Chapter 417 Ethan Gets into Another Car Accident
"Ethan, don't worry," Ryan said reassuringly. "Ashley's probably in an elevator with no signal. That's why she's not answering."
Ethan nodded after a moment's consideration. "I hope you're right."
Yet his heart continued to race uncomfortably. He assumed it was just the shock of discovering Ashley was Evil Spirit that had him so agitated.
"I can't believe it," Ryan remarked. "Ashley having medical expertise like that—you've truly married a remarkable woman."
Ethan clasped his hands together to control their trembling. "Yes," he agreed. "I'm incredibly fortunate to have her."
Unable to sit still any longer, Ethan stood up abruptly. "Ryan, Pauline, I need to find Ashley. I'll see you both another time."
"Of course."
Ethan rushed to his car and drove toward the Yates Mansion at dangerous speeds, trying Ashley's phone several more times during the journey. Each unanswered call deepened his growing sense of dread.
When he arrived home, Michael and Katherine were waiting in the living room.
"Has Ashley returned?" he asked urgently.
Michael shook his head. "Not yet."
"We've been looking for her too," Katherine added. "Ethan, we saw her viral video. Just yesterday she told me Panacea was ordinary medicine, and now she claims it cures cancer. It's extraordinary—is this really true?"
"Don't you believe her?" Ethan challenged.
"Of course I do!" Katherine replied, though her amazement was evident.
Ethan understood their shock—he was still processing it himself. "When I realized my wife developed the drug that saved you, I was just as stunned. More than anything, I'm incredibly grateful. She saved the most important person in my family, and I don't even know how to repay such a gift."
His face showed genuine humility. For all his wealth and intelligence, he felt suddenly inadequate beside Ashley's brilliance, which continued to astonish him at every turn.
"Grandfather, Grandmother," he said earnestly, "Ashley has done something remarkable for us. I don't know how I could ever repay her." His voice cracked with emotion. "I'd give my life for her if necessary."
Michael responded gently. "You're couple now—such talk is unnecessary. Ashley clearly discovered Katherine's condition early and developed Panacea to help us. We're family. Don't burden her with such dramatic gestures."
"You're right," Ethan acknowledged. "I'm overwhelmed, but truly, marrying Ashley is the greatest fortune of my life."
Michael nodded approvingly. "Then show her through your actions. Care for her more attentively, cherish her more deeply. That's how you honor what she's done."
"I absolutely will," Ethan promised.
Katherine glanced at the clock. "Why isn't she back yet?"
"I just tried calling," Ethan said. "Let me try again."
"Good. I want to thank her properly when she returns."
Ethan dialed once more, his concern mounting with each unanswered ring. Just then, his phone lit up with an incoming call.
"Mr. Yates," came the urgent voice of security, "we've searched the entire mall but can't find Mrs. Yates anywhere."
Ethan stood up in alarm. "What? Lock down the entire premises! No one enters or leaves until she's found. Call the police immediately!"
"Right away, sir."
Michael and Katherine exchanged worried glances. "Ethan, what's happening?"
"Ashley's missing," he said grimly. "Stay here—I need to go!"
Grabbing his keys, Ethan rushed out. As he sped toward the mall, his anxiety intensified with each passing moment. "Please be safe," he whispered.
He pressed the accelerator harder, desperate to reach the mall quickly—when suddenly a delivery truck swerved into his lane. Ethan yanked the steering wheel, but it was too late. The sickening crunch of metal was followed by his luxury car flipping over, white smoke billowing from its rear.
Inside the wreckage, Ethan lay unconscious, blood streaming from a head wound.
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