Chapter 560 They Will Settle in Aivalia in Six Months
"Landon, Liam, no need to apologize. You're already doing me a huge favor by picking up the children. Would you like to stay for dinner before you leave?" Ashley asked warmly.
The White brothers exchanged glances before nodding. "Sure, that would be nice."
"Make yourselves comfortable. I'll have everything ready soon."
"Thanks."
The brothers sat by Ethan's bedside, watching with smiles as the two adorable children chatted animatedly with their father. The scene radiated warmth and contentment.
"Uncle Landon, Uncle Liam, are you returning to Aivalia tonight?" one of the children asked.
"That's right."
"Is Aivalia fun?"
Landon mused. "There's amazing food, exciting attractions, beautiful sights—it's far superior to Gold Valley District."
Ethan shot him a look. "Landon, Gold Valley District has its own charm too!"
Landon teased, "I forgot you're now the prince of Gold Valley District. Your status has certainly elevated—truly a prince who cares deeply for all his citizens."
"Landon, stop messing with me," Ethan laughed.
"I'm being serious now. I heard Gold Valley District is electing a new king later this year. Have you given it any thought?"
"I have no such ambitions, and with my health as it is, I wouldn't have the strength for a campaign anyway." Ethan's gaze drifted to Ashley bustling in the kitchen, and his lips curved into a gentle smile. "Right now... I just want a simple life with Pearl and the children."
Ashley heard him mention her and glanced back. Their eyes met across the room, exchanging a look of such profound tenderness that anyone watching would have felt a pang of envy.
"That makes sense," Landon nodded. "No heavy responsibilities—just freedom and peace. But does your father know how you feel about this?"
"I'll discuss it with him properly."
Landon nodded in understanding.
"Daddy, why don't you want to be king?" Nate asked innocently. "If you became king, Mommy would be queen."
Ethan looked at his son affectionately. "Silly boy, being king and queen isn't just fun and games. The ruler carries the weight of the entire Gold Valley District on their shoulders—it's an enormous responsibility."
Nate's eyes widened. "That sounds complicated! Maybe you shouldn't take such a difficult job after all."
"Exactly," Ethan agreed.
"Daddy, I want to go to Aivalia with Uncle Landon and Uncle Liam," Nate declared suddenly.
Before Ethan could respond, Andy interjected, "Nate, don't be ridiculous. They're busy, and you can't go to Aivalia alone with no one to look after you."
"But Landon said Aivalia has lots of delicious food and fun things to do! Please, let me go to Aivalia."
The little foodie cared more about culinary adventures than anything else.
Liam's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. With Ashley needing to focus entirely on caring for Ethan, having two children here might be overwhelming. Landon, what if we take Andy and Nate back with us?"
"Well..." Landon looked toward Ethan. "What do you think, Ethan?"
Ashley had just finished preparing dinner and overheard their conversation as she approached.
"That won't work—it's too much trouble for you," Ashley and Ethan protested simultaneously.
"Nonsense! We're family—helping each other is what we do," Liam insisted. "Besides, having Andy and Nate here would only distract you from your alone time. It's settled then—they'll return to Aivalia with us once the private jet arrives."
Ashley hesitated. "But..."
"Ashley, don't worry. We'll make all the necessary arrangements for their living situation and education. We have plenty of help at home. With Ethan recovering from surgery, you need to focus on him. Let us handle everything else."
The brothers' enthusiasm made it difficult for Ashley to refuse.
Ethan gently stroked the children's heads. "Andy, Nate, would you like to go to Aivalia with your uncles?"
Nate nodded eagerly. "Yes!"
After a moment's hesitation, Andy replied more reservedly, "I'd like that too, Daddy."
"Alright then, I'll leave them in your care for now. But in six months, Pearl and I will be coming to Aivalia ourselves. Due to work commitments, we'll be relocating there permanently," Ethan explained, then turned to Ashley. "What do you think, Pearl?"
Ashley pouted slightly. "You've already decided, so why ask me now?"
She lovingly touched the children's heads. "When you're at your uncles' home, you must behave yourselves."
"We promise, Mommy! We'll be good and not cause any trouble."
Ashley held their small hands, clearly reluctant to let them go. "Dinner's ready. Let's eat together."
"Sounds good."
The family moved to the dining room, enjoying their meal amid laughter and conversation.
The warm orange light cast a glow over them all, creating a picture of domestic bliss.
Isabella passed by the room and noticed the happy family scene, her expression complex and troubled.
Her gaze fixed intensely on Ethan's chest, her eyes burning with obsession.
Just then, Ethan happened to glance in her direction, unexpectedly meeting Isabella's stare!