Chapter68 Hannah's Invitation
Ethan's gaze drifted towards Hannah's yard adjacent to his own, immediately drawn to the cluster of potted plants huddled against the garden wall. A spark of interest ignited in his eyes.
A half-hour later, Ethan found himself staring at a withered potted plant inside his room, a peculiar expression etched onto his face.
He had cut a wound into his own hand and conducted an experiment. As the wound healed, he noticed the once thriving seedling withering simultaneously.
This observation confirmed his hypothesis - the bead, while facilitating healing, adversely affected the nearby plants.
Ethan remained oblivious to the principle underlying this phenomenon, but his fascination with the bead's miraculous nature only grew.
After a moment of stunned silence, he shook his head, forcing a smile onto his face. "I've been too engrossed in these experiments. I'll have to explain this to Hannah later," he mused, wondering how Hannah would react upon discovering that her painstakingly nurtured roses had been mysteriously killed by his actions.
Would she deem him unreasonable?
Just then, his phone buzzed with a call from Jayden, who was currently overseas. "Jayden, stay put and don't worry about me! If necessary, I'll let you know what to do. For now, your task is to manage the offshore investment company for me. I've already instructed the person in charge there to cooperate with you," Ethan advised him earnestly.
"I've heard that the Cloud Group has changed its chairman again, this time to Beverly! Sir, what do you plan to do?" Jayden quickly diverted the conversation.
"Evidently, the Cloud Group falling into Beverly's hands might not be detrimental. I initially planned to weaken the Cloud Group through a scheme, but now there's another possibility. Let's let this woman stir things up for a while!" Ethan's sentiments towards Beverly were rather complex.
She was one of the few third-generation Wilson family members who had aided him, despite occasionally seeming to oppose him. But she had never intended to harm him!
"I concur. Beverly has always been quite kind to you!" Jayden sighed in relief upon hearing Ethan's words.
However, certain things remained unspoken between them. The situation was still murky, and whether Beverly would turn out to be a friend or foe was yet to be seen.
Ethan briefly discussed the Harris family's predicament and his strategy to confront the QU Group in Seattle.
"It's beneficial for you to maintain a cordial relationship with the Harris family. We should really thank Miss Miller for that! Sir, are you two..." Jayden had already inferred the nature of Ethan's relationship with Chloe from the narrative.
Ethan found himself at a loss for words and quickly redirected the conversation. "Jayden, when did you become so intrigued by gossip? I might need your assistance when I head to Seattle this time!"
"Tell me what you need!" Jayden responded promptly.
"I'll reach out once I evaluate the situation there. To reclaim the Harris family's benefits from the QU Group, we'll need to employ some tactics. Since Mr. Harris is testing me, I want you to make your presence felt as much as possible!" Ethan reminded him sternly.
"I understand. Your influence and the backing you have will undoubtedly sway Grandpa's perception of you! I believe it's necessary too. This time, we'll bring the Harris family over here!" Jayden immediately grasped Ethan's intention.
"It's not that straightforward. Clarence is merely a distant relative. The Harris family in Novaria doesn't represent the Harris family in Houston. But this is still a good start for me!" Ethan seriously analyzed the situation before him.
"The fact that you can think like this proves that you have matured, and I can feel relieved! I wish you a smooth trip to Seattle!" Jayden expressed his relief.
After ending the call with Jayden, Ethan glanced at the darkening sky and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"It seems like being alone at home only warrants instant noodles!" he lamented. Apart from instant noodles, Ethan had barely stocked up on any other ingredients, and he didn't have the time to cook. However, when his stomach growled, he couldn't help but smile ruefully.
Fortunately, he had enjoyed a hearty meal at the Harris family's residence for lunch.
Just as Ethan was on the verge of satisfying his hunger with a bowl of instant noodles, the shrill ring of his phone echoed through the room. The call was from his neighbor, Hannah.
As the call connected, the distinct sound of rushing water filled his ear, prompting him to ask, "Miss Collins, what are you up to?"
"I've just finished work and cooked dinner. I was about to take a shower and then eat. Have you eaten yet? Would you like to come over and try my cooking? There are also some work matters I need to discuss with you!" Hannah's voice, usually brisk and businesslike, held a rare hint of languid charm.
Ethan was momentarily speechless. Was this woman really calling him from the shower?
Almost involuntarily, an image of Hannah's mature figure materialized in his mind.
"Alright, I'll be over in a few minutes!" Ethan responded, foregoing any formalities. He was leaving for Seattle the next day and had no idea how long he would be gone. It was only right to inform Hannah beforehand.
Five minutes later, Ethan exited his villa and rang the doorbell at Hannah's house.
When Hannah emerged from the villa, Ethan felt a sudden urge to flee.
Fresh from her shower, Hannah's wet hair hung loosely over her shoulders. She was clad in nothing but a silk nightgown, revealing a pair of smooth, fair legs. Pink slippers adorned her feet as she opened the door to welcome him.
"Miss Collins, couldn't you have changed into something more appropriate?" Ethan managed to stammer out, trying his best not to stare.
Hannah, amused by his discomfort, shrugged nonchalantly. She was accustomed to her routine of coming home, finishing chores, cooking dinner, and washing away the day's stress before settling down to eat.
She hadn't given her attire a second thought.
"Couldn't you change the way you address me? You can call me Hannah, and I won't call you boss, but Ethan. You always refer to yourself as the boss."
"I feel awkward, Miss Collins!" Ethan protested, but Hannah merely giggled in response.
Her laughter caused a noticeable movement in her chest. Was she really not wearing anything under her gown?
Quickly averting his gaze, Ethan took a seat on the sofa, suddenly regretting his decision to visit.
After fetching bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, Hannah called out to Ethan, "Why are you sitting on the sofa? Come to the dining room. I've made two dishes and a soup. I'm not sure if they'll suit your taste, but please bear with it!" Her laughter echoed through the room as she watched him squirm.
"Hannah, didn't you mention you had something important to discuss?" Ethan finally took a seat at the dining table, his eyes darting around the room, deliberately avoiding Hannah.
"Can't we eat first? I assume you're used to eating casually at home. Since I usually eat alone, why not join me for meals from now on?" Hannah served Ethan a bowl of rice, her smile warm and inviting.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble? I can manage with something simple at home, and I'm not home often anyway! I came here to tell you that I'm leaving for a trip tomorrow, and I'm not sure when I'll be back. It could be more than a week or even longer!" Ethan reasoned, thinking that if he had to face such a situation every day, he'd rather not come. It was simply too much for any normal man to handle.
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