Chapter 82: He’ll Handle It

"How... is that possible?"

Jason felt his brain expanding, like it was about to burst from shock. Had his dog really gone to the kitchen to open his wine bottle and...

’Wait.’

His gaze sharpened, and he turned to Ethan. The young man was still seated by the stairs, seemingly oblivious to his gaze.

Jason alternated between the dog and Ethan, then growled.

"Brat, you think you can trick me? Hmph!"

With speed unexpected for an adult like him, he reached forward and grabbed Ethan by the neck. The young man stiffened, then immediately escaped his grip.

"What did I do?!"

Jason snorted, chasing after him. "You son of a...! You drank my wine and didn’t tell me? Come here and eat some punches."

Naturally, Ethan disobeyed his father. The two of them ran around the compound several times until Jason got tired and stopped.

"You... haha, haah... you son of... haa..."

Ethan stopped and glanced back at him with a small smile. "Looks like you’re more agile than I thought. That’s good."

Annoyed, Jason stood up and walked over to him. This time, Ethan didn’t run. He simply stood and closed his eyes as Jason’s knuckles struck his head.

"Hm, that hurt." He winced a little, then quickly recovered. "By the way, Dad, what kind of car would you like to drive? Maybe with Mom or something."

Jason looked at him with a frown. "I already have a Corolla. What would I need another car for?"

"Seriously?" Ethan rolled his eyes. "Where’s the Corolla now, huh?"

Scowling, Jason answered. "It’s at the mechanic shop. Why?"

Shaking his head, Ethan patted his father’s back and said, "Old man, you need a new car."

"I told you not to call me old man!"

Before Jason’s knock could land on his head, he dashed into the house.

That evening, everyone, including Nora, gathered in the kitchen to prepare dinner together. The little girl didn’t participate much, only assisting them with passing utensils and smaller ingredients.

To Ethan’s surprise, his father had actually bought a live chicken and they killed it together. He and Jason defeathered and dissected it before leaving it to Evelyn and Maria to cook.

While the women worked on making chicken soup, Ethan and his father focused on preparing pasta for everyone.

In less than two hours, they finally completed all the preparations, and the lavish meal was served.

Nora picked up her spoon and began eating immediately after the prayer. Her parents looked at her fondly, amused by their child’s eagerness.

Suddenly, Ethan saw a notification flash before his eyes.

[You have completed today’s task!]

[You have received 1 Kid’s iPad. Claim Reward?]

He stared at the screen and smiled. The task today had been pretty simple. It was just to make Nora completely enjoy her stay at his parents’ house.

Although he didn’t know the requirements to achieve the ’Completely’ tag, he had somehow managed to do it. Narrowing his eyes, he glanced at Nora.

’Is she a foodie?’

Shaking his head at the thought, he focused on the meal before him. Suddenly, his phone rang. Curious, he took it out and checked with a displeased expression.

He hated it when a meal with his family was interrupted. Realizing it was an unsaved number, he locked the phone and pocketed it.

’It must be one of those guys who want to buy the apartment or shopping complex. Poor souls...’

Evelyn turned to him. "Why didn’t you answer the call?"

Ethan shrugged. "It’s just one of those guys who want a piece of our house and shopping complex."

"Oh, them? Sigh. They’re really troublesome, huh?"

After realizing who it might be, Evelyn no longer urged him to answer the call.

Confused, Ethan’s parents looked at them until Maria finally spoke up.

"What happened? Why would someone want to trouble you about your house. Is there something I’m not getting?"

Ethan turned to her and explained. "Apparently, there will soon be a spike in the value of things in the district—most especially land and properties built on it. Now, they want to acquire buildings and make a profit from the upcoming inflation."

Maria’s eyes widened. "Ah... they’re actually that shameless? Ignore them, son."

Evelyn lowered her head. "That would have been easier if they hadn’t decided to get physical."

Jason’s eyes narrowed. "Physical? They came to confront you guys?"

Evelyn nodded.

Jason and Maria immediately turned to their son, their heavy stares demanding an explanation.

Drinking a glass of water, Ethan explained. "When I was out, they sent some guys to damage Evelyn’s shop. Thankfully, a few friendly neighbors were around and came to chase them off. Still, it was pretty surprising."

Maria’s eyes widened, and she almost slammed her hand against the table.

"Absolutely insolent! Vandalizing someone’s shop just because they refused to sell? Who the f—ahem. Who does that?"

She turned to Ethan.

"Did you call the police? Have they been arrested?"

Ethan gently leaned back and shook his head. "No, I didn’t call the police, but I already got them handled. They’re even the ones paying for the damage so..."

Maria’s eyes narrowed. "Tch. You should have had them rot in jail."

"At least, it has been solved," Jason said. "But whoever sent those guys is really childish. You should consider suing them if you have evidence."

Ethan smiled widely until he was almost squinting. "I already said I’m handling it, no? Don’t worry, Mom, Dad, they’ll regret crossing me."

Jason’s lips curled in a frown, but he simply nodded in the end. "Alright. I’ll let you handle it. Just don’t overdo it."

Ethan smiled naturally. "I understand, Dad. Come on, let’s eat before the food grows cold."

He picked up his spoon and continued eating, followed by his parents who did the same. They continued to eat dinner silently until the plates were empty.

Ethan and Evelyn carried the plates to the kitchen and washed them together. Staring at her husband, Evelyn hesitated, then asked.

"The person who wants to buy the shop. Who is he?"

Ethan paused, then answered casually. "Just some rich kid who thinks he’s a little king. A little delusional, I’d say."

Evelyn laughed and shook her head. "Just don’t get too involved, okay? Those people can be nasty."

Ethan nodded. "I understand."