Chapter 433 Six Years Later
Ashley milked the cows with practiced hands when she heard her little boy's complaint. She couldn't help but smile fondly as she looked at him, her eyes filled with maternal warmth.
The boy still had chubby cheeks, but his handsome features were already apparent—it was clear he would grow up to be incredibly good-looking.
"Mommy, up please!" Nate White called out in his sweet childlike voice, arms stretched upward.
Ashley bent down and scooped her younger son into her arms. "My goodness, Nate, you're getting heavier!"
Nate stuck out his tongue playfully. "Mommy, I'm getting taller, not fatter!"
She laughed at his quick retort and gently tapped his nose. "Of course you are, sweetheart."
Just then, they noticed another figure running toward them from the distance.
Her older son Andy White was racing over but tripped on a stone and fell, letting out a cry of pain.
"Andy!" Ashley cried out in alarm. "Slow down! Are you hurt anywhere?"
Still holding Nate, she hurried to Andy's side, carefully checking him for injuries.
Andy glared at his younger brother. "Nate, you're five now. Mommy works hard all day—don't you think you should stop making her carry you around?"
Nate planted a quick kiss on Ashley's cheek and obediently slid down to the ground.
In a flash, Andy had taken his place in Ashley's arms, kissing her cheek with a triumphant smile. "Mommy, I need a hug."
"That's not fair! Andy tricked me!" Nate pointed accusingly at his brother.
Ashley burst out laughing and managed to gather both boys in her arms despite their weight. "There, now I'm hugging both of my boys. Happy?"
These two were constantly competing for her attention. She bought everything in pairs—clothes, toys, everything—and even had to give simultaneous hugs to avoid jealousy.
Nate was the sweet, cuddly type, while Andy was typically more reserved and assertive—only showing his softer side around his mother.
Looking at their faces, Ashley felt a pang in her heart. For years in Ferndale, she had studied Ethan's photos daily. These boys were miniature versions of him in every way.
The thought of Ethan stirred complicated emotions within her.
"Mommy, I love you most! Let me help with the milking," Andy declared.
"I love you too, Mommy! I want to help as well," Nate chimed in.
Ashley took both boys by the hand. "Nate, be careful this time. Don't tease the cows like last time when you got kicked."
Nate made a silly face. "I know."
As the three of them worked together—a daily routine they'd maintained for years—Atticus approached. "Pearl."
Ashley turned and smiled. "Atticus."
The boys ran to him excitedly. "Godfather!"
Atticus ruffled their hair affectionately. "Hello, boys. I need to speak with your mother about something important."
Noticing his serious expression, Ashley asked, "What is it?"
"Good news," Atticus replied. "The government is partnering with Aivalia to establish a baby formula factory. They're looking for suitable dairy farms to collaborate with, and our farm is on their list. We're waiting for the final decision."
Hope gleamed in his eyes. "With government support, we could export our dairy products internationally."
Ashley nodded enthusiastically. "That's wonderful news! I'm confident about our chances—our environment, the quality of our cows and milk, our feeding methods—everything is top-notch. We'll definitely be selected."
"I believe so too," Atticus agreed. "Now, who wants to go out for dinner? My treat!"
"Yay!" Nate clapped his hands excitedly.
Andy rolled his eyes at his brother's enthusiasm. "So childish." Then he added, "Godfather, I want the biggest cheese steak they have!"
Ashley and Atticus laughed as they walked back to the house, each holding one of the boys' hands.
Meanwhile, a luxury car drove by.
Inside, Ethan caught a glimpse of this picturesque family scene—a man and woman walking with two children. Something about the woman seemed achingly familiar.
His heart began racing inexplicably. When he tried to focus on why, a stabbing pain shot through his head.
"Your Highness," his assistant said, "His Majesty has entrusted you with overseeing our country's first business collaboration with Aivalia. This dairy farm we're passing is one of the candidates on our list. It has excellent geographical advantages and environmental conditions. We just need to assess their cattle and milk quality."
Noticing Ethan's pained expression, the assistant asked with concern, "Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?"
"My medication," Ethan managed to say hoarsely.
His headache had returned.
The assistant quickly provided pills and water. After taking them, Ethan gradually began to feel better.
Two years after arriving in Ferndale, Garrett had won the election and become king. His only son Ethan, now known as Prince Totti, had become a figure of reverence throughout the land.
As the car continued down the road, the family scene disappeared from view, leaving Ethan with an inexplicable sense of loss and sadness.
"How many potential partners are we considering?" he asked.
"About a dozen, Your Highness. This is the fourth farm we've surveyed."
"Let's inspect each farm discretely before making any decisions," Ethan instructed.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Ethan gazed out the window. Though he remained as handsome and distinguished as ever—his royal status only enhancing his noble appearance—the weariness and loneliness in the depths of his eyes went unnoticed by others.
Sensing Ethan's silence, the assistant attempted conversation. "Your Highness, how is the little princess adjusting to her new school?"
The princess was the daughter of Garrett and Doris, only five years old. Ethan, thirty-one years her senior, doted on her like she was his own daughter.
At the mention of his sister, warmth filled Ethan's eyes. "She's doing well, though apparently there are twin boys in her class who've been teasing her. She was complaining about it yesterday. Reschedule tomorrow's meeting—I need to address this situation personally."
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