Chapter 599 He's in So Much Trouble
Finally, yielding to Chicago's firm insistence, Fiona, Darwin, and Chicago set out to find Ethan after dropping Charles off at school.
In the principal's office, Ethan was summoned. He appeared still clad in a worn-out, faded school uniform, his hair tousled from the outdoors, his demeanor impatient.
Spotting a cut on the corner of his mouth, the principal approached him with concern. "Another scuffle, Ethan?" he chided in a hushed tone.
Ethan's gaze shifted to the trio standing nearby. "I told you, I don't need any thanks," he replied curtly.
"Ethan, you saved my daughter. It's a significant favor to our family. We can't help but be grateful," Fiona interjected gently.
"Ethan, watch your tone," the principal cautioned, worried for Ethan's well-being. This could be a pivotal moment for him to find support; it'd be a shame if he brushed it aside.
"It's alright, Principal," Fiona whispered, approaching Ethan and extending a business card. "Ethan, this is my number. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call."
Ethan glanced at the card, then at Fiona. He'd encountered various types of mothers, but none as lovely and kind as her.
Gossip about Fiona's family circulated even in the orphanage. It was evident she doted on Chicago, which explained her carefree demeanor.
"I don't need it," Ethan dismissed.
As Ethan turned to leave, Chicago's voice rang out. "Ethan, big brother!"
Ignoring her, Ethan continued walking.
"Chicago!" A man's voice called out. In the next moment, Chicago had latched onto Ethan's sleeve.
Frowning, Ethan glanced down at the shorter girl. "What do you want?" he asked.
"Thank you for saving my life!" Chicago expressed earnestly, handing him a small gift. "This is for you!"
Ethan furrowed his brow, but accepted the gift. Chicago's eyes sparkled with sincerity.
Avoiding her gaze, Ethan left the principal's office without a word. He couldn't fathom carefree, clear-minded individuals.
"Ethan!" the principal called out impatiently, but Ethan didn't turn back.
The principal turned to Fiona and Darwin, a hint of trepidation in his demeanor. Despite having met important figures before, he still felt somewhat uneasy around them.
How did Ethan manage to remain unafraid in anyone's presence? "Mr. Solomon, Fiona, Ethan has a unique background, hence his peculiar demeanor. But he's a good child, otherwise, he wouldn't have performed such a noble deed," the principal explained hastily. "Ethan may not be accustomed to receiving kindness..."
"My friend roughly told me about his family background yesterday. Where does Ethan live now? Who's he staying with?" Fiona inquired, her brow furrowed.
Darwin drew Chicago closer.
"He lives in an orphanage under the Children's Welfare Association, receiving a monthly allowance of a hundred dollars and occasional bonuses for academic achievements and competition wins. Though he can fend for himself, Ethan is stubborn. He often returns to his former home, only to face abuse each time..." the principal sighed.
Despite knowing Ethan's family situation, many were aware that his parents couldn't possibly owe his uncle and aunt so much. Yet, the promissory note held legal sway, leaving everyone angered but powerless.
Listening, Fiona's expression darkened. Darwin attempted to shield Chicago's ears.
"Principal, doesn’t Ethan have a home?" Chicago pushed aside Darwin's hand, her expression one of shock.
Fiona nodded gently, indicating it was okay for the principal to answer.
"Ethan's parents passed three years ago, and his uncle and aunt inherited their house," the principal explained.
Chicago was taken aback. "Why would Ethan's relatives do that?"
To her, Burl and Dagmar, whom she hadn't seen in ages, were loving uncles. Relatives mistreating their own family members is a sad reality.
The principal struggled to articulate the harsh reality of human selfishness and greed.
"Mommy, Ethan saved my life; I can't bear to see him being mistreated!" Chicago asserted to Fiona.
"I understand," Fiona reassured, exchanging a glance with Chicago.
"Children shouldn't be without a home!" Chicago fretted, her concern growing. "Mommy, we have plenty of rooms at home; let's bring Ethan with us!"
"Babe, let's not rush things," Darwin said, patting Chicago's head.
Crossing her arms, Chicago's anger and sadness at the thought of someone mistreating Ethan were palpable, her young face contorted in distress.
"Principal, if Ethan isn't ready to communicate with us, we won't disturb him further today," Fiona said, offering her business card again. "If he needs anything, please contact me."
"Rest assured, I will," the principal affirmed, holding Thalassa and Fiona's cards.
He pondered. In extending Ethan a lifeline, he hoped to offer some semblance of stability.
Ethan was too young to grasp the importance of financial security. Life was unpredictable, and a child like Ethan, there was no way he could weather life's storms and uncertainties.
Seeing Fiona, Darwin, and Chicago off, the principal couldn't help but sigh. Ethan's brooding demeanor and Chicago's exuberance were stark reminders of the vast disparities between children born into fortunate and unfortunate circumstances.
Once Chicago left the principal's office, she requested to call Burl, despite their recent disagreements over a bug incident.
Burl answered, hearing Chicago's distressed voice.
"What's wrong, Chicago? Is your injury still bothering you? I worked late yesterday and missed your calls. I only learned about your injury late at night. I called your mom, but you were already asleep. I didn't mean to neglect our precious one!" Burl reassured.
"Burl, I won't be mad at you anymore," Chicago said softly.
Concerned, Burl asked for details.
"I'm fine. There's a smart, kind boy at school who saved my life yesterday, but he's so unfortunate. He's an orphan, and his home was taken by his relatives..." Chicago's voice wavered with sadness.
Ethan truly was burdened with misfortune.
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