“Ethan, listen to me—” Olivia began, but he cut her off.

“I don’t want to hear it, Olivia,” he said, his tone icy. “I saw enough. There is no excuse for what you did.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he raised a hand. “Do you even realize what you’ve done?” he continued, his voice rising with every word. “This isn’t just about us anymore. You attacked my mother, a defenseless woman who has done nothing but care for me and try to welcome you into our family.”

Olivia’s eyes filled with tears, but Ethan’s heart had hardened. He had no patience for her crocodile tears now.