Chapter 362 Ulterior Motives
Originally seated next to Abella, Lola found herself awkwardly rising when Mr. Medici suggested freeing up her spot for Phillipe.
The servants moved Lola's chair beside Mrs. Medici. Taking her new seat, Lola noticed Phillipe and Ethan, each serving Abella food on either side.
"This is delicious," Abella commented, tasting the shrimp. "It's perfectly cooked."
"I've never had Mom's cooking before," Ethan said, fork in hand and taking a bite with a surprised glance toward Mrs. Medici. "Did you really make all this yourself?"
"Doesn't it taste great?" Mrs. Medici asked with a hint of pride in her voice. "Bet you didn't expect your mom to have such culinary skills~"
"Nothing beats my wife's cooking!" Mr. Medici proudly stated, nodding fervently after trying a piece himself. "This meat is tender and firm, even better than a chef's touch!"
"It's amazing. Ethan tasted the braised sea ear and said, "Let me try what Dad made." The taste was amazing, and he couldn't help but believe that his parents' culinary prowess began with his sister's return.
"Phillipe, you've got to try this dish," Ethan said, offering Phillipe the food with a serving spoon.
"Exactly, my dear son-in-law, have some more!" Mrs. Medici chimed in, heaping more onto Phillipe's plate.
"Phillipe, care for some wine?"
As Mr. Medici reached for the bottle, Phillipe politely declined, "I still have to take Abella back to school later."
"I'm heading back to Stanford too! Brother-in-law, sis, could you drop me off along the way?"
Lola attended Stanford, which is located in the same college town as Abella's Medical University.
However, Phillipe and Abella simultaneously responded, "That's not convenient."
Abella added, "It'd be better if you got a ride from one of the family drivers."
Feigning disappointment, Lola turned to Ethan, "How about you drive me back?"
Ethan was second best to Phillipe, after all.
Perhaps pre-empting a refusal, Lola quickly added, "I heard you're on vacation, not too busy at the moment, right?"
Ethan, mindful of fairness between his two sisters, gently declined as Abella did, "Better let our driver take you. I've got things to deal with later."
"Alright then..." Lola sighed, feigning defeat once more, then reached for her bowl, "Ethan, could you pass me a chicken wing? It's just out of reach..."
Abella remained silent.
"Ethan, could you dish out some soup for me?" Lola said, beaming a smile. "Thanks, Ethan. I knew you were always the kindest to me!"
Throughout the meal, Lola was clearly attempting to make an impression. To prove to Abella that Ethan actually listened to her among the entire family, she wanted all of Ethan's attention. After all, she was the darling of the Medici family for eighteen solid years!
"Oh, you," Mr. Medici chuckled. "You're such a diva. Look at Abella, she doesn't trouble Ethan one bit."
"Ethan spoils me, what can I say..." Lola cooed, feigning contentment.
After dinner, Abella received an update from her crew.
"Boss, there's no one trailing you."
No one?
Could the person have left?
"I'm going for a walk. Wait here for me."
After Abella left, Phillipe and Ethan exchanged puzzled glances.
Why go for a walk alone?
Was it an attempt to get some space from them?
"Ethan, have some fruit," Lola offered, bringing a plate of neatly sliced fruit to Ethan with a smile. "It's all your favorites..."
"Thanks." Ethan picked up a piece of fruit.
Taking her chance, Lola coquettishly urged, "Ethan, I can't reach the fruits while holding the plate. Could you feed me one?"
Ethan was not oblivious to her motives. "Grown up and still playing games. Expecting your brother to feed you?"
"I want you to feed me! Does having your little sister back mean you don't treat me like one anymore?"
"You..." Ethan relented and fed her a piece of fruit. "Happy now?"
"Very happy, thanks, Ethan!" she giggled.
Then Lola glanced to the side and saw Phillipe heading out to the garden to wait for Abella. "I should bring some to my brother-in-law too~"
"Lola!" Ethan wanted to remind Lola that Phillipe was now engaged to Abella and she should keep her distance, but in a blink, Lola had darted off.
"Phillipe... I mean, brother-in-law, would you like some fruit?" Lola approached with the fruit plate, her face radiating innocence.
But Phillipe didn't even glance at it and instead stood up, ready to head to the front entrance.
"You won't even accept some fruit from me?" Lola blocked his path, looking slightly hurt. "Are you afraid I have ulterior motives? I can assure you I haven't poisoned anything, and I just wanted to offer you some fruit. Do you detest me that much? To refuse a mere fruit I offer?"
Phillipe shot her an impatient look. "Keep it away."
Lola felt a twinge of defeat. "Even if you don't like me, there's no need to be hostile towards the fruit from this family, right? Consider it an offer from your fiancée."
Phillipe was speechless.
"Come on, just one piece, and I'll be out of your hair," Lola said with a mischievous grin, impaling a mango slice with a toothpick and holding it out to him. "Please, just one bite?"
"Don't you understand plain English?" A flicker of annoyance crossed Phillipe's eyes. "I told you, don't waste your time on me."
"Is it really such a crime to offer you some fruit?" Lola's voice wavered, painting a picture of vulnerability. "If it were my sister handing this to you, you'd take it without a second thought, wouldn't you?"
"..."
"Actually... no, knowing Abella, she wouldn't serve you fruit at all... You're always looking out for her, and yet, she doesn't see the need to reciprocate... Phillipe, I..."
"Enough." Phillipe had no desire to hear her prattle on, brushing past her as he headed toward the front door.
"Phillipe!" Lola called out, stopping him in his tracks. "I wanted to let you know that I'm currently dating someone! I've moved on. If everything goes well, we're going to get married... You don't have to be on edge around me. From now on, I will keep my distance if you don't want me close..."
"..." Phillipe paused, well aware that her sudden change was only tactics. Did she think she could pull the wool over his eyes?
"I hope you and my sister find happiness..." With that, Lola turned to leave, but upon spotting Ethan, she called out sweetly, "Ethan, um, I was just leaving..."
Ethan nodded and watched her go, then turned his gaze back to Phillipe.
Ethan had witnessed Lola's clinginess to Phillipe and thought maybe she couldn't let go of the relationship, but after hearing her last words, a weight lifted off Ethan's shoulders.
It seemed he had worried over nothing.
"Lola doesn't have any ulterior motives toward you," he said.
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