Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 198

He switched his phone back to the home screen and dialed an overseas number.

"Help me look into someone."

"Who?"

"Joe Kerrigan. I want details—his connections, what he's been up to lately, whether he's left Meriax."

There was a pause on the other end before a cool voice replied, "The Jacksons and he had some ties, but that was the last generation. Why are you checking on him?"

Ethan said flatly, "I don't need a reason. One more thing—see if he's ever had dealings with the Porters in Trifton."

So it really was because of a woman.

The man on the other end chuckled, rare for him. "Ethan, even you have days like this."

Ethan hung up without a second thought and sent a message to Tony.

From everything that had happened recently, it felt like someone was slowly reaching into Dawn's life. And that note—boldly warning her not to marry ...

Why?

They were already married—no random threat could derail that.

Still, Dawn's safety had to come first. Another kidnapping was out of the question.

Ethan told Tony to arrange bodyguards through Dreammaker Studios, and from tomorrow, personally drive Dawn.

Tony asked, "So basically, I'm turning into Ms. Porter's assistant? Boss, what will you do without me?"

Ethan's voice was icy. "You think that's funny?"

"Not funny. I'll take care of it."

When Dawn heard, she did not object. The only downside was that Tony would have to juggle both tasks—driving her every day and handling his regular work.

Days passed peacefully for more than ten days, and Tara had almost everything packed. The family sat down to finalize their trip back to Trifton.

...

She had gifts prepared for everyone, except Austin.

"Dawn, your Uncle Austin doesn't seem that much older than you two. I really don't know what he likes. What should I bring?"

What should she bring?

At this point, no matter what they gave Austin, he probably would not be satisfied.

Dawn stayed quiet for a moment before smiling. "Mrs. Jackson, you've already done enough. Let Ethan and me handle his gift."

"Alright, you young folks will know better anyway."

Relieved, Tara went back to her room to finish packing.

With Ethan still at the office, Dawn quickly organized what she needed, then sat down on the couch, lost in thought.

Something told her this trip would not go smoothly.

Her last few encounters with Austin had all ended badly.

Would he ever accept her marrying Ethan?

Dawn sighed deeply. Smooth? Maybe. But with Austin and Sydney around, some drama was inevitable.

The next morning, they left for the airport.

Will, pressed for time, would meet them in Trifton directly.

The plane cut through thick clouds, opening into a pure, blue sky beyond the windows, sunlight pouring in.

Three hours later, they landed in Trifton.

As they stepped off the plane, Tara drew in a deep breath.

"Trifton doesn't feel too cold, but the damp chill is real. Dawn, keep your coat on."

"Okay."

Just as Dawn was about to pull her hand out of her gloves, Ethan turned her around.

He zipped her coat, pulled up her hood.

Bundled head to toe in white, she looked like a fluffy little bear.

Ethan, dressed in dark tones—a black overcoat, straight-cut slacks that showed his tall, lean frame—stood beside her, exuding calm strength.

They were complete opposites: she, simple and pure; he, deep and restrained.

But today, he seemed different.

Dawn stared for two seconds, then let him take her hand and lead her out.