Chapter 459 The Kids Who Want Daddy's Kisses
The Grayson Mansion
Atticus and the children were enjoying Mexican food while Ethan watched them from nearby.
"Sir, aren't you going to eat?" Atticus asked.
Ethan smiled faintly and shook his head. "Please, don't mind me."
He glanced toward the door, hesitating as if wanting to say something.
Nate, seemingly reading his thoughts, looked up. "I wonder why Mommy isn't back yet."
Just then, Atticus's phone rang. It was Ashley.
"Pearl, are you on your way home?" Atticus answered, his voice gentle.
Ethan unconsciously clenched his fist, feeling an inexplicable irritation as he listened.
"Atticus, the elderly lady has invited me to accompany her to a gala tonight," Ashley explained. "I've accepted. Would you mind looking after the children? I'll be back later."
"Don't worry about a thing," Atticus assured her. "I'll take good care of them. Have fun."
"Thank you," Ashley replied before hanging up.
Though Ethan couldn't hear Ashley's side of the conversation, he gathered from Atticus's responses that she wouldn't be returning soon. A sense of disappointment settled over him.
Ian approached and whispered in Ethan's ear, "Your Highness, it's time to leave."
Ethan checked his watch. "Angela, we need to go."
"But I'm not finished eating," Angela protested. "Can't I stay here tonight?"
"I'm afraid not," Ethan replied firmly.
As Angela's eyes welled up, Nate intervened. "Uncle Totti, please let Angela stay. We'll look after her."
"You go ahead with your business," Andy added. "We'll take good care of Angela."
Ethan looked questioningly at Atticus, who simply shrugged. "Let the kids have their fun. Angela is welcome to stay."
"Very well," Ethan conceded. "I need to go now."
He affectionately patted Angela's head, prompting hopeful looks from Andy and Nate. With surprising tenderness, Ethan stroked their heads as well. "Take care of Angela, and I'll have a reward for you both tomorrow."
Andy blushed. "We will."
"Uncle, can I have a kiss?" Nate asked boldly, lifting his face.
Ethan smiled and bent down to kiss Nate's cheek. The boy beamed with joy at this first paternal gesture.
Andy watched, biting his lip and fidgeting with his shirt, clearly wanting the same but too shy to ask.
Understanding his brother perfectly, Nate spoke up, "Uncle, Andy wants a kiss too."
Andy's face turned crimson at these words.
Amused by the boy's reaction, Ethan hugged Andy and kissed his cheek as well.
Andy's heart pounded wildly at this rare taste of fatherly affection.
"Andy, I'm entrusting Angela to you," Ethan said warmly.
Embarrassed, Andy turned away and feigned indifference. "Who said I wanted a kiss? Now my face is all wet... Come on, Angela, let's finish eating."
Ethan smiled indulgently, unfazed by Andy's contradictory behavior.
Meanwhile, Atticus observed the interaction between father and sons with a twinge of jealousy.
Unable to delay any longer, Ethan nodded goodbye to everyone and departed with Ian.
After Ethan left, Atticus went to get dessert for the children. Taking advantage of this moment alone, Nate teased his brother, "You clearly wanted Daddy—I mean Uncle—to kiss you. Why act like you didn't care?"
Andy blushed again. "Just eat your food and stop asking so many questions."
Angela laughed beside them. "Andy's so cute when he's embarrassed."
Andy's mouth twitched as he lowered his head and continued eating.
The brothers savored the memory of their father's kisses, making their meal taste even better.
If only their dad could kiss them every day...
A luxurious car pulled up to the entrance of the venue. Recognizing Prince Totti's official vehicle, a crowd of nobles gathered around.
The door opened to reveal Ethan in an impeccably tailored suit, cutting a majestic figure like a deity among mortals.
"Your Highness," the assembled guests greeted him with formal Ferndale court bows.
Ethan acknowledged them with a nod and began walking toward the gala when another official car arrived—one belonging to King Garrett.
Ethan paused, expecting to greet his father.
Instead, the driver stepped out first to assist the elderly Sandy, who despite her wrinkled face, carried herself with remarkable dignity in her vintage gown.
Sandy embraced Ethan warmly. "Totti, it's been too long."
"Grandmother, lovely to see you," he replied, returning her embrace.
Neither noticed the crowd's attention shifting to Sandy's car, where everyone eagerly awaited the rumored "common peasant" who had somehow secured an invitation to the royal gala.
A pair of elegant legs emerged from the vehicle, followed by a figure that drew audible gasps as she straightened to her full height.
Ashley stood before them in a transformed gown that blended vintage elements with modern design, exuding nobility, grace, and ethereal beauty.
Ethan's casual glance turned into a transfixed stare. He hadn't expected Ashley's presence, and found himself utterly captivated by her radiance—as if a fairy tale princess had materialized before him.
His heart thundered in his chest.
Ashley spotted Ethan immediately, her expression carefully controlled.
"Pearl, come here," Sandy beckoned, extending her hand.
Ashley approached and took Sandy's offered hand.
With a knowing smile, Sandy took Ethan's hand as well and placed it over Ashley's. "Totti, Pearl—I must say, you two make quite the handsome couple."
As their hands touched, both felt an undeniable spark between them.
For Ethan especially, the moment was overwhelming—his heart racing, his throat suddenly dry, his gaze intense with unexpressed emotion.
From across the room, Mary watched them with hands clasped together, her features contorting with jealousy as cold fury blazed in her eyes.
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