Chapter 601 Parents' Past
The couple found themselves surprised at how smoothly things were unfolding. Moments ago, as Chicago probed them with questions, panic had gripped them. They feared Ethan's supposed "lies" might thwart their chances of striking it rich.
Never had they imagined Fiona to be so easily deceived.
Ethan's aunt hastily added Mike on Facebook.
"Send him your specific requirements, and someone will contact you later," Fiona uttered before departing without a moment's hesitation.
Once she left, the imposing bodyguards followed suit.
In the distance, the couple stood, joy enveloping them.
"Our daughter was right. Ethan truly has luck on his side this time, rescuing someone genuinely affluent. We're talking tens of millions for a house, and she didn't even bat an eye. What does that tell us? It means this sum means nothing to them!" Ethan's aunt exclaimed happily, giving her thigh a hearty slap.
"She merely suggested we send our specific demands to that big oaf. Does that mean we can ask for even more?" Tom chimed in with delight.
"Who cares? Let's ask for more. If she thinks it's too much, she can simply offer less!" Mary’s smile waned. "But that little rascal Ethan... we still need to deal with him. Otherwise, if Ethan finds out that we're seeking compensation from this family and ruins our golden opportunity, what then?"
Tom's expression darkened instantly. His back, still aching from Ethan's blow the night before, throbbed faintly. "If he dares to sabotage my dreams of wealth, I'll end him!"
"Could you try to keep your temper in check? If you hadn't hit Ethan so hard, he wouldn't have rebelled and turned against us. As per our plan, he would have been shipped off to Africa by now..." Ethan’s aunt paused abruptly. "No, it's fortunate he wasn't, or else we wouldn't have this chance to strike it rich! Anyway, rein in your temper. You nearly offended Mr. Solomon just now! You go fetch some good food later, and I'll bring Ethan back tonight for a proper talk."
Impatiently, Tom nodded. "I know, stop nagging!"
Their discussion carried on in loud whispers.
In Fiona's car, Chicago's face contorted with anger.
"Ethan grew up in such dire circumstances, yet his academic record is remarkable." Fiona sifted through the numerous accolades Ethan had garnered in competitions, almost all of which were top-notch.
He was truly a bright young lad. It would be a travesty to see him fade into obscurity due to his despicable relatives.
Fiona mulled over Chicago's earlier comment. Even if they couldn't officially adopt Ethan, they could continue supporting him.
"The teacher said that Ethan was the brightest student before his brother came to our school!" Chicago interjected.
Fiona was previously unaware of Ethan's background. After all, they were separated by a building.
The reason this mention of his brother stood out was that the teacher had declared Ethan the brightest student prior to his brother's arrival.
"Is that so?" Fiona affectionately ruffled Chicago's hair. "Don't worry, Chicago. Ethan is intelligent and excels academically, not to mention his brave act of saving your life. Mom and Dad will look after Ethan well and ensure nobody bullies him anymore."
Fiona's thoughts drifted to the bruises around Ethan's mouth when he had entered her office. Her gaze darkened.
"Okay!" Chicago nodded vigorously, then leaped out of Darwin's arms and into Fiona's embrace, clinging to her like a koala.
Darwin felt a twinge of envy and jealousy, despite his improving relationship with Chicago. Yet most of the time, in Fiona's presence, Darwin found himself instinctively seeking comfort in her arms.
Upon returning home, Chicago busied herself with playing alongside Stuart.
Fiona briefed Darwin on the couple's audacious request. Darwin scoffed, "They have some nerve."
"If they weren't so foolish, they'd be harder to deal with," Fiona remarked casually. "Oh, and what do you think about Chicago's suggestion of adopting Ethan?"
Darwin had always remained indifferent to such matters. "It's your call." Pausing momentarily, he added, "But that kid probably won't agree."
Seeing Ethan at school, Darwin had detected a stubborn and fiery spirit within him.
"If he's unwilling, we won't force him. Supporting him discreetly works just as well."
"Mm." Having slept poorly the previous night, Darwin nestled into Fiona's embrace as he spoke.
"You should catch an hour of sleep. You still have to head to the office after lunch." Fiona gently massaged his temples. Darwin had been grappling with insomnia lately, particularly due to Lilian's issues.
"Stay with me!" Darwin buried his head further into Fiona's arms.
"Of course." Fiona replied with a smile.
After lunch, Darwin returned to the office, while Fiona listened to reports from her subordinates regarding the investigation into Ethan's uncle.
In summary,
Ethan's uncle's family resided in a remote area and exhibited a strong preference for boys over girls.
They had three daughters consecutively before the birth of their son.
A tragic incident had occurred within their family. Shortly after the birth of their youngest daughter, she passed away. The family claimed it was due to inadequate prenatal care, but the villagers knew otherwise.
It was Ethan's grandfather who, during a cold winter, left the newborn outside on a broom under the bed, depriving her of food and warmth. Consequently, she perished overnight.
Ethan's mother was the second daughter of the family. At the age of fifteen or sixteen, she was married off to a childless man for a meager sum.
The following year, she died in childbirth.
Terrified by the fate that befell her sister, Ethan's mother severed ties with her family and fled to the city to work in factories.
During this time, she realized the true nature of her parents and cut off all contact with them.
She relocated from Silverwood City to Bay City, where she worked and pursued her education, eventually meeting Ethan's father.
Their lives were relatively peaceful until Ethan's mother's younger brother tracked her down, triggering her postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts.
She was forcibly taken back to her hometown, where her parents demanded a ransom of one hundred thousand dollars from Ethan's father for her return.
After months of negotiations, Ethan's father managed to bring her back, but her mental health had deteriorated significantly.
Fiona speculated that the sizable promissory note was written by Ethan's mother during her distressed state.
Tragedy struck again when Ethan's parents perished in a car accident, caused by Ethan's uncle's attempt to abduct his sister once more. Their vehicle careened off a cliff, resulting in their untimely deaths.
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