Chapter 143: Pick Up

As evening approached, the number of customers at Eve Refreshments gradually decreased. Ethan finished arranging the remaining fruits on the display shelves before checking the time on his phone.

He wiped his hands on his apron, then untied it and hung it near the counter.

"Evelyn, I’m going to pick up Nora," He announced, reaching for the car keys.

Evelyn looked up from the fruits she was sorting. "All right. Drive carefully, okay?"

"Of course." Ethan slipped the keys into his pocket, but before he could leave, Evelyn walked around the counter and wrapped her arms around him.

He glanced down at her, a smile creeping onto his face. "What’s this? Another goodbye hug?"

"Can’t I hug my husband before he leaves?" she asked, resting her cheek against his chest.

"You can." Ethan returned the embrace, patting her back before leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I’ll be back soon."

Evelyn nodded and finally released him. "Don’t drive too fast."

"Hmn."

She watched him walk toward the entrance, then returned to the customer waiting at the counter. Ethan gave her one last wave through the glass door before heading to the BMW.

After settling into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and drove toward Nora’s school. The journey didn’t take long, and by the time he arrived, several parents had already gathered near the entrance, waiting for their children to come out.

Ethan parked in a designated spot and lowered his window slightly. He could see students moving around inside the compound, some carrying their schoolbags while others chatted with their classmates. A few younger children hurried toward the waiting adults, their voices carrying across the school grounds.

He leaned back against his seat and waited.

A familiar figure soon caught his attention. A man stood a short distance away, looking toward the school entrance while occasionally checking his phone. He wore a simple shirt and trousers, and his slightly untidy appearance suggested that he had come straight from a busy day.

Ethan studied him for a moment before recognizing him.

’Richard?’

He opened the car door and stepped out, walking toward the man.

"Richard."

The man looked up. Surprise crossed his face before he returned Ethan’s greeting with a small smile. "Ethan? What are you doing here?"

"I’m here to pick up Nora." Ethan glanced toward the school entrance. "What about you? Waiting for Alexa?"

Richard nodded. "Yes. She should be coming out soon."

Ethan slipped his hands into his pockets. "How’s work going? Still keeping you busy?"

Richard let out a short breath and scratched the side of his neck. "Well, you know how it is. There’s always something to do. Some days are better than others, but I’m managing."

"That sounds about right." Ethan nodded, watching him for a moment. "At least you’re keeping yourself occupied."

"Yeah." Richard glanced at his phone again. "Can’t complain too much."

The answer was vague enough that Ethan could have asked another question, but he didn’t. From the way Richard’s hands were roughened and his clothes carried faint marks that looked like grease stains, Ethan had already formed a reasonable conclusion about the man’s occupation. The faint smell of engine oil clinging to him only strengthened it.

’A mechanic, most likely.’

He didn’t voice the deduction. Richard didn’t seem particularly interested in discussing his work, and Ethan saw no reason to press him.

Instead, he leaned slightly against the side of his car. "How’s Alexa doing in school?"

"She’s fine. She talks about her classmates quite often." Richard’s expression softened a little. "Sometimes, I barely get a chance to ask her anything before she starts telling me what happened during the day."

Ethan chuckled. "Sounds familiar. Nora does the same thing when she’s in the mood to talk."

"That’s good. It’s nice when children feel comfortable sharing things with their parents."

Richard’s gaze drifted toward the school entrance, and Ethan followed it. Several children were beginning to emerge, their schoolbags bouncing against their backs as they searched for their parents.

Before either man could continue their conversation, two familiar little girls appeared among the crowd.

Nora spotted Ethan first. Her face brightened, and she hurried toward him with Alexa following close behind.

"Daddy!" Nora called, stopping in front of him. "You’ve come to pick me up!"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Did you expect me to forget you at school?"

"No!" She shook her head quickly, then reached for his hand. "I was just happy to see you."

He smiled and brushed a hand over her hair. "All right, all right. How was your day?"

"It was good! We had mathematics today, and I finished my classwork before the teacher collected the books." Nora turned toward Alexa. "And I played with Alexa during break."

"That’s good." Ethan looked at the other girl. "Hello, Alexa. How are you doing today?"

"I’m fine, Uncle Ethan." Alexa smiled politely before turning toward her father. "Daddy, I’ve finished school!"

Richard bent slightly to straighten the strap of her schoolbag. "I can see that. Did you have a good day?"

"Yes! Nora and I played together during break."

"That’s nice." He adjusted the bag on her shoulders. "Come on, let’s get going."

Alexa nodded, then glanced at Nora. "See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow!" Nora replied, waving at her friend.

Ethan exchanged a few final words with Richard before the two men went their separate ways. Richard led Alexa toward his vehicle, while Ethan took Nora back to the BMW.

Once they were inside, Nora fastened her seat belt and turned toward him.

"Daddy, can we go straight home?"

Ethan started the engine. "Not yet. I have something to do first."

Her eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?"

"Wait and see."

Nora leaned back against her seat, clearly trying to guess what he had planned, but Ethan kept his eyes on the road and offered no further explanation.

Instead of driving directly to Eve Refreshments, Ethan stopped outside a nearby candy store. He parked the car, unfastened his seat belt, and turned toward Nora.

"Stay here for a moment. I’ll be right back."

Nora watched him get out, her eyes following him as he entered the store. She tried to see what he was buying through the glass windows, but the shelves blocked her view. A few minutes later, Ethan emerged carrying a small shopping bag and returned to the car.

The moment he sat down, Nora leaned toward him.

"Dad, what did you buy?"

Ethan placed the bag between them. "Something for everyone at the shop."

He opened it, revealing several packets of candy and a few bottles of soft drinks. Nora’s eyes immediately settled on the sweets.