Chapter 450 It Ended Before It Even Began
Ashley stared at the countless needle marks on his skin, feeling an unexpected pang of sympathy.
Why should she care so much about him? They'd only met twice, yet his mere presence kept stirring her emotions.
A startling thought struck Ashley: Could she be falling for him?
Her eyes widened in disbelief just as Ethan's phone rang. He set down the syringe and answered, "Hello."
"Your Highness, the delegation from Aivalia is about to land. To demonstrate goodwill for our first collaboration, we must greet them personally. They'll arrive at the airport in an hour... where are you now?"
"Understood," Ethan replied. "Go to the airport ahead of me. I'll be there in thirty minutes."
"Do you need to leave?" Ashley asked.
Ethan nodded. "Yes."
He walked to the dining room, where he found Angela enjoying her meal. "Angela, it's time to go."
"But I'm not finished yet," Angela protested.
Ethan looked conflicted. Ashley offered, "Sir, if you have work to attend to, please go ahead. Angela will be fine with Andy and Nate. I'll contact you if anything comes up."
The phrase 'contact you' made Ethan raise an eyebrow.
"Do you have my contact information?" he asked with interest.
Ashley shook her head.
"Let me see your phone," he said.
Ashley handed it over. Ethan entered his number and returned it. "That's my number. I really need to get to the airport now. If Angela gives you any trouble, feel free to call me."
"Of course," Ashley agreed.
Ethan glanced reluctantly at the children before duty compelled him to leave.
After he'd gone, Ashley turned to Angela. "Angela, hasn't your father ever consulted doctors about his condition?"
Angela blinked. "We've seen many doctors, Aunt Pearl, but they couldn't diagnose the problem. The psychologists said it's not physical—it's psychological."
"Psychological?" Ashley asked, puzzled.
Angela nodded. "Yes."
Ashley fell into contemplation, wondering what psychological issues could cause such severe eating problems.
Then she caught herself—why was she so concerned about him?
"By the way, Aunt Pearl, I think there's been a misunderstanding," Angela said. "Totti is my brother, not my father."
"What?" Ashley exclaimed.
Andy and Nate exchanged surprised glances. Nate blurted out, "He's your brother, not your dad?"
Angela nodded. "That's right. My biological brother. He's thirty-one years older than me."
Andy recalled his research on Ethan. No wonder he hadn't found information about him having children—it had all been a misunderstanding.
Andy and Nate exchanged looks that seemed to say, "Yes! Daddy is just our daddy, not someone else's!"
Ashley was shocked, but strangely, learning they were siblings gave her a secret thrill.
What was happening to her? She couldn't possibly be falling for this man!
"Kids, you've eaten enough. Why don't you go watch TV in the living room?" Ashley suggested.
"Sure thing!"
After finishing their plates, the children moved to the living room. When they turned on the TV, a news broadcast was playing: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Royal Palace has announced a reward: due to Prince Totti's severe eating disorder, they're seeking a chef of any caliber who can prepare food that won't cause His Highness to become ill. The successful candidate will become the Royal Chef with an annual salary of one million. For application details, please contact..."
"Prince Totti?" Nate frowned at the TV. "That's the same name as Uncle Totti. Is it just a coincidence?"
"The weird thing is, he also has an eating disorder. What are the odds?" Andy added.
Ashley approached, just in time to catch the news.
Angela looked surprised. "Don't you know? My brother is King Garrett's only son, Prince Totti, and I'm Princess Angela."
Andy and Nate's jaws dropped in astonishment.
Their father was actually a prince...
Ashley was equally stunned. She rarely followed international news and had no idea Totti was royalty!
She covered her face in embarrassment. Good Lord, she had called a prince a scoundrel!
The fact he hadn't had her locked up showed remarkable restraint.
Ashley's emotions were on a roller coaster. Just as she was wondering if she had feelings for Ethan, learning he was an actual prince made those feelings seem like a Cinderella fantasy.
Taking a deep breath, Ashley suppressed her unusual emotions. Thankfully, they'd only known each other for two days—the situation was still manageable. If she avoided seeing Ethan again, this "romance" that hadn't even begun would simply fade away.
"Mommy, can we apply?" Nate asked eagerly.
Ashley ruffled his hair. "Nate, don't you remember? He still got sick after eating your food."
"But..." Nate began.
"You kids play while I take care of some things," Ashley cut in. "Nate, don't apply, okay?"
As Ashley walked away, Nate pouted, then gave Andy a meaningful look, whispering, "Wouldn't it be amazing to have a royal prince as our daddy?"
Andy's replied, "Get to the point!"
Nate said softly, "Daddy got sick from my cooking, but maybe not from Mommy's! What if we secretly submit her application?'
Andy raised an eyebrow and said, "Finally, a good idea. It's settled then."
They high-fived in agreement.
Angela looked at them suspiciously. Why were they suddenly high-fiving? Their expressions suggested some grand conspiracy was brewing.
She couldn't help but shudder.
At the airport, Ethan arrived to find his staff waiting. "Your Highness, you've made it," his assistant said with relief.
"How long until the plane arrives?" Ethan asked.
"Look, they're deplaning now."
Amid welcoming applause, two familiar figures caught Ethan's eye.
Diannel Smith and Nick Lloyd descended from the plane. Spotting Ethan, Diannel rushed forward and embraced him enthusiastically. "Mr. Yates! It's been six years since I last saw you. God, I've missed you so much! Did you miss me too?"
Ethan froze.
This public display of affection between two men was utterly inappropriate.
"Get off me," Ethan growled icily.
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