Chapter 184: Narrow Roads for Enemies

Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Narrow Roads for Enemies

The sales assistant smiled a bit worriedly, "These two sets are pretty expensive, since they’re bundled with limited edition watches and genuine silk ties."

The sales assistant gestured a number at them, clearly thinking normal folks couldn’t afford it.

Renee Morgan heard that there were limited edition watches and ties but didn’t rush to ask about the price—instead, she asked them to bring the watches and ties over for Ethan Sterling to try on.

Ethan Sterling was very cooperative throughout, changed clothes, put on the watch, but when the sales assistant tried to help with the tie, he avoided her.

In that brief moment, everyone nearby felt the pressure—the other sales assistants clutched their chests, visibly nervous, and the one who got dodged blushed deeply, her steps shaky as if she was about to collapse.

Renee Morgan was stunned for a second, watching Ethan Sterling turn sideways and tie the tie himself with quick, skilled movements.

This store was sheer luxury—minimalist decor with a hint of grand opulence. On glass wallpaper, various international supermodels posed: hands in pockets, jackets tossed, glaring back fiercely. Normally, they looked tall, strong, and exuded dominance and pride, epitome of prestige. Yet today, a single man stole their thunder.

No need for staged poses, no need for pinpoint presentation—he just slightly lifted his gaze, and his impossibly cool, sharp features outshone even those universally acclaimed foreigners with deep-set looks.

His ice-white skin held a frosty sheen, starry eyes indifferent, lips curled in a red arc with a trace of bewitching allure. If he pressed his lips just a bit more, he could mesmerize anyone—bring calamity to a nation.

Renee Morgan: "!"

If he wanted to try showbiz, just his face would get him all the way.

While Ethan Sterling changed clothes, Renee Morgan followed the sales assistant to the front desk. When she learned the actual price, she didn’t even blink—pulled out her phone, transferred money from her black card to her regular bank card, then asked them to ring it up with the ordinary card.

By the time Ethan Sterling finished changing, Renee Morgan had already paid.

As they left the store, Renee Morgan leaned in quietly and explained: "Mr. Sterling, you really don’t need to feel guilty. These two outfits are all about the look..."

Definitely not because she couldn’t control her impulses!

Spending money feels so damn good!!

After buying Ethan Sterling a pair of bespoke leather shoes, Renee Morgan dove headfirst into a women’s boutique, and Ethan Sterling accompanied her around the entire mall, showing zero impatience, even occasionally suggesting a few outfits for her.

The feeling of shopping non-stop was pure bliss. When Renee Morgan finally sobered up, both of them had their hands full of shopping bags.

In the blink of an eye, it was lunchtime—there was a restaurant in the mall, so Renee Morgan picked one at random.

Only after entering did she realize it was a super fancy Western restaurant, surrounded by many diners, but the atmosphere was very quiet.

The two of them, carrying this mountain of bags, immediately caught everyone’s attention as they walked in.

Renee Morgan was confident in her makeup (disguise)—after all this shopping, nobody recognized her, especially in a dining setting where the distance was greater.

Under the hostess’s guidance, the two sat at a table, and Renee Morgan held a massive menu to begin ordering.

At another table nearby, someone noticed Ben Ford repeatedly glancing toward a certain spot. Someone couldn’t help but ask aloud.

"Ben, did you run into someone you know? Want us to ask them over to join us?" Wyatt Prescott saw Ben Ford staring at that table and couldn’t help but speak up.

"Mm... You guys stay put, I’ll go say hello." Ben Ford distractedly left a sentence and hurried over.

Wyatt Prescott and the others exchanged looks, not knowing why Ben Ford, usually so calm, would act this way.

"Prescott, did your family arrange a meeting with that big shot?" Someone next to him recalled something and drew closer in a low voice.

"No, my dad said even the mayor can’t get a meeting." At this, Wyatt Prescott’s tone softened a bit, watching Ben Ford bowing and going up to greet them, feeling something odd inside.

Just as Wyatt Prescott was about to get up, Ben Ford had already returned.

Wyatt didn’t get a chance to ask before Ben called over the server to request the bill.

The others were totally confused—they’d just ordered, hadn’t even started eating.

When the server brought over the bill, Ben Ford asked her to include Ethan Sterling’s table as well, specifically instructing her not to draw attention to them.

Wyatt Prescott and the others exchanged glances, seeing his cautious demeanor, none dared to ask anything further.

After Ben Ford paid and signed, he looked elated, skipped his meal with the excuse of going to the restroom, stepped outside with his phone, and called Jamie Ford.

Jamie Ford had used all kinds of connections just to chase down Ethan Sterling, but couldn’t even meet him. Today, Ben not only saw him, but even picked up their bill. Even if it wasn’t quite a favor, at least he got himself noticed by Ethan Sterling.

After Mayor Ford asked for the address and hung up—

Ben Ford stared at the ended call, blank for a moment. Was his dad going to come in person?

He still wasn’t clear what Ethan Sterling’s identity really was—what he knew came from his father. With the Ford Family’s background, and where his dad sits now, that’s already the limit.

Even if he commits no mistakes, any promotion up is just a nominal rise—no real power left. The mayor is still young and naturally unwilling to stop. Ethan Sterling’s appearance could be the turning point—if they manage to get in with him.

Renee Morgan ordered two Valeray "Stargazer" mains, plus two desserts and drinks. The waiter had just left when a man cautiously approached.

If not for him never once looking at her, Renee Morgan would’ve suspected she’d been recognized.

"Chief Sterling..." Ben Ford tentatively called out.

When Ethan Sterling turned his head sideways, Ben Ford immediately straightened up: "Chief Sterling, it really is you. Hello, I’m Ben Ford, my father is Jamie Ford..."

Normally, when greeting others, he’d say, "My father is the mayor of Maridia."

Yet Ben Ford didn’t dare say that in front of Ethan Sterling—after all, the highest position to ordinary people is just a local official to those above.

Ben Ford spoke at length—Ethan Sterling never interrupted, and only when Ben stopped, awkwardly wrapping things up: "Since you’re eating, I won’t disturb you."

Ethan Sterling didn’t make a sound the entire time.

He came to the City of Maridia to reorganize the family business. He had no time for these ambitious, greedy types always looking for a free ride.

Renee Morgan heard the "Chief Sterling", her expression weird—did they not know Ethan Sterling had retired?

During this, Renee Morgan went to the restroom, and at the corner, bumped into someone.

For today’s shopping, Renee Morgan had specially worn flat shoes, so when someone barreled toward her, she quickly dodged aside.

Nicole Prescott was out for a group dinner, wearing stilettos, and nearly fell—at the last moment, she grabbed Renee Morgan’s arm hard to steady herself.