Chapter 535 The Talkative Driver
"You claim the King sent you, but do you have any proof?" The estate manager asked.
The estate manager hadn't met Atreides's daughter before. Though concerned about disrespecting a royal order, he remained suspicious.
Mary snapped, "His Majesty instructed me to tell the Prince to return to the palace immediately. Step aside, or you'll answer to the King for obstructing royal business."
"If His Highness needs to return to the palace, a simple phone call would suffice. Why send you personally?"
"Only Ian and His Majesty know Prince Ethan is at Starry Ridge Estate. How else would I know to come here if not for the King's direct information?"
Her confident response intimidated him. "Ms. Ross, please come in."
Mary strode proudly into the estate.
The grounds were expansive, and despite searching extensively, she couldn't locate Ethan or Ashley. However, in a corner, she overheard staff gossiping, "Can you believe it? His Highness secretly married and has children. Did you see those two little ones? They're the spitting image of the Prince."
"What if they just resemble him but aren't actually his?"
Another person chimed in, "Impossible! I personally overheard His Highness talking with Ms. White. They were married before, and those children are definitely theirs."
Mary recognized this man as Ethan's driver. She stormed over, furious. "What did you say? How could Pearl be the Prince's wife? And those little brats—his children? Impossible!"
The staff recoiled at her outburst. " Ms. Ross, how dare you call His Highness's children 'brats'! Do you have a death wish?"
"Skip the nonsense. What did you just say about Pearl being the Prince's wife?"
The driver explained, "I overheard their conversation today. Pearl is actually Ashley, His Highness's former wife, and those children are his. The Prince has already done paternity tests, though the results haven't come back yet."
Mary nearly collapsed upon hearing this.
How could this be? Pearl, that common nobody, was the Prince's former wife? And those children were his offspring? The paternity results weren't in yet?
If those results confirmed the relationship, she would lose all chance of becoming Princess!
No, she couldn't allow this to happen!
Malicious thoughts began forming in Mary's mind when the driver cautioned, "Ms. Ross, this should stay between us. If His Highness discovers I've shared this information with you, I'll certainly be punished."
Mary's face twisted into a calculating smile. "Do something for me, and I won't report you."
"What is it?"
"Come closer, I need to speak privately."
With others still nearby, she couldn't reveal her plan aloud.
She was determined to prevent those children from being officially recognized as Ethan's!
Ethan and Ashley walked along the riverbank when a gust of wind caused Ashley to wrap her arms around herself, shivering slightly.
"Pearl, are you alright?"
"Ethan, it's getting windy. I'm a bit cold."
Ethan, wearing only a casual long-sleeved T-shirt, instinctively began removing it.
"Ethan, what are you doing?"
"Pearl, you're cold. I'm giving you my shirt."
Ashley noticed Andy and Nate watching curiously and blushed. "No, don't. You're only wearing one layer—you'll freeze."
"Let's head back then, and get you a jacket."
"But Daddy, I ate too much at dinner. I need to walk more," Andy protested.
"Alright then. You two stay with your mother, and I'll go fetch a coat."
"Ethan, thank you."
"No need to thank me," he said, kissing her cheek. "Don't wander too far. I'll be right back."
"Okay."
Ashley strolled along the path with the children.
"Mommy, did something good happen? You're smiling non-stop."
"Nate, don't be silly. Mommy's happy because she and Daddy have reconciled. It's sweet happiness."
"You cheeky little rascals, teasing me now!" Ashley pretended to scold them, causing Andy and Nate to run ahead, laughing.
"Don't run! You dare make fun of me? I'll spank you both!"
"Oh no, Mommy's angry! So scary!" Nate joked, his face showing no trace of fear.
The mischievous boys quickly disappeared from sight. Ashley called out, breathless, "Andy, Nate, where did you go? Don't wander off! Come back!"
Ashley anxiously searched for them. Turning a corner, she suddenly collided with someone.
They both exclaimed in surprise.
As they recognized each other, both women froze in shock.
"Ms. Ross?"
"Pearl!"
'How convenient,' Mary thought. One turn and she'd encountered the very woman she despised!
A murderous glint flashed in Mary's eyes.
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