Chapter 585 What Is the Ultimate Purpose Behind This?
"Angela?" Ashley turned around to see Angela, whom she hadn't seen in quite some time, and her face lit up with a smile.
Angela was accompanied by Doris, who held her hand. Though it had been a while since they'd met, seeing Ashley still reminded Doris of Ethan's heart injury. Despite harboring some resentment, she maintained a polite smile.
The male staff member accompanying Ashley looked confused. "Ms. White, you know Princess Angela?"
Ashley's eyes flickered momentarily. "Yes, she's my son's classmate. May I speak with her briefly before returning to work?"
"Of course," he nodded before escorting Isabella away.
Ashley approached them. "Angela, it's been a while."
"Aunt Pearl! I've missed you. I haven't seen Andy and Nate at kindergarten lately. Where have they gone?" Angela asked.
"They've moved to Aivalia for school," Ashley explained.
Angela's face fell. "So I've lost two friends. By the time they return to Gold Valley District, they'll probably have forgotten all about me."
Ashley gently stroked her head. "Don't be sad, Angela. I'm sure you'll see them again someday."
Angela nodded, and Ashley turned her attention to Doris. "We haven't spoken much lately. How have you been?"
"How do you think?" Doris replied with a hint of sarcasm.
Ashley's expression flickered with awkwardness. "Well, I should get back to work. Perhaps we can catch up properly another time."
"Sure, go ahead," Doris replied dismissively.
As Ashley walked away, she felt uncomfortable about Doris's sudden change in attitude. However, understanding that Doris's concern stemmed from her care for Ethan, Ashley decided not to take it personally. She made a mental note to speak with Doris properly when the opportunity arose, hoping to mend their relationship.
"Mommy," Angela said once Ashley was gone, "ever since Ethan got hurt because of Pearl, you've been so cold to her. It's scary. Can't you just smile?"
"Did I frighten you, Angela?" Doris sighed. "I'm just upset with myself. Don't mind me."
"But Aunt Pearl might think you don't like her."
Doris looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I'll try to control my emotions better."
Angela giggled. "I knew you had a soft heart!"
As they continued their walk hand in hand, they encountered Ethan with Vivienne.
"Mommy, it's Ethan!" Angela exclaimed, running to hug his leg. "I've missed you so much!"
"Angela," Ethan smiled, patting her head. "Have you been behaving yourself?"
"Of course!"
Doris approached, her heart aching at the sight of Ethan in his wheelchair. "Ethan, you haven't fully recovered. Why are you rushing back to work?"
Ethan smiled gently. "I'm fine, Mom."
Feeling ignored, Vivienne performed a formal Gold Valley District curtsy. "Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities. And you are?"
"Your Majesty, I'm Vivienne, General Mae's granddaughter. I'm currently pursuing His Highness Prince Totti," she announced proudly.
"Be quiet," Ethan snapped.
Doris gave Vivienne a surprised once-over. Though beautiful, the young woman clearly lacked proper decorum. Doris offered a polite smile. "Is that so?"
"Your Majesty, please support my marriage to Prince Totti," Vivienne pleaded.
Doris cleared her throat. "We'll discuss that another time. Ethan, it's been too long since we've had a proper conversation. Let's go to Azure Palace and catch up."
Ethan, who had been about to lose his temper with Vivienne, recognized his mother's attempt to help him escape the situation. Under normal circumstances, he would have had any persistent woman removed immediately, but Vivienne's grandfather and father had been heroes who sacrificed themselves for their country. Out of respect for their memory, Ethan had to show some restraint.
"Yes, let's go," he agreed.
As Ethan, Doris, and Angela headed toward Azure Palace, Vivienne attempted to follow, but with a subtle signal from Ethan, the guards blocked her path.
Frustrated at being so close yet unable to reach him, Vivienne stamped her foot in anger.
Suddenly, her phone rang. Checking the caller ID, her expression changed to one of panic. She slipped away from the guards' view to answer beneath a tree. "Why are you calling me now?" she hissed.
"Have you completed the task I gave you?" demanded the voice on the other end.
"What's the rush? I just returned yesterday. Getting His Highness Prince Totti to accept me will take time."
"Listen carefully—you have six months. Within that time, you must obtain what I need from Totti, or else..."
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