Chapter 80: Another Visit (3)

"Oh?" Maria gasped, surprised. She turned to her son, and seeing him smile, she confirmed it.

A smile filled with pride appeared on her face. "Looks like you really picked up something from me. I’m proud of you."

Jason frowned. "Hey, didn’t we raise him together?"

Maria shot him a glare, and he immediately fell silent.

Nora smiled slightly and thought, ’Although Dad wasn’t a good person, his parents were nice to us. Now...’

She glanced at Ethan.

’Why isn’t he becoming what I thought he’d be? I should be happy about it, but I feel strangely conflicted. I just can’t... believe it.’

Ethan noticed her state and turned to her. He smiled and patted her head, even dropping some of his meat on her plate.

She smiled faintly and nodded shyly. "Thank you."

Ethan nodded and turned away, just in time to see Evelyn placing an extra piece of meat on his plate too.

He blinked and turned to her, but she only smiled and focused on her meal. He shook his head and continued eating.

No one said anything for a few minutes until Jason did.

"Right, Ethan."

"Hm?" The young man raised his head.

Putting down his spoon, Jason said, "Your cousin is getting married next month. You’re coming with us, right?"

Ethan blinked. "Albert? Who is he marrying?"

"A bad—ahem," Jason immediately corrected himself. "A lady from Morocco. They look good together."

Ethan’s lips curved knowingly, but he suddenly winced. Turning to the side, he caught Evelyn pinching his side while glaring at him.

She immediately switched to a smile and pulled away, but he could tell that she had delivered the warning.

Rubbing his waist, he turned to his father only to find him squirming in his seat. It was obvious that Maria was dealing with him too.

Ethan chuckled and spoke up. "Alright, Dad. I’ll go. Just remind me lest I forget."

Jason nodded, finally released from his wife’s wrath. He rubbed his side too and gave Maria some of his meat to appeal to her.

The older lady accepted the bribe with a content smile, winking at Evelyn like she was teaching her something.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. ’What the hell is going on here...?’

A while later, everyone finally left the dining room after eating to their satisfaction.

Evelyn and Nora went to the guest room to rest while Ethan and his parents remained in the living room.

"Ethan, where do you work now? You sent your father a huge sum a few weeks ago, and I was wondering how you got that," Maria asked, curious.

Ethan blinked, then answered with a straight face. "I already told Dad. I work as a consultant for some rich men. Not an everyday job, but it’s worth it."

"A consultant?" She blinked, surprised. "What are they consulting you about?"

"Anything they need, actually." Ethan shrugged. "But I’ve only had business consultation for now, anyway."

Maria slowly nodded. "As long as it can sustain you and your family, then it’s all good."

Jason hummed in agreement. "And Ethan, do not let money blind you. Don’t descend into the darkness of the world. I must not hear bad reports about you. Understood?"

"I understand." Ethan nodded. "By the way, Mom, I already bought a house in Arcane City and I want you two to visit us. What time do you think it’s comfortable for you to come?"

"Ah?" Maria gasped. "You already bought a house? When?"

She turned to her husband who didn’t look surprised. "You knew about it too? Why didn’t you tell me?"

She immediately grabbed his ear, twisting it and causing him to cry out in pain.

"Wait. Wait. Wait. He just told me today!" Jason shouted in panic.

Maria turned to her son, still holding Jason’s ear. "Is that true?"

Ethan nodded with a smile. "Yes. I was planning to make it a surprise when you two visit us, but I changed my mind."

Maria snorted and finally released Jason’s reddened ear. The man grunted and stood up, walking away grumpily.

Ethan watched him go with a smug expression, then turned to his mother.

"Um... I think you should handle him gently. He can’t always be treated like this, you know?"

Maria’s eyes sharpened. "Are you lecturing me?"

Ethan raised his hands in a surrendering gesture. "Absolutely not. Just suggesting."

Maria smiled and nodded. She suddenly stood up, walking in the direction Jason went to. Before she left the living room, she said, "Don’t worry. I know when not to overdo it and piss him off."

Ethan smiled faintly and stood up too. He went to the kitchen and poured himself a cup of wine.

He headed to the balcony where Prat was locked in his cage. Freeing the dog, he sat by the stairs and took a slow sip.

The dog ran around him excitedly, even trying to pull his footwear. Ethan chuckled and pulled out his phone.

Going through his contact list, the first person he decided to call was Vincent. The call connected almost immediately.

"Hello, Vincent." He smiled.

"Afternoon, Ethan," Vincent replied. "I’m already working on the shop and it’s half-done already."

Ethan nodded. "That’s nice. Thanks for the assistance. By the way, how’s your family?"

Vincent cleared his throat. "My wife has already been discharged, and they’ve started living with me after we talked. I... I feel relieved."

"Well, it’s obvious you’ll feel relieved." Ethan nodded, taking another sip from the wine. "Just keep doing your best to support them. You’re enrolling your son in the government school too, right?"

"Yes," Vincent confirmed his words. "That’s the closest place, and the best in town. I considered sending him overseas, but I want him by my side. Just like his mother."

Ethan chuckled. "Well, that’s a good thing. Keeping them close gives you a chance to build memories. Sometimes, too much luxury and abuse of wealth can damage a person’s character. Don’t let your son get spoiled too much."

He paused, then added. "You don’t want him to get slapped in the face by some poor kid at school. Trust me. I’ve done that before."

Smiling, he took another sip.