Chapter 476 Going to the Amusement Park with Daddy
Ethan returned to Azure Palace and was informed by a maid that Ashley had just lain down for an afternoon rest. Not wishing to disturb her, he was heading to his office when the doctor he'd sent to procure medication approached him.
"Your Highness," the doctor said with a slight bow.
Ethan paused. "Did you get the medicine?"
"Not yet, but I've located Asclepius. He accepted my deposit and promised to deliver the medication tonight."
"Excellent. Go collect your reward."
After the doctor departed, Ethan proceeded to his office. Shortly after, a man entered carrying a stack of documents.
"Your Highness," he announced.
"Report," Ethan replied, not looking up from his desk.
"These are the inspection reports for over a dozen dairy farms in Gold Valley District. Regarding quality, environment, and overall standards, Muse Fresh Dairy Company ranks as the superior choice." The man presented another file. "Here are details about farms in other states. Some actually surpass Muse Fresh Dairy Company in quality, but... it wouldn't make sense for our first business venture with Aivalia to funnel profits to another state."
Ethan reviewed both reports, confirming that Muse Fresh Dairy Company indeed had the best environment and milk quality in Gold Valley.
The powdered milk factory would generate substantial revenue.
Ethan massaged his temples, feeling the pressure of the decision.
"Your Highness, the Aivalian delegation has been here for almost a week. Delaying further might raise concerns."
With a sigh, Ethan made his decision. "We'll go with Muse Fresh Dairy Company."
"Very good. I'll inform them immediately."
Looking at the documents, Ethan recalled how Atticus and Pearl's relationship had been misinterpreted. If anyone discovered his connection to Pearl, gossip would undoubtedly follow.
"Ian," he said into the phone, "ensure complete privacy regarding Pearl's recovery in my palace. I don't want any rumors spreading."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Ethan focused intently on paperwork until the five o'clock alarm broke his concentration. He stretched his stiff neck and wrists before rising.
"Your Highness, the car is ready."
"Good. To the kindergarten."
At the kindergarten, the children were buzzing with Friday excitement. When Ethan arrived, Nate bounced around like a small bird.
"Uncle Totti!" Nate exclaimed. "It's a two-day weekend! Could you ask your grandma to let Mommy come home? I want to take her to the amusement park!"
Andy, more composed, asked, "Uncle, is Mommy eating well and sleeping enough at the palace?"
Ethan gently ruffled Andy's hair. "Andy, you're quite the little gentleman, already concerned about your mother. Unlike your brother, who only thinks about food and fun."
Andy blushed at the touch, lowering his head shyly.
Nate pouted. "That's not fair! I know the palace has too many rules—that's why I want to take Mommy out. It's for her, not for me."
"I stand corrected then. My apologies," Ethan said with warmth in his voice.
"I won't forgive you unless you buy me ice cream!" Nate declared.
Angela laughed nearby. "You little glutton."
Nate stuck his tongue out at her.
"Come along then. I'll buy you all ice cream," Ethan offered. "Your mother isn't available this weekend, but I'll take you to the amusement park instead. How does that sound?"
"Yes, Uncle!"
Angela chimed in, "Can I come too?"
Ethan replied, "Of course."
The three children walked hand in hand while Ethan watched them affectionately.
They approached an ice cream shop near the school. Ethan purchased three cones and was distributing them when a car rushed past. Inside, Yaakov happened to glance out the window and froze when he spotted Ethan.
"Wait!" Yaakov called out.
"What is it, sir?" the driver asked.
The car had already traveled several hundred yards. "Turn around, quickly," Yaakov demanded.
The driver hesitated. "Sir, this is a one-way street. We'd have to go around the block."
Yaakov cursed under his breath. "Pull over then."
When the car stopped, Yaakov sprinted back toward Ethan's group.
The children were enjoying their ice cream, about to enter their car, when Yaakov came running toward them. Ethan's bodyguards immediately intercepted him.
"Sir, what do you think you're doing?" one demanded.
"Let me go!" Yaakov shouted. "Ethan, you bastard! Your wife sacrificed everything for you and died so horribly—how could you be so heartless as to remarry and have children? Don't you see Ashley in your nightmares?"
Ethan stared at Yaakov in confusion. This man knew his name, suggesting they had met before.
Yet Ethan had no recollection of him, unaware that hypnosis had erased all memories of Ashley and anyone connected to her.
Andy and Nate exchanged puzzled glances. This stranger had mentioned "Ashley"—their mother's former name. Did he know her somehow?
"Do I know you?" Ethan asked coolly.
Yaakov fumed, pointing accusingly. "Ungrateful scum! You've forgotten me, but surely you haven't forgotten Ashley too!"
Ethan frowned deeply.
Yaakov's outburst was drawing a crowd, with several onlookers taking photos. Ethan instinctively turned away while Ian instructed his men to disperse the gathering.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know you," Ethan said coldly.
He ushered the children toward their car. Because Yaakov had mentioned Ashley, Andy cleverly used his phone to secretly photograph the stranger.
Nate caught his brother's eye, their silent communication clear: 'That man mentioned Mommy's name—he must know her.'
Andy blinked in response: 'I know. I'll find out who he is when we get home.'
Ethan noticed their exchange. "What's wrong with you two? Got something in your eyes?"
"Let me help," he offered kindly, gently cradling Andy's face and blowing softly on his eyes. Andy blinked, thinking how wonderful it felt to have a father figure.
Ethan did the same for Nate, who was equally delighted.
No one noticed the hateful eyes watching them from the shadows as Ethan bought ice cream for the children.
"Marc, what's going on with those children? They look exactly like His Highness Prince Totti. Could he have illegitimate sons?" a voice whispered.
Marc laughed bitterly. "With such a resemblance, they must be his. He caused my daughter so much suffering—I'll make his children pay for it a hundredfold!"
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