Chapter 451 Who Is Ashley?
Instead of leaving, Diannel threw himself at Ethan, sobbing dramatically. "Mr. Yates, how can you be so cold? I've been by your side for over a decade! After six years apart, you don't even miss me, and now you're telling me to get lost?"
Ethan winced, visibly uncomfortable as Diannel's tears and mucus soiled his expensive suit. For someone with severe germaphobia, this was absolute torture.
"For God's sake," Ethan snapped. "Someone get him off me."
The others finally reacted, pulling Diannel away.
When Diannel had first rushed toward Ethan, the nearby security detail had nearly neutralized him, mistaking him for an assassin. Only Ethan's quick gesture had stopped them—otherwise, Diannel wouldn't be standing there making a scene.
Diannel, finally taking in his surroundings, looked confused. "Wait... Mr. Yates, what are you doing here?"
Ethan gave him a withering look. "You're the representative the Yates Group sent for the partnership negotiations?"
Diannel nodded. "Yes, that's me."
"I'm the Ferndale representative assigned to meet you," Ethan replied flatly.
"Wow, Mr. Yates!" Diannel exclaimed. "So after leaving the business world, you entered politics? Moving up in the world, I see!"
Ethan's eye twitched slightly.
The Ferndale officials couldn't understand their conversation, but the body language suggested these two had history.
Ethan's assistant intervened. "Mr. Smith, are you acquainted with Prince Totti?"
Having learned the Ferndale language over the past few years, Diannel caught this and looked startled. "Prince Totti?"
The assistant glanced at Ethan.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That's right. That would be me."
"Holy shit," Diannel muttered.
Nick nudged him. "Diannel, you're dead meat. You got snot all over Mr. Yates's suit."
Diannel whimpered, "Mr. Yates... I mean, Your Highness... I didn't mean to..."
The gap between people could be staggering. Ethan had gone from wealthy heir to actual royalty. Some people were just born lucky.
Despite their employer-employee relationship, Ethan and Diannel had known each other for twenty years and had become trusted friends.
Ethan wasn't actually upset about Diannel's behavior. "Don't worry about it. But no more hugging from now on. Let's go."
The group moved to the waiting vehicles.
Nick and Diannel sat together with Ethan facing them as the three caught up.
"How has The Yates Group been doing?" Ethan asked.
"Not bad," Diannel replied. "It's not quite the powerhouse it was under your leadership, but it's been stable. George is the CEO now."
Ethan nodded. With him gone, George was the only young member of the Yates family left, so it made sense.
Ethan asked hesitantly, "How are my grandparents?"
"They took it hard when you all left," Diannel admitted. "But they've made peace with it. They're currently on a round-the-world cruise."
Ethan's expression showed guilt, though he seemed relieved to hear they were enjoying themselves.
Diannel and Nick exchanged glances, clearly holding something back.
"What is it?" Ethan prompted.
"Mr. Yates... I mean, Your Highness..."
Ethan laughed. "Just call me Ethan."
Diannel brightened at this gesture of friendship, but his expression turned cautious again.
"Out with it," Ethan said.
"Mr. Yates, did you ever find..." Diannel began hesitantly.
Nick elbowed him sharply. Diannel had been about to ask, "Did you find Ashley?" but suddenly remembered—in Aivalia, Ashley was considered deceased. She had created dozens of Panacea cures, helping numerous families, becoming something of a folk hero.
Ashley's presumed death had devastated the community. People still left flowers at the place where she was last seen.
Ethan appeared to have moved on with his life. Bringing up Ashley would only reopen old wounds.
Diannel swallowed his question and awkwardly changed course. "Nothing. Just wondering if you've adjusted well to Ferndale."
"Well enough," Ethan replied, unaware of Diannel's internal struggle.
Diannel and Nick exchanged relieved glances.
Ethan gave them a curious look but didn't press further.
The car pulled up to the palace gates. Diannel and Nick stared in awe at the magnificent royal residence.
Ethan's assistant spoke up, "Gentlemen, we've prepared rooms and refreshments. You must be exhausted from your journey. Perhaps rest a bit before we discuss the infant formula factory project."
Diannel and Nick nodded gratefully.
"Take some time to settle in," Ethan said. "I have matters to attend to, but I'll join you shortly."
"Of course," they replied in unison.
After being escorted to their quarters, Diannel and Nick unpacked their bags.
"Thanks for stopping me back there," Diannel said. "I almost brought up Ashley."
Nick shook his head. "Have you forgotten how devastated Mr. Yates was when he learned of Ashley's death? He couldn't eat or sleep for weeks. He's finally recovered—why reopen that wound?"
Diannel smacked his own forehead. "You're right. I need to watch my mouth and avoid topics I shouldn't bring up."
Concerned that his guests might not enjoy Ferndale cuisine, Ethan had arranged for Aivalian dishes to be prepared. As he approached their door to invite them to dinner, he overheard their conversation.
Hearing the phrases "Ashley's death" and "devastated, couldn't eat or sleep," Ethan experienced flashes of hazy images he couldn't quite grasp. A sharp pain shot through his head, accompanied by ringing in his ears.
Ethan took deep breaths until the headache subsided.
He knocked on the door. "Diannel, Nick."
The two men tensed, wondering if Ethan had overheard their conversation about Ashley.
"Ethan, you look pale," Diannel said nervously. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine," Ethan replied. "But I couldn't help overhearing. You mentioned someone named Ashley. Who were you talking about?"
Ethan looked genuinely confused, with no recognition in his eyes.
Diannel and Nick exchanged shocked glances.
After an uncomfortable silence, Diannel ventured, "Ethan... you don't remember Ashley?"
Ethan frowned. "Who's Ashley?"
Diannel and Nick were stunned.
Ethan had completely forgotten her. Perhaps it was for the best—his love for Ashley had been bone-deep. Maybe forgetting her was the only way he could truly move on.
"What's going on?" Ethan pressed, growing impatient with their silence.
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