Chapter 457 Apologize Consciously
What Ashley didn't anticipate was that when Nate registered her for the competition, he had provided the Grayson family's address and her personal profile.
Ian handed the file to Ethan, whose expression shifted noticeably as he read its contents—surprise followed by something like delight.
"Pearl... it's her!"
"Indeed, Your Highness. Quite the coincidence—she's the mother of Angela's classmates."
Ethan felt an unexpected ripple of emotion. After learning she resembled his late wife, he had resolved to avoid her entirely. Yet fate seemed determined to intervene.
Recalling his reckless behavior that morning, Ethan was filled with regret. He needed to make a clean break.
He closed the file decisively. "If she's not interested, let it go."
"But Your Highness, your condition..."
Ian's concern was evident. Without returning to normal eating habits, even nutritional supplements wouldn't sustain Ethan beyond a few years.
"Keep looking," Ethan said firmly. "She can't be the only solution."
Ian nodded. "Your Highness, there's a gala tonight. Lady Mary will be your companion."
Ethan's brow furrowed with displeasure, but he simply replied, "Noted."
Though he returned to his work, an uncomfortable weight lingered in his chest.
Meanwhile, at the manor, Mary was enjoying a luxurious herbal bath, attended by two maids massaging her shoulders and feet.
A well-dressed older woman approached. "Mary, there's a gala tonight for the Countess's birthday. His Highness will attend, and you'll accompany him."
"I understand, Mom."
The woman examined her daughter critically. "You've been by the Prince's side for years without warming his bed. When exactly do you plan to conceive his child?"
"I've tried! But His Highness never so much as touches my hand. His presence is so intimidating that I dare not be too forward."
"If the direct approach isn't working, try something more... subtle."
"What do you mean?"
"This packet contains a powerful aphrodisiac. Find a way to slip it to His Highness, then get him somewhere private..."
Mary looked shocked. "Mother, is this safe? If I'm caught, I could be executed."
"How will you know if you don't try? Waiting for him to make a move could take forever. Tonight, you must succeed."
Mary stared at the packet in her mother's hand before nodding resolutely. "Alright. Tonight, I'll make His Highness mine."
That afternoon, Ashley was preparing to pick up the children when Atticus approached her.
He said, "Pearl, that elderly client placed another order. She specifically requested you deliver it personally."
Ashley remembered the woman was Garrett's mother. Would she encounter Totti there? She then dismissed the thought—His Highness was far too busy for such coincidences.
"I'll handle it," she agreed. "Could you pick up the children for me?"
Atticus handed her the car keys. "Drive safely."
At the preschool, Atticus arrived to collect Andy and Nate. Their faces fell when they noticed their mother's absence.
"Godfather, where's Mommy?" they asked in unison.
"The same client requested a personal delivery from her, so I'm here instead."
The children looked disappointed.
"What would you like to eat? My treat," Atticus offered cheerfully.
"Mexican food!" Nate exclaimed.
"Let's go then, little ones."
At that moment, Ethan arrived to pick up Angela. Watching Atticus interact so naturally with the twins stirred an unexpected pang in his heart.
Holding Angela's hand, Ethan approached them.
"Andy! Nate!" Angela called excitedly, running toward them.
"Angela!" the twins responded.
Upon seeing their father so unexpectedly close, the boys' cheeks flushed. Andy looked away shyly while Nate managed a polite, "Uncle Totti."
Ethan ruffled their hair. That brief contact sent a warm current through his lonely heart. "You've both grown."
Noticing Ashley's absence, he glanced at Atticus with an unspoken question, regret lingering in his eyes.
"Can I go play with them?" Angela asked eagerly.
"We shouldn't impose," Ethan replied.
"It's no imposition!" Nate insisted. "We're going for Mexican food—the more people, the merrier!"
Nate tugged at Atticus's sleeve, whispering, "Godfather, can we invite them over?"
Atticus smiled indulgently. "If you wouldn't mind joining us for dinner?"
Before Ethan could respond, Angela exclaimed, "We'd love to!"
Ethan sighed in resignation.
Soon they arrived at the Grayson Mansion in separate cars. Ethan scanned the house for any sign of Ashley but found none.
"Where's Aunt Pearl?" Angela asked.
"She's making a delivery," Atticus explained. "Looks like we'll have to prepare dinner ourselves. Let's divide the tasks."
"I'll choose the vegetables," Andy volunteered.
"I'll cook!" Nate declared.
"I'll help with whatever you need," Angela offered sweetly.
Atticus watched them with obvious affection. Ethan caught his eye briefly, an awkward tension passing between them.
"I'll help in the kitchen," Ethan offered.
"Appreciate it," Atticus replied.
In the kitchen, Ethan struggled to find the right moment to apologize for the morning's near-accident.
"Where do you keep the spices?" he asked instead.
"In the cabinet over there," Atticus pointed.
As Ethan located them, Atticus asked, "Could you grab a plate for me?"
"Where are they?"
"In the storage cabinet."
After Ethan searched unsuccessfully, Atticus retrieved the plate himself from the uppermost shelf. "Maybe you should watch the children instead. When Pearl's here, she knows exactly where everything is."
Ethan's fingernails dug into his palms as jealousy surged through him. He couldn't untangle his feelings for Pearl, but the thought of her and Atticus sharing such domestic intimacy—knowing where everything belonged—made him feel like an intruder.
He smiled bitterly. Of course he was the outsider—they were a family.
"You're still standing there?" Atticus asked, puzzled.
Ethan stiffened, then murmured, "I'm sorry..."
He was apologizing for nearly hitting him that morning—the prince humbly acknowledging his error.
As Ethan left, Atticus stared after him in confusion. "Why is he apologizing to me?"
Meanwhile, Ashley delivered the fresh milk to the elderly woman, who was dressed quite formally.
"You look lovely today," Ashley remarked.
"I'm attending a gala tonight," the woman explained. "It gets rather lonely at these events. Pearl, would you care to accompany me?"
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