Chapter 562 Is He a Love Fool?
"Dad, you're exaggerating. I have no interest in running in the next election! Pearl isn't manipulating anyone!" Facing Garrett's sharp words, Ethan remained composed. "I only want to live a quiet life with her now."
"Ethan, with my position comes scrutiny. Many eyes are on you. It's not as simple as choosing not to participate—you can't just remove yourself from consideration!"
Garrett said seriously, "You know the complexities of royal politics. If I hand the throne to someone else, our entire family won't escape unscathed. I hope you'll consider running in the next royal election."
Before Garrett could continue, Ethan had heard enough. He wearily rubbed his temples, feigning discomfort. " It hurts."
Garrett grew concerned. "Ethan, are you alright? I'll call for a doctor immediately."
Ethan waved dismissively. "No need, Dad. I've been sitting in the car too long and feel tightness and pain in my chest. I should return to my room to rest. The doctor warned that overexertion could cause a relapse."
Seeing Ethan's 'exhausted' expression, Garrett knew he was merely making an excuse to leave.
It seemed Ethan had firmly decided against running in the next election.
Garrett's eyes flickered as he thought, 'This foolish boy has natural talent in both business and politics. What a waste for him not to become king. Unfortunately, he's blinded by love, with Ashley consuming his every thought!'
Garrett felt frustrated by what he perceived as Ethan's lack of ambition.
But then he reconsidered—Ethan's health truly was fragile. They couldn't rush things.
The royal election wouldn't happen until later in the year. With some behind-the-scenes influence, Ethan wouldn't be able to refuse when the time came.
With this in mind, Garrett said, "Ethan, your health comes first. Let me take you back."
"Alright."
Garrett exited the car and helped Ethan into a wheelchair. Ian stepped forward, offering, "Your Majesty, you're busy with affairs of state. Allow me to take the prince back to his room."
Garrett waved him off. "No need. I'll do it myself."
The autumn breeze brought a chill. Garrett carefully tucked a blanket around Ethan. "You're vulnerable right now. Keep this blanket on—we can't have you catching cold."
"I understand, Dad."
Garrett pushed Ethan's wheelchair toward his hospital room.
The father and son traveled in comfortable silence.
Though Garrett hoped Ethan would run for the throne, he genuinely cared about his son's health.
Ashley had just finished preparing a medicinal broth when Garrett returned with Ethan.
She turned to see them enter. "Your Majesty, Ethan, you're back."
Ethan's eyes lit up at the sight of her. "Yes."
Even after such a brief separation, he had missed her terribly, wishing he could spend every moment by her side.
Garrett noticed an aromatic scent. "Ashley, what are you cooking? It smells pleasant rather than bitter like most medicines."
"Your Majesty, this is Aivalia's Medicinal Cuisine. It's nourishing for the body. You must be tired from your daily duties—why not sit down and have some?"
As Garrett was about to politely decline, Ethan interjected, "Dad, since you're already here, sit down and try Pearl's cooking. Besides, you can discuss the new product naming while you're at it."
After a moment's consideration, Garrett agreed. "Very well."
Garrett wheeled Ethan to the table.
Ashley served the Medicinal Cuisine, its gentle aroma creating a soothing atmosphere.
She filled two bowls, handing one to Garrett. "Your Majesty, please try some."
"No need for such formality. You and Ethan are married—just call me Dad like he does."
Though Garrett didn't know Ashley well, he understood that Ethan loved her deeply. While he couldn't immediately embrace her as family, he could show her respect.
Her formal address of "Your Majesty" might give outsiders the impression that he mistreated his daughter-in-law.
Ashley blushed and shyly responded, "Dad."
Garrett felt a slight stirring in his heart as he acknowledged her and began to eat.
Ethan was delighted to see them getting along.
"Ethan, have some soup," Ashley said.
Ashley fed Ethan spoonful by spoonful with gentle care, blowing on each serving to cool it. Ethan simply opened his mouth, and whenever soup lingered on his lips, Ashley tenderly wiped it away.
Witnessing this, Garrett finally understood why Ethan preferred a simple life with Ashley over pursuing the throne.
Who wouldn't want such quiet happiness?
"This soup is quite good."
"Thank you for the compliment, Dad. If you and Mom would like to have some in the future, you're welcome to visit, and I'll prepare it for you."
Garrett smiled politely. "That won't be necessary. Now, let's discuss the product naming."
"Of course."
"Why did you choose 'Mother's Love' as the name?"
"Well..." As Ashley eloquently explained, Garrett listened attentively while Ethan's gaze remained fixed on Ashley, growing increasingly affectionate.
From the doorway, Isabella secretly observed the scene, a cunning glint in her eyes.
She discreetly took a photo and sent it to someone with the message: [Find out who this man Totti is!]