Chapter 468 Is Atticus just the Godfather?
Nate murmured, "Moving to the palace permanently?"
Imagining the luxurious and splendid royal palace, curious and mischievous Nate's eyes lit up, and he replied without hesitation, "Yes, I want to!"
Andy wasn't particularly interested in the palace; he mainly wanted to stay with his daddy. But if they moved to the palace, they wouldn't be able to see their Godfather anymore.
Andy hesitantly replied, "No, I don't want to."
Nate looked at him with confusion. Andy seemed to understand his puzzlement and explained, "Nate, do you think the palace is like our farm where you can run around freely? Besides, if we move to the palace permanently, we won't be able to see Atticus anymore."
Although Atticus was their Godfather, he held a significant place in the children's hearts.
Hearing this, Ethan asked with disappointment, "You care about Atticus that much?"
"Of course we do!" Andy replied.
A Godfather was like a father too!
Ethan felt a dull ache in his heart, accompanied by a sharp pain. The children were siding with Atticus.
If he wanted to continue his relationship with Pearl, it seemed he would need to win over the children first.
Ethan made up his mind to focus on winning the children's approval.
The Grayson Mansion
Ethan brought Andy and Nate back to the Grayson Mansion, where Atticus was waiting at the door.
He looked just like a father waiting for his children to return home.
Ethan felt irritated at the sight.
When the children saw Atticus, they happily ran to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Atticus said, "My darlings, I've prepared dinner for you."
Ethan's gaze toward Atticus was inscrutable.
Atticus said, "Sir, thank you for bringing the children home."
He looked behind Ethan and asked, "Pearl said she was attending a royal banquet last night, why hasn't she returned yet."
Ethan lowered his eyes and replied, "My grandmother was quite fond of her and has asked her to stay at the palace for now. You and the children need not worry; as long as I'm around, she'll be safe."
A flash of understanding crossed Atticus's eyes; that phrase "as long as I'm around, she'll be safe" sounded both intimate and possessive!
Was Ashley really just visiting the palace, or...
Atticus inquired doubtfully, "Your grandmother is..."
"Pearl brought her two glasses of fresh milk, and she invited Pearl into the palace," Ethan explained.
Atticus sighed with relief and said, "So it was that elderly woman who lives alone. Sir, please come in for dinner."
"No, thank you," Ethan declined. "I'll pick up Andy and Nate for kindergarten tomorrow. I have matters to attend to now."
When Andy and Nate heard that Ethan was leaving, they looked disappointed.
Ethan motioned to them: "Andy, Nate, come here."
The two children ran to him excitedly.
Ethan embraced both children, one in each arm, his strength providing Andy and Nate with a sense of security.
He instructed them, "Andy, Nate, be good, eat your dinner, go to bed on time, and I'll pick you up for school tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes, Uncle Totti."
Ethan's lips curved into a smile as he kissed both Andy and Nate on the cheek.
The little ones were overjoyed at receiving a kiss from their daddy for the first time.
Especially shy Andy, whose face turned as red as an apple.
Andy said, "Uncle Totti, I'm worried Mommy might not be comfortable staying at the palace. Could we video call her?"
A flash of something crossed Ethan's eyes as he replied, "Of course."
The image of Ethan holding a child in each arm looked particularly warm and tender.
Atticus watched from the side, clearly displeased. "Andy, Nate, come down now. Don't bother the gentleman."
Andy and Nate reluctantly climbed down from Ethan's arms.
With his arms now empty, Ethan felt like something important was missing, and he experienced an unexpected sense of loss.
Ethan nodded to Atticus, gave the children one last lingering look, and then left with Angela.
In the car, Ethan thoughtfully asked, "Angela, you're close with Andy and Nate. Is Atticus really their father?"
Angela replied, "Andy told me that Uncle Atticus is his Godfather."
Godfather?
Ethan's previously dejected mood brightened as if he'd just received wonderful news.
"Pearl and Atticus... aren't married?" Ethan asked with barely concealed excitement.
Angela shrugged and said, "I don't know about that. Why are you asking?"
Ethan shook his head and changed the subject, "Never mind. What would you like for dinner tonight?"
Angela happily listed her preferred dishes, and Ethan indulged her, saying, "I've messaged the kitchen. When we get back, eat your dinner and go to bed like a good girl. I have matters to attend to and can't keep you company."
Angela nodded, though with diminished enthusiasm.
Upon returning to the palace, Angela was escorted to Crystal Palace by an instructor, while Ethan returned to Azure Palace.
As soon as he entered the room, he asked, "Is she awake?"
"Yes, Your Highness, she's awake!"
Ethan paused at the threshold. The door was right in front of him, but his heart suddenly filled with anxiety. Remembering how he had forced Pearl last night, he knew she must hate him. If she saw him now, would she want to kill him?
Ethan smiled bitterly, his heart inexplicably filled with fear and trembling.
He composed himself, took a deep breath, and opened the door.
Ashley was sitting slumped on the bed. Her gaze toward Ethan was ice-cold and devoid of warmth. That look was like a knife piercing Ethan's heart, making it painful for him to breathe.
"Pearl, you're finally awake." Ignoring her cold stare, Ethan asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell anywhere? I can have a doctor come and examine you again."
"That won't be necessary," Ashley replied coldly.
"Your Highness, please let me go home."
Ethan lowered his eyes, his thick eyelashes hiding the pain and loneliness in his gaze. With a dry voice, he said, "Pearl, you're too badly injured. Stay for now, and once you've recovered, I'll take you home."
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