Chapter 182: Nothing to Worry About
Carlos's study was large, divided into two compartments with a folding screen in the middle. As you entered, you could see a long table with items like drawing paper and a ruler, reflecting his refined taste for traditional Chinese culture.
The plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum paintings on the folding screen had a graceful charm, with Carlos's name written as the dedication.
On the other side of the room, there was a built-in bookshelf against the wall. In the center, there was a tea area where Carlos was currently engrossed in reading a history book. The tea on the coffee table was still steaming hot.
Upon entering, Carlos did not put down his book and Clarence did not rush him. Instead, he sat directly across from Carlos and poured himself a cup of tea, savoring it slowly.
Ethan Wilson, on the other hand, was not impatient at all. With his hands behind his back, he curiously wandered around the three rows of bookshelves.
In fact, the type of books a person typically reads can reflect their personality traits. Ethan Wilson wasn't simply passing time. He noticed that most of Carlos's books were related to economics and strategies, as well as historical classics such as the Twenty-Four Histories or Records of the Grand Historian.
"Do you often read books?"
After a while, Carlos finally put down his book and looked up at Ethan Wilson.
"I do, but not as much as I used to. Coincidentally, I have read most of the books you have placed in the bookshelf."
Ethan Wilson turned to Carlos, nodding with a smile.
"Oh? It's rare to find such a dedicated learner nowadays! I read these books mostly to pass the time. I haven't had the chance to read most of them, and yet you have read more than I have!"
Carlos raised an eyebrow, praising Ethan Wilson but also expressing a hint of doubt.
"I was influenced by my parents from a young age. I didn't have any other hobbies when I was a child, just reading. It was the same during my school days. Now, I read less. If I had the choice, I would prefer to spend my days like my grandfather, holding a book and drinking tea, free from worldly affairs!"
Ethan Wilson chuckled and shook his head. He wasn't bragging; his mother, Jessie, used to read with him every day when he was young, and Ethan Wilson enjoyed it.
"It's a shame! The Wilson family has actually let go of such a talented individual like you!"
Carlos nodded in agreement. True talent is not determined by words alone, and Ethan Wilson had no need to boast in front of him.
"They couldn't recognize a valuable asset, but there are always people who can. Since my grandfather let me through this door, it also shows that you and some members of the Wilson family have different opinions!"
Ethan Wilson looked at Carlos earnestly and said, "You don't have to flatter me. Agreeing to let you in doesn't mean anything. You should know that it's easier to get in than to stay. If you want to collaborate with me, you must have something convincing. Nowadays, personal relationships are worthless, even if you save my own brother!"
Carlos, however, shook his head without giving a clear response, his gaze fixed on Ethan Wilson as he reminded him, "Sir, there are certain things I cannot say. Right now, you only want to see my abilities. How about we make a bet?"
Upon hearing this, Ethan Wilson laughed, knowing that Carlos would definitely negotiate with him.
In fact, it was only natural for Carlos to consider the pros and cons since he chose him and stood against the Wilson family.
"A bet? How do you suggest we bet?" Carlos asked with a hint of interest on his face.
"It's simple. Tomorrow is the engagement ceremony between the Miller family and the Ashford family. If you take me with you, I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer. I bet that after tomorrow, you will definitely cooperate with me!" Ethan Wilson explained confidently.
"You are quite confident! Taking you to the engagement ceremony is a small matter. I've also heard about your relationship with the Miller family's girl. If you go tomorrow, it will surely cause quite a stir. Apart from the Harris family, members of the Wilson family, the Miller family, and the Ashford family will all be present. You will be surrounded by enemies on all sides. Are you so confident?" Carlos' response to Ethan Wilson's request was not surprising, as he had already considered this issue. He wanted to see how Ethan Wilson would handle such a difficult situation.
"Even if I am surrounded, what does it matter? Everything I do tomorrow has nothing to do with the Harris family. Even if you, sir, stand with them, it will have the same result for me." Ethan Wilson stated openly, revealing Carlos' best option on the surface.
Indeed, taking him to the engagement ceremony was simple, considering Ethan Wilson's relationship with Sarah. It was precisely because of this relationship that if Ethan Wilson made any uncontrollable moves, Carlos could sell him out to the others immediately.
First of all, the Harris family can be removed. Secondly, it's like handing Ethan Wilson over to the Wilson family's knife, and with the Miller family and the Ashford family, they might even be grateful that he brought this great trouble to their doorstep!
From any point of view, Carlos was both attackable and defensible, but compared to that, Ethan Wilson had little chance of being able to compete with the three major families and come out unscathed.
He was really curious, where did this young man's confidence come from?
"You are indeed a clever person. Since you already understand, I won't say much. I can make a bet with you. At most, I won't backstab you tomorrow, but don't expect the Harris family to help you either."
Carlos nodded and smiled. He had no reason to refuse this bet because he had the final say in the outcome. In this situation, why not take a gamble?
Furthermore, even if Ethan Wilson really had the ability to make him admit defeat, it would actually be a good thing for him and the Harris family!
"I just said, everything I do tomorrow has nothing to do with the Harris family, so naturally, I won't need the Harris family's help."
Ethan Wilson remained just as confident, with no sign of hesitation or fear on his face.
"I am curious, where does your confidence come from? I heard that during your stay in Houston this time, you have been living with the Walker family?"
Carlos asked curiously.
The Walker family was the only trump card that Ethan Wilson could play!
But would the Walker family, a military family that never takes sides, potentially change its principles to help Ethan Wilson?
"The old man should know that the Walker family won't take a stance in this matter! I know what you're thinking, but I can only tell you that the cards in my hand are not limited to just the Walker family! As for how it will turn out, you will naturally see at the engagement banquet tomorrow!"
Ethan Wilson's mysterious appearance piqued Carlos' interest, even Clarence beside him couldn't help but want to ask several times, but in the end, he didn't.
"Alright, we will leave promptly at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. I also want to see what kind of surprise you will bring me."
With that, Carlos didn't ask any more questions, nor was there any need to. With those words, the conversation between the two came to an end.
"I will definitely be there on time. But I have another small request, I hope you can agree!" Ethan Wilson nodded, suddenly changing the subject.
"What request?" Carlos furrowed his brow, asking with a puzzled look on his face.
"Don't let your precious granddaughter go. With such a complicated situation, it wouldn't be good if something happened. And seeing her will affect my mood!" Ethan Wilson directly mentioned Samantha Roberts.
"Are you talking about Xiaoying? She just came out, did she do something to provoke you?" Carlos immediately furrowed his brow, knowing his precious granddaughter's personality the best – she had simply been spoiled by him!