His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 44: The Blame Game

Ethan wrapped his arms around Iris, burying his tear-stained face in her shoulder. "Iris... I'm so useless. Why did I mess up our lives so bad? Why?!"

Grace's face turned as white as a sheet. She collapsed into Keith's arms, too numb to cry.

After the police pushed Emily away, she turned and saw Iris hugging Ethan. She flew into a rage, rushed over, and roughly shoved Iris. "Get away from him!"

She was already big and strong, and she pushed hard. Iris, thin and fragile, stumbled backward and fell to the floor. Her elbow hit the ground, and she frowned in pain.

Julian's eyes darkened. He hurried over and helped Iris up.

Once she stood steady, Iris said softly, tears in her eyes, "Thanks."

Julian's face was cold. He clenched his fist, ready to charge at Emily, but Iris grabbed his arm.

She didn't know why Julian was so angry, but he looked like he was going to punch Emily. She quickly said, "I'm okay."

Julian heard her, glanced back at her, and slowly calmed down.

Ethan saw Iris almost get hurt. He glared at Emily, yelling, "What the hell are you doing?!"

Emily was arrogant, jealous, and seething with rage. "What are you doing? You act like I'm not even here! Hugging and cuddling right in front of me?!"

Ethan stared at Emily, his eyes bloodshot. He bit his lip, holding back his anger. His fists clenched so tight they shook. When he couldn't take it anymore, he punched the floor—twice. Blood oozed from his knuckles.

Iris's heart ached. Tears blurred her vision, but with Emily there, she didn't dare go stop Ethan from hurting himself.

Emily gritted her teeth, burning with anger. She watched Ethan spiral, cold and unfeeling.

Julian and the police ran over at the same time. They grabbed Ethan's arms and pulled him up from the floor.

"You can earn more money," the police comforted him. "Don't hurt yourself."

Julian said nothing. He put his arm around Ethan's shoulder and patted it gently.

Ethan finally found a shoulder to lean on. He sobbed quietly, like a hurt kid, resting his head on Julian's shoulder.

He was so tired. So worn out.

For a regular family, their usual income was just enough to get by. Even if they saved every penny for ten years, they could only put away a few hundred thousand. Two million? It would take half a lifetime to pay back, if they could even do it.

His son was about to start elementary school. Life would only get harder.

Emily pouted, glared at Iris fiercely, and crossed her arms. Her attitude got even more arrogant.

The police packed up their things, patted Ethan's shoulder gently, then went to comfort Keith and Grace before leaving helplessly.

Keith gave Grace a pill, helped her into the room to rest, and said, "We're old. Eat well, drink well. We can't count on Ethan anymore but we have Iris. Let Ethan and Emily pay the debt slowly. Let's worry less."

It was one o'clock in the morning.

Once Ethan calmed down, he sat on a single sofa, slumping back weakly.

Iris and Julian sat on the long sofa next to him, staying quietly to keep him company.

Emily sat alone on a dining chair, tapping away at the investment app on her phone. Her face looked terrible.

"Iris, Julian, I'm fine. It's late. You should go home," Ethan said, his voice weak.

Iris walked over to Ethan, squatted down, and touched his rough hand.

Emily rolled her eyes again, glaring at Iris sharply.

Iris pulled a bank card out of her bag and handed it to Ethan. "I have a few tens of thousands here. Take it for emergencies. I'll find a way to pay off the rest of the debt."

Ethan sat up straight right away, shoving the card back to Iris. "I can't take your money anymore. We'll pay our own debt."

"It's so much money. How can you pay it alone? Let me help you."

Ethan shook his head, his tone firm. "I won't take another penny from you."

Emily suddenly rushed over, snatched the bank card, and said sharply, "If she's willing to give it, why not take it? We owe almost two million! The interest alone is a fortune every day! Quit acting so high and mighty!"

Ethan's eyes turned red with anger. He stood up, grabbed the card back from Emily, and gave it to Iris again. "If you give me one more penny, I'll jump out that window. If I have to rely on you for the rest of my life, I have no shame left to live with."

Iris's legs went weak. Tears filled her eyes, and she sobbed. "Don't say that. I'm your sister. Aren't siblings supposed to help each other?"

Ethan looked at Iris's face, full of guilt. "I already owe you so much. I can't take your money anymore. You paid for my fruit shop. You bought this house for our whole family! The property deed has my name and Mom and Dad's names, but you refused to add yours. You even paid for my wedding!"

Ethan covered his face, took a deep breath, and groaned in pain.

Iris hung her head, heartbroken, on the verge of tears.

Emily couldn't stand it anymore. She gritted her teeth and screamed angrily, her face twisted. "Iris owes you! Quit acting like you're so noble! Your parents always say—if you hadn't dropped out of junior high to work and pay for her studies, where would she be?

"You're so useless today because of her! If it weren't for you, she'd never have the success she has now! She'll never pay off the debt she owes you, not in a lifetime!"