Chapter 513 Liam and Atticus Confrontation
"Ethan, where does it hurt?" Ashley asked with concern.
A glint of mischief flashed in Ethan's eyes as he took the opportunity to nuzzle against Ashley's neck. His breath caressed her skin, and his lips occasionally brushed against her, creating an undeniably intimate atmosphere between them.
Ashley's heart raced and her face flushed crimson, yet she anxiously suggested, "Let me take you to the hospital!"
Ethan quickly shook his head, leaning his body against hers. "Pearl, I'm fine. My nose is just itchy, and I feel a bit dizzy. Let's sit on that bench for a moment."
"Are you sure you don't need a doctor?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
Though still worried, Ashley noticed his color improving, so she helped him over to the nearby bench.
Nate exclaimed worriedly, "Daddy's allergic to cats! You shouldn't touch them anymore."
"I know."
"Daddy, why is your health so poor? First the eating disorder, then insomnia, and now cat allergies! You need to exercise more, otherwise one day you might..."
Before Nate could finish, Andy covered his mouth. "Nate, watch what you're saying!" Then, turning to their parents, he said, "Daddy, Mommy, we're going to play over there for a bit."
"Alright, but don't go too far. Watch out for strangers."
"We will!"
Once the adorable duo was out of earshot, Nate looked puzzled. "Andy, why didn't you let me finish?"
Andy rolled his eyes. "Are you blind? Daddy isn't allergic to cats. He's just using it as an excuse to cuddle with Mommy."
"Wow, I didn't realize Daddy could be so sneaky! But why does he need to do that? They're married—they could just be affectionate openly. Why all the subterfuge?"
"This is where you don't understand. It's called... romance," Andy explained, his face turning red. "Anyway, these are lessons from your father. Pay attention—it'll help when you're trying to win over a girlfriend someday!"
Nate scratched the back of his head. "Why would I need to chase a girlfriend? What if she chases me instead?"
Andy rolled his eyes again. "Forget it. Just remember our plan for tonight. We need to make sure Mommy and Daddy... you know what to do!"
"OK, mission accepted!"
Meanwhile, Ashley divided her attention between Ethan and keeping an eye on the children in the distance, worried they might wander too far.
Ethan was resting his head on Ashley's shoulder, creating a sweet, intimate atmosphere between them.
"Ethan, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were allergic to cats. If I had known, I wouldn't have brought you here to interact with them."
"It's alright, I don't blame you. My head just feels dizzy. Pearl, may I rest on your lap for a moment?"
Ashley blushed with embarrassment but nodded. "Okay."
Ethan shifted position, lying down with his head on her lap. Their shared body heat made both their hearts race.
Closing his eyes, Ethan murmured, "Pearl, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could stay like this forever?"
Ashley's eyes flickered, but she remained silent.
She reflected on Ethan's gentleness, thoughtfulness, and commanding presence, but also remembered that his wife wasn't actually dead. Despite knowing she should end whatever was developing between them, she couldn't help it... she was falling for him!
Ashley suddenly froze.
Noticing her tension, Ethan asked, "Pearl, what's wrong?"
Ashley shook her head. "Nothing."
"Daddy, Mommy, it's getting dark. Shouldn't we head back?" the children called.
Ashley snapped back to reality. "Yes. Ethan, are you ready to go?"
"Yes, let's head back together."
The group left the park and drove back to the palace. Meanwhile, Liam was driving in the opposite direction, and their vehicles passed each other!
At the Grayson residence, since Ashley and the children had gone to the palace, the house had felt empty and quiet.
Atticus was drinking alone on the sofa when he heard a car outside.
He got up curiously to check and saw a man striding toward the house.
"Sir, who are you looking for?" Atticus asked cautiously.
Liam glared at Atticus and said coldly, "It's you, Atticus. I'd recognize you anywhere!"
He grabbed Atticus by the collar and demanded, "Where are you hiding my sister? Bring her out now!"
Atticus tried to push him away, but Liam was too strong.
"What sister? You're trespassing. I should call the police!" Atticus threatened.
"Don't play dumb with me. Six years ago, I checked the surveillance footage and saw you boarding a plane with my sister. Her name is Ashley. Now, where is she?"
"Ashley!" Atticus paused his struggle. "You're Ashley's brother?"
"That's right. Now tell me, where have you hidden her?"
Atticus frowned. "I'm the one who saved your sister's life. How dare you treat your family's benefactor with such hostility? With that attitude, why should I tell you anything about her?"