Chapter 202 Dependence on Her
"What?" Lisa's jaw dropped. She didn't see Avery's verbal smackdown coming her way. Shocked and pissed, she was left speechless for a sec.
"Last time, you made me believe she was your friend, and I trusted you. Now, you got the nerve to take her to eat bread with Jackson and Ethan without even telling me. What the hell were you thinking?" Avery's voice got louder with every word.
Lisa, just as mad, nodded. "Yeah, I had bad intentions! I helped you bring Ethan out to have bread with you, thinking I could help you get closer to Jackson. Blame me, it's all my fault for being your friend!"
"Lisa," Evelyn called out softly.
Evelyn saw Ethan's face almost hit the table, his little fists clenched, and his shoulders shaking. She wanted to jump over the table, scoop him up, and calm him down.
Evelyn's gentle call seemed to snap something in Lisa. Lisa grabbed Evelyn's hand and said, "Avery, you're right. I am malicious. Not only will I stop meddling in your business, but I'll also help Evelyn and Jackson get together."
"You wouldn't dare." Avery screamed and tried to rush forward, but a sharp, clear tinkle stopped her as glass shattered at her feet, some pieces even grazing her.
Though not hurt, Avery was left speechless on the spot.
Jackson, who had dropped the glass, looked unfazed, his face cold. "I'll say this one last time. Get lost, or else..."
His eyes turned icy as he looked at Avery. "I'll make you disappear forever!"
A shiver ran down Avery's spine. Her fierce look softened, turning miserable. "Jackson, please don't! It's my fault. Can't you understand me a bit? Look at Ethan..."
"Ethan?" Avery finally looked for Ethan, only to find him gone.
At some point, Ethan had slipped under the table, hands clenched, eyes shut tight like he was blocking out the world.
Evelyn couldn't worry about anything else. She quickly got up and went to Ethan's side, crouching beside him silently.
"Don't touch my son!" Avery screamed again when she saw Evelyn.
"Get out!" Jackson's anger flared.
Seeing Jackson's face, Avery didn't dare say more. "Jackson, I won't piss you off anymore. I'm leaving."
Reluctantly, Avery left, but not before shooting Evelyn a nasty glare.
Evelyn, unaware of Avery's glare, stayed quietly by Ethan's side. She didn't hug him or say anything, just sat there, slowly moving her feet to touch his.
When their feet touched, Ethan jerked his foot away, but Evelyn quickly moved closer again, their feet side by side.
"Ethan..." Jackson bent down to lift Ethan, but Evelyn signaled him to stay quiet.
Lisa found the whole scene kinda weird but kept her mouth shut.
After a bit of their feet touching, Ethan finally opened his eyes and looked at her.
Seeing Ethan's eyes on her, Evelyn smiled.
Ethan, surprised by her smile, stared for a moment, his tense face finally relaxing with a tiny smile.
The smile didn't last long. Evelyn stayed quiet, reaching out a hand to him.
Ethan hesitated for a sec before slowly putting his hand in hers.
Evelyn grabbed his hand right away, her smile growing even brighter.
Out of nowhere, Ethan threw his arms around her neck, hugging her tight. Even Evelyn was caught off guard.
Evelyn had just wanted to calm him down.
She gently held him, rubbing his back, feeling the heavy weight of his emotions.
Jackson watched silently, his thoughts a mystery.
After a while, Ethan's trembling stopped, and his grip on Evelyn's arm loosened.
Evelyn stood up with Ethan in her arms, her legs shaky from crouching so long.
Jackson helped her up just in time, then took Ethan from her, saying sincerely, "Thank you."
Evelyn smiled faintly, squeezing Ethan's hand. She spoke with deep emotion, "No matter what, don't let things blow up in front of Ethan. It really messes with him."
"Alright." Jackson nodded, looking a bit regretful. "Ethan really likes you. If you weren't leaving, I'd hope you could stay a few more days with him."
"Yeah, Evelyn, do you really have to go? Wouldn't it be better to stay and grow here? My dad's team is top-notch. If you join them, you'll have great opportunities. Plus, if you run into any trouble, I can help you out," Lisa added, trying to convince her.
Jackson agreed with Lisa. "The prospects here are really good. Ms. Taylor, with your talent in the fragrance industry, wouldn't you want to aim higher? And if you face any challenges, I can help."
"No, thanks." Evelyn shook her head firmly. "I prefer the environment back home, and I believe I can make my own way no matter where I am."
With the conversation hitting a wall, further persuasion seemed pointless. Ethan, clearly not wanting her to go, softly called out, "Aunt Taylor..."
Ethan whispered, his eyes full of reluctance.
"In the future, if there's a chance, let your dad bring you to Vistalia to visit. I'll host you!" Evelyn said gently, tapping Ethan's cheek with her finger.
Ethan looked at his dad, waiting for his response. Jackson nodded, "Definitely!"