Chapter 161: Little Accident

The following morning, Ethan woke up at his usual time.

After getting out of bed, he completed his morning exercises and took a shower before heading to the kitchen. He prepared breakfast for the family, making sure everything was ready before Evelyn and Nora woke up.

It wasn’t long before the two of them emerged from the bedroom.

Evelyn was dressed neatly, while Nora looked considerably more refreshed than she had the previous morning. Her white hair was arranged neatly, and she carried a small smile as she approached the dining table.

"Good morning, Dad!"

"Good morning." Ethan placed a plate in front of her. "Did you sleep well?"

Nora nodded and climbed onto her chair.

Evelyn took her seat beside her. "You woke up early today."

"I wasn’t sleepy anymore."

Ethan smiled. "That’s good. Eat properly. We have a busy day ahead."

The three of them enjoyed breakfast together, chatting casually about their plans. Nora mentioned something about school, while Evelyn reminded Ethan that there were a few things she wanted him to check at the shop.

After breakfast, they tidied up and got ready to leave.

Ethan carried the car keys and led his family downstairs. Once everyone was settled, he started the engine and drove toward the Shopping Quarter

Their first stop was Eve Refreshments.

The journey didn’t take long. Ethan parked near the shop, and Evelyn stepped out with her bag. Nora followed her father outside and waved toward the entrance.

Cassandra was already around, standing near the shop as she spoke with someone by the sidewalk.

"Good morning, Cassandra," Ethan greeted.

Cassandra turned around and smiled. "Good morning, Ethan. Good morning, Nora."

"Good morning!" Nora replied cheerfully.

Ethan glanced at the shop entrance. "You’re here early."

"Not particularly. I arrived a little while ago."

Evelyn exchanged a few words with her before turning toward Ethan. "I’ll see you later."

"Alright. I’ll be back soon."

She smiled and nodded before heading inside with Cassandra.

Ethan returned to the driver’s seat and drove off with Nora.

The journey to her school was uneventful. He dropped her off near the entrance, reminding her to be careful and pay attention in class.

"Alright, Dad."

He smiled. "And say hello to Alexa for me."

Nora nodded enthusiastically. "I will!"

"Good girl. Have a nice day."

"You too!"

She waved before heading toward the school entrance.

Ethan watched until she disappeared from sight before driving away.

He made his way back, eventually arriving at Eve Refreshments again.

However, the moment he pulled up in front of the shop, something caught his attention.

The delivery truck wasn’t there.

He glanced toward the entrance. The employees were around, but the usual morning activity had yet to begin. The bulk section was quiet, and several crates that should have been filled with fresh produce were still empty.

Ethan frowned slightly. ’What’s going on?’

He parked the car and stepped out.

Evelyn was inside the shop, speaking with one of the waiting customers. When she noticed him approaching, she excused herself and walked over.

"You’re back."

Ethan nodded, glancing toward the empty delivery area. "The truck hasn’t arrived yet?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Not yet. I was actually about to call the driver again."

"What happened?" He asked.

"Apparently, the delivery truck had an accident on the road. That’s why they’re delayed."

Ethan’s expression changed slightly. "An accident?"

"Yes. That’s what I was told. I haven’t received all the details yet, but they said the driver is alright." She sighed.

He looked toward the road outside, then back at the shop.

The timing was rather unfortunate. Without the delivery, they couldn’t properly begin their usual sales, and the longer the delay continued, the more customers they stood to lose.

However, that wasn’t what bothered him most.

His mind briefly returned to the suspicious businessman who had attempted to purchase their entire stock, as well as Samuel Wayne’s connection to him.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

’This isn’t a simple accident, is it?’

........

The second delivery truck finally arrived a little after ten in the morning.

By then, Evelyn had checked the time so many times that Cassandra had started giving her updates without being asked. The moment the truck pulled up in front of the shop, Evelyn glanced at it and let out a quiet breath.

"Finally," She muttered, putting down the pen in her hand.

The driver climbed down and approached them with an apologetic smile. He began explaining the delay, but Evelyn only listened for a moment before telling him to get the goods unloaded. She wasn’t particularly interested in hearing another explanation. The previous truck had already caused enough trouble, and she had customers waiting.

Despite her displeasure, she didn’t make things difficult for the driver. Once the goods had been checked, she paid the full amount without deducting anything for the delay.

Ethan watched her put away her purse before walking over to help with the unloading.

"Let’s get these inside," He said, picking up the first crate.

Cassandra immediately joined him, while Gilbert and Maya came out of the juice shop to help. Within a few minutes, all five of them were busy moving crates from the truck and arranging them in the appropriate sections.

The delivery was larger than the usual morning supply, so it took some time to sort everything out. They had to separate the fruits meant for the main shop from those intended for the juice shop and the bulk section. A few crates also needed to be opened so they could inspect the contents before putting them away.

It took almost an hour before everything was finally in place.

"That should be the last of them," Gilbert said, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. He looked towards the remaining crates and then at Ethan. "I don’t think I want to see another crate for the rest of today."

Maya chuckled as she adjusted her hair. "You say that as if you did most of the work."

"I did my fair share." He argued with a frown.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You carried three crates."

"Three heavy crates."

"They weren’t even full."

Gilbert stared at her for a moment before looking towards Ethan. "Boss, are you hearing this? I work hard, and this is the appreciation I get."

Ethan placed the empty crate he was holding on top of another one. "You should be grateful she didn’t make you carry them alone."

Maya laughed, and Gilbert shook his head.

"See? This is why I don’t like working as couples."