Chapter 405 I Love You, Not Your Status
#Ivy's Public Accusation Video
In the video, Ivy appeared wearing prison clothes, holding her ID card as she faced the camera. "Hello everyone, I'm Ivy, James's ex-wife. I'm coming forward with the truth that Ethan is not James's biological son. While Ethan is indeed Doris's child, the man who was with her wasn't James—it was a prostitute I arranged. Doris became pregnant afterward, always believing she was carrying James's child. Ethan has occupied the Yates family heir position for thirty years, when in reality, he's just the illegitimate son of a prostitute."
The video quickly became viral news.
The allegation that Ethan was illegitimate once again captured public attention.
As Ethan and Ashley were having dinner, he received an urgent call from Diannel, "Mr. Yates, we have a serious situation."
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"Ivy has released an exposé video that's trending everywhere. Our team is trying to minimize its impact, but it's spreading too rapidly!"
Ethan was surprised, then let out a cold laugh. "Ivy? She's still causing trouble from prison?"
"You should see it for yourself."
"I will," Ethan replied.
"What's happening?" Ashley asked, concerned.
"Let's check the news," Ethan said.
Ethan found the trending headline: #Insider Confirms Ethan Yates Is Illegitimate. After reading it, his eyes darkened with the warning signs of a brewing storm.
After reading it herself, Ashley thought Ivy must have lost her mind.
"Honey, what Ivy's saying can't possibly be true, right?" Ashley asked.
Ethan tossed his phone aside. "It's completely false," he said coldly.
Ashley looked at Ethan, noticing his closed eyes and the exhaustion lining his face.
Her heart ached for him.
"She's already in prison and still causing trouble. Clearly she hasn't learned her lesson," Ethan said.
He dialed a number. "Ryan, make sure Ivy receives special attention," he said through gritted teeth.
After hanging up, Ethan's expression remained tense.
Ashley embraced him. "Sweetheart, I know Ivy is just making things up. Don't overthink it."
"I won't let her get to me," Ethan replied. "Besides, tomorrow James and I are getting the DNA test anyway."
Ashley nodded as they held each other in silence.
Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang. Seeing it was James calling, Ethan immediately declined the call.
James called again persistently.
Ethan declined again.
"Honey, maybe dad has something important to say. Perhaps you should answer," Ashley suggested.
Ethan picked up his phone as it rang again, but his expression hardened. He blocked James's number. "Forget him."
Just as he put his phone down, it rang again.
A vein pulsed in Ethan's forehead as he prepared to answer angrily, but seeing it was Michael calling, his anger instantly dissipated.
Ethan paused, then answered, "Grandpa."
"Ethan, I've seen the news," Michael said. "It's clearly that wretched Ivy causing trouble again. Don't take it to heart. I believe you're a true Yates, and I know you're my grandson."
Michael's words provided Ethan with much-needed comfort.
In that moment, his anger seemed to subside.
"Grandpa, don't worry. I'm not bothered by it. Get some rest," Ethan said.
"I will."
After hanging up, Ashley noticed the late hour. "You've had an exhausting day. No more phone tonight—time for bed."
She took Ethan's phone and led him by the hand to the master bedroom.
Ethan followed Ashley's lead, truly exhausted from everything that had happened.
Back in their bedroom, Ashley instructed Ethan to wash up first. When he came out, she helped him dry his hair.
Ethan sat in front of the mirror, watching Ashley's every move.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ashley asked while blow-drying his hair.
Ethan smiled. "You're beautiful. After just two days apart, I notice you've gotten a bit fuller."
Ashley feigned offense. "That's your fault. The price of carrying your child is that I'm gaining weight."
"You look even better," Ethan laughed. "When I hold you now, I can feel the softness at your waist. I quite like it."
Ashley blushed.
They smiled at each other, sharing a perfect moment—until Ethan's expression suddenly darkened. Hesitantly, he asked, "Sweetheart, if it turned out I wasn't actually a Yates by blood, if I lost all this money and status, would you still love me?"
There was unmistakable hope in his eyes.
In response, Ashley pinched him hard. "Ethan! What kind of person do you take me for? Am I really that shallow?"
She set down the hair dryer and held his face in her hands. "Listen to me, Ethan. Whether you're wealthy or poor, the person I love has always been you, not your status!"
With complete sincerity, she said, "Ethan, I love you. Do you understand?"
Ethan gazed deeply at Ashley, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He pulled her close, burying his face against her neck and kissing it softly.
He said softly, "Thank you for always being by my side. I love you too."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
