughtfully. “I can see why Mr. Mitchell is interested in her. Her connections are extensive. Did you hear what she said, something about the Weapons? What kind of collaboration does Brenna have with the military?”

Shaking her head, Lilith murmured, “Sounds top secret, doesn’t it?”

The servants of the Harper family presented Braeden with an array of extravagant dishes. Shepard, Ernst, and Dalton were all shocked that Brenna was working with the military.

Was Brenna possibly involved in developing cutting–edge weaponry at the Weapons Research Institute?

As Braeden savored the feast, he engaged warmly with the Harper family members.

“Your daughter’s accomplishments must fill you with pride. The military holds that kind of skill in high regard,” he said to Shepard.

Shepard, puzzled yet curious, asked, “Can you share what my daughter is working on with you?”

His voice carried a cautious tone, aware of the sensitive nature of military projects. If Brenna were able to share any details, she would have done so by now.

Braeden responded with a laugh, “I’m afraid that’s confidential. It’s just a minor project.”

The Harper family responded with polite laughter. But they knew the reality was not as simple as Braeden had made it to be. After all, if it were just a small project, Braeden wouldn’t have attended Brenna’s birthday party personally like this.

Ethan, familiar with military dealings from his two years of service, was unfamiliar with Braeden.

Just as he was about to strike up a conversation, Braeden turned to him and said, “You must be Ethan, Kenny’s twin, correct?”

To Ethan, soldiers commanded respect, but with so many of his own family members in the military, he didn’t view them with the same admiration the Harper family did. To him, being a soldier was simply anothe profession.

“Indeed,” Ethan answered.

Their conversation flowed easily, with Braeden asking about Vincent’s condition.

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Chapter 216 Why Would I Do That

Brenna occasionally joined in, contributing to the conversation. After a while, a secretary who had accompanied

Braeden handed her a folder.

With a respectful tone, Braeden said to Brenna, “We’ve held further talks since you left and drafted some proposals. Please, take these as a reference.”

As the clock struck eight, a majestic five–tiered birthday cake was presented. The crowd gathered around Brenna and Ethan, making this the most elaborate birthday celebration Brenna had ever had.

As the birthday song filled the air and everyone’s faces lit up with joy, Brenna couldn’t help but feel happy. She was satisfied that she was now surrounded by close friends and loving family members.

Thiago, Ellie, and Patrick stood close together beside Brenna, their smiles brighter than anyone else’s.

Ethan caught Thiago’s lingering look towards Brenna, something that seemed too intense, stirring a twinge of

discomfort within him.

However, seeing Patrick holding the hands of both Ellie and Thiago brought him comfort. He believed they looked more like a family.

As for his friend Jayceon, he was content to let him stay out of the matter for the time being.

Recently, Patrick had been keeping his distance from Jayceon because Fay had been clinging to him. He was unsettled by the stories Fay had shared about the cruel ways of stepmothers, not wanting to be around Jayceon and Fay anymore. Jayceon had told Ethan about this.

Despite Jayceon’s efforts to change Patrick’s mind, Patrick remained distant.

Watching the easy connection between Patrick and Thiago, Ethan couldn’t help but notice how it appeared genuinely father–son like.

Besides, Ellie’s behavior toward Thiago was somewhat intimate. Ethan believed they might really become a couple in the future.

Worried that Jayceon might feel overshadowed by Thiago, Ethan quickly snapped a picture of the trio holding hands amidst the crowd’s distraction and sent it to Jayceon, warning him.

He also took a few photos with Brenna, asking for help from people across the room to get better angles, and swiftly posted them online.

With an encouraging smile, Ethan said to Brenna, “Time to make a wish.”

Brenna pressed her hands together, her eyes closed as she silently made her wish. Then, she and Ethan blew out the candles together.

When Greta saw the soft look in Ethan’s eyes when he looked at Brenna, her heart sank. Though she believed she was better than Brenna, the lack of attention from Ethan hurt more than she had expected.