Chapter 477 Fair Competition
Ethan arrived at the Grayson estate with the children, where Atticus was already waiting at the entrance.
"Thank you for having them," Ethan said.
"Not at all. Actually, I wanted to speak with you," Atticus replied with a nod. "Please, come in."
While the children ran upstairs to the playroom, Ethan settled on the sofa. Atticus brought coffee over and handed him a cup.
"I just received notification that the government has approved the long-term purchase agreement for my dairy products, and they'll be building a factory adjacent to my farm," Atticus said. "Thank you for your confidence in me. I promise to maintain the highest standards and won't disappoint."
Ethan smiled. "You emerged as the winner because of a fair and rigorous selection process, not because of any personal connections."
Ethan was referring to their growing association in recent months. Those uninformed might assume there was some backroom dealing involved, but in reality, selecting Muse Fresh Dairy Company had been a unanimous decision by the entire committee—completely fair and transparent.
"I still want to express my gratitude," Atticus insisted.
"I actually wanted to discuss a personal matter," Ethan said.
Atticus hesitated. "Is it about the children?"
"No. It's about Pearl."
Atticus felt a sense of foreboding. "Well... go on," he stammered.
Ethan looked him directly in the eyes with unwavering confidence. "I know about your relationship with Pearl—that you're siblings, not spouses. I also know you have feelings for her. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, coincidentally, I'm interested in her too."
Atticus froze.
He knew that Ethan was Ashley's husband and the children's biological father. They were a family who, due to some misunderstanding or other circumstances, had lost their memories of each other.
Atticus swallowed hard, his eyes darkening. "You didn't award me the contract just to make me give up on Pearl, did you?"
Ethan laughed. "As I said, you won the contract because of the committee's decision. It had nothing to do with Pearl. As for my interest in her, I'm not sure if it's love or something else yet, but..." His tone shifted to one of deliberate provocation. "She's mine now. You'd better not harbor any delusions."
It was a clear declaration of territory, warning Atticus to back off.
After all, pursuing the Prince's woman could be considered a capital offense.
Atticus refused to back down. "That changes nothing. You're not married yet, which means we're fair competitors. Ultimately, it's Pearl's decision whom she chooses."
"Fair enough," Ethan said with a smile. "May the best man win."
"Why don't you let Pearl leave the palace?" Atticus challenged. "She's been staying there—are you trying to prevent her from seeing me?"
Atticus wasn't aware of Ashley's injury.
Ethan decided to play the villain. "Think what you want. Tomorrow's Saturday, and I'm taking Andy and Nate to the amusement park. Pearl has other plans and can't join us."
Atticus inwardly scoffed, convinced Ethan was lying and would actually take Pearl and the children to the amusement park without him.
The tension between them was palpable.
Checking his watch, Ethan sent someone upstairs to fetch Angela. After saying goodbye to Andy and Nate, he drove away.
Once the car was out of sight, Andy turned to Atticus. "Godfather, I overheard your conversation."
Atticus scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Did you now?"
"One of you is my godfather, and the other is my biological father," Andy said. "Winning my mommy's heart is up to your own efforts. Good luck!"
"So in your eyes, I still have a chance to compete?" Atticus asked.
"Of course. You're great too."
"All my affection for you wasn't wasted after all. Come on, let me cook something delicious for you."
"Okay."
While Atticus prepared dinner in the kitchen, Andy returned to his room where Nate watched him typing code at lightning speed.
"Wow, you've gotten even better!" Nate exclaimed.
Andy raised an eyebrow. "Got it."
On the screen appeared Yaakov's personal file. Through extensive research, they had uncovered everything about him, both official and unofficial.
"Andy, is this Yaakov Ford really that impressive? His file says he's an exceptional doctor?"
"He must know Mommy, even though there's nothing in his records about their connection. I found his address—should we go find him?"
"Absolutely!"
The brothers high-fived.
Atticus called from downstairs, "Kids, dinner's ready!"
"Coming, Godfather!" they replied in unison.
The boys planned to sneak out to find Yaakov after dinner.
At the Palace
After dropping Angela off, Ethan returned to Azure Palace. He glanced toward the bedroom and asked, "Did she eat properly today?"
"Your Highness, she ate every meal, but very little. She's been resting in bed all day."
Ethan nodded. "I see."
After washing his hands, he took a jar of ointment and knocked on the door. "Pearl."
Ashley, who had been drifting off to sleep, opened her eyes at the sound of Ethan's voice.
He asked, "May I come in?"
Ashley responded with a soft "Okay."
The door opened, and Ethan entered.
True to his word, he only came in to apply her medication, but having him personally bathe her and apply the ointment was almost more than she could bear.
Ashley felt inexplicably nervous when she saw him.
"I heard from the maid that you barely ate today," he said.
"Yes."
"Was the food not to your liking?"
"No... I just ache all over. Even eating a little makes me tired."
Ethan's eyes filled with concern. "I'm sorry you're suffering."
He held up the medicine bottle. "Time to clean up and apply the ointment."
Ashley's face turned crimson as she lowered her head shyly.
Knowing she couldn't dissuade him, she didn't bother trying.
With practiced ease, Ethan helped remove her clothes. The ointment was remarkable—her wounds were already beginning to scab over.
He prepared a basin of warm water and gently bathed her. Throughout the process, Ashley breathed uneasily, especially when his fingers inadvertently brushed against her skin, making her face burn.
"Pearl, tomorrow's the weekend and the children have no school. I promised to take them to the amusement park."
Ashley's heart fluttered. "Thank you. That's very kind of you."
After carefully washing her and applying the medication, Ethan went to the bathroom. When he emerged, he had changed into pajamas.
Ashley's breath caught. "What... what are you doing?"
"Don't worry," Ethan said with a mischievous smile as he lay down beside her. "I told you I wouldn't do anything to someone who's ill. I just want to hold you while we sleep. Nothing more."
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