Chapter 225 The Real Purpose
Chapter 225 The Real Purpose
When Ethan mentioned going to the mall, he really meant accompanying them for a normal shopping trip. He even bought each of them a set of clothes and some cosmetics, showing no ulterior motives at all.
However, Ethan's presence drew the highest attention in the entire mall. Wherever they went, they attracted a lot of stares.
It couldn't be helped; the three girls had goddess-like looks, and being around a single man made it easy to attract attention.
The Ashford family, who had been secretly monitoring Ethan's movements, naturally noticed them immediately.
When the report reached Dorian, no one expected that Ethan would bring a few girls to shop in the Ashford family's territory, leaving Dorian momentarily at a loss.
"You said Ethan went to Skyline Center? What is he doing there?" Caspar inquired, baffled upon hearing the news.
"Could it be just a coincidence? They just happened to go shopping and ended up at Skyline Center?" Dorian said doubtfully and frowned, unable to fathom that Ethan was actually eyeing Skyline Center.
If someone were to tell Dorian now that Ethan wanted to take over Skyline Center, Dorian would probably laugh, as it seemed impossible to him.
"No matter what he's up to, keep a close watch on him! He wouldn't dare do anything drastic!" Caspar suggested, calming down from her anger and realizing that dealing with Ethan might be difficult. She no longer mentioned the idea of eliminating Ethan.
Thus, under the Ashford family's supervision, Ethan spent over two hours leisurely strolling around Skyline Center with the three girls.
Ethan was well aware that people secretly watched them. He even exchanged glances, smiled, nodded, or waved at them.
The Ashford family's spies were baffled and reported everything back to Dorian.
When the three girls complained of hunger, Ethan took them to a restaurant on the third floor of the building for lunch.
"We've been shopping for so long and bought so many things. How much longer are we going to shop? Is this even fun?" Chloe curiously asked during the meal.
"Don't worry. It's about to get interesting," Ethan replied with a mysterious smile.
"We're wandering around the Ashford family's territory. They must have noticed us by now. Are you here to stir up trouble on purpose?" Sarah asked, full of suspicion.
"I'm seriously shopping and spending money. How does that bother the Ashford family? How does that mean I'm here to cause trouble?" Ethan responded with a cold laugh.
"You might think that way, but others might not. If I were the Ashford family, your actions would seem like a provocation!" Chloe seriously reminded him.
"Then let's see who can't hold back first!" Ethan snorted dismissively.
"I knew you had something up your sleeve," Sarah said as she rolled her eyes. Just then, her phone suddenly rang.
After a moment, Sarah turned to Ethan and said, "The Ashford family went to the hospital. Lucian is now kneeling outside Isolde's hospital room, apologizing."
"Dorian acted quickly. Doing it at the hospital shows a lot of sincerity. He's not even afraid of losing face!" Ethan remarked as he raised an eyebrow, his tone full of mocking laughter.
Generally, in such situations, both parties would negotiate privately at their respective homes. Even if someone had to kneel and apologize, it wouldn't be done in front of outsiders. After all, big families cherish their reputations.
Unexpectedly, Dorian dared to have Lucian kneel directly outside Isolde's hospital room. This gesture alone would likely dissipate half of the Harris family's anger.
As for the other half, it would entirely depend on Isolde's condition.
But on the surface, the Harris family would no longer have grounds to take a hardline stance on this matter!
"Grandpa asked me to find out if the Ashford family is willing to give up some business interests as compensation to the Harris family. The Harris family can set the terms. What exactly are you planning?" Sarah continued to inquire.
"Isn't it obvious? What's our purpose for being here? Tell Percival that we won't accept any other conditions; we only want the Ashford family's Skyline Center!" Ethan reminded her.
"Do you really think you can use this situation to make Dorian follow your plan? This leverage doesn't seem sufficient," Sarah questioned doubtfully and couldn't help but immediately frown.
"Just convey my message. Whether Dorian agrees or not is his problem. Our condition is non-negotiable; we don't want any other compensation!" Ethan firmly instructed. He seemed determined to go head-to-head with the Ashford family.
Helplessly, Sarah could only relay Ethan's idea to Clarence.
After a moment of silence, Clarence said he understood and then hung up the phone.
"Grandpa didn't object!" Sarah said, putting down her phone, bewildered.
"Why would he object? As long as the terms aren't agreed upon, we keep negotiating. The initiative is in our hands; there's no reason to follow Dorian's lead. Besides, I am determined to get Skyline Center!" Ethan reminded her seriously.
The Harris family's sudden demand for only Skyline Center nearly infuriated Dorian to death! He thought, 'The Harris family was too greedy. How much is Isolde's life worth? The Harris family really dares to ask for it!'
"Ethan and his group are still at Skyline Center, and the Harris family suddenly makes such a demand. What are they thinking? It's utterly ridiculous! Has Carlos lost his mind?" Caspar cursed angrily after hearing about the Harris family's condition.
"Could this be Ethan's idea?" Dorian doubted and frowned, feeling that this condition must have come from Ethan. Otherwise, how could the Harris family propose such an apparently impossible demand?
"It must be Ethan's doing. The Harris family is willing to go along with his nonsense. It's outrageous! Do they really think the Ashford family is afraid? Wanting Skyline Center is pure fantasy!" Caspar snorted dismissively.
Soon, the Ashford family's refusal was communicated to the Harris family, but the rejection was expected and didn't surprise Carlos and Clarence at all.
The Harris family made it clear that they wanted nothing but Skyline Center. Thus, the entire afternoon was spent negotiating over Skyline Center, leaving Isolde's situation unresolved for the time being.
Ethan, meanwhile, took the three girls for another round at Skyline Center. Then, as if nothing had happened, he first dropped Lyra off at the Miller family and then took Chloe and Sarah straight to the hotel booked by Jayden and Alice.
Coincidentally, the Moonlit Mirage Hotel they chose was right across from Skyline Center. Upon arriving at the hotel, Ethan booked a room for himself.
Later, in the hotel's luxurious private room, Chloe met Alice for the first time, whom she had heard so much about from Sarah and Ethan.
After the three women met, Ethan sensed a noticeable change in the atmosphere.
Fortunately, the three girls maintained their composure in a formal setting, so the atmosphere was not as tense as one might expect and appeared quite harmonious.
Ethan decided to leave them be and started a conversation with Jayden, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, completely ignoring the three women.
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