Chapter 586 The Frail Ethan
Ferndale Colorful Clouds District
Kelsey reclined on the chaise lounge, propping her head with one hand while swirling red wine in a crystal glass with the other, her expression inscrutable.
"Your Majesty, he has arrived," announced the guard.
"Show him in."
The guard withdrew, escorting a man into the chamber.
The visitor stood with his back to view, revealing only the silhouette of a man in his thirties, his features indiscernible. "Your Majesty," he greeted with a noticeable accent in the Ferndale tongue.
"No need for formalities. Have you completed the task I assigned you?"
"Your Majesty, she has just infiltrated Ethan's inner circle. She hasn't gained his trust yet, but it shouldn't be long before we can take Ethan down."
Kelsey's lips curved into a smile. "I pay you handsomely, and you speak of uncertainties?"
"Forgive my poor choice of words, Your Majesty. Vivienne will absolutely obtain what we seek."
"I originally gave you six months. Doubting your capabilities, I'm now giving you three. Secure what I need within that time. Should you fail..." She let the sentence hang. "The consequences will be severe, as you well know."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I shall not fail."
"You may go."
After the man bowed and departed, Kelsey took a delicate sip of wine, murmuring to herself, "To think I've only just discovered that His Highness Prince Totti is actually Ethan. Your resilience matters not—I will never allow anyone from your family to challenge what's mine."
Years ago, when commissioning jewelry for her birthday gala, she discovered the designer was from the Yates Group. Upon first seeing Ethan, she was struck by his resemblance to Garrett. Yet, Ethan didn't bear the typical Ferndale features, leaving Kelsey suspicious for some time.
Her subsequent investigation revealed the truth: Ethan was indeed Garrett's illegitimate son, born before Garrett ascended to the throne of Gold Valley District. Back then, Garrett had been the heir apparent within his family and a beloved hero in Colorful Clouds District.
Kelsey, harboring resentment, had repeatedly antagonized Ethan. Only when she believed both Ethan and Ashley had perished did she lower her guard, anonymously sending the secret to Garrett—not out of kindness, but to watch him suffer the grief of losing a son. The thought still amused her.
Following this, Garrett returned to Gold Valley District, and Kelsey felt the threat had dissipated, enjoying years of peace. However, recent trending news revealed that neither Ashley nor Ethan had died, sending Kelsey into a rage.
She had always viewed Garrett as her nemesis. With elections approaching in six months, and knowing Garrett would likely endorse Ethan, she was determined to prevent their success.
She would sabotage their plans.
"Ethan, I'm a greedy woman. Both Colorful Clouds District and Gold Valley District will be mine. You won't claim either."
A cunning smile played across Kelsey's features, betraying her confidence in her scheme.
After a fulfilling yet exhausting day at work, Ashley was approached by Isabella as she prepared to leave. "Ashley, fancy dinner out before heading home?"
Ashley shook her head. "Not tonight, I have other plans."
"Alright then. See you tomorrow," Isabella replied, waving goodbye with evident disappointment.
As the last to depart, Ashley meticulously checked the premises, ensuring everything was secure before leaving. Just as she reached the building's entrance, her phone rang—Ethan.
"Hello, darling."
"Darling, I'm here to pick you up."
"Where are you?"
"Just outside."
"I've told you," Ashley chided, "we should act like strangers at the Discussion Group. Your presence downstairs could raise suspicions."
Ethan's voice carried a hint of dejection. "Everyone's gone home. There's no one around. Come down, please."
"It's too risky. If someone sees us, it'll be impossible to explain. Meet me on the street outside the palace. I'll be there shortly."
"Fine."
Ethan wondered if Ashley's caution stemmed from the Vivienne situation. As anxiety washed over him, a sharp pain pierced his chest, draining the color from his face.
Moments later, Ashley exited the palace and spotted Ethan's luxury vehicle. After ensuring no one was watching, she slipped into the car.
Unbeknownst to her, a colleague from the Discussion Group was passing by and witnessed the scene. "That car costs more than most people in Gold Valley District could afford in a lifetime," he mused. "Who is this Ms. White? Is she connected to someone powerful, or perhaps she's someone's mistress? Interesting."
He promptly shared his observation in their private work group chat—a forum Ethan was unaware of. While the Discussion Group was predominantly male, they gossiped with more fervor than any women's circle might.
Inside the luxury car, oblivious to the brewing gossip, Ashley and Ethan conversed.
"Darling, was your first day tiring?" Ethan asked attentively, offering water and a shoulder massage.
Ashley couldn't help but smile at his doting nature. "I hardly deserve such royal treatment from you," she teased.
Ethan's face fell. "Are you upset with me? Vivienne and I are barely acquainted. If you're angry, confront me directly, but please don't shut me out."
His chest tightened with each word, though he concealed his discomfort.
"I'm talking to you right now, aren't I?" Ashley replied, surprised. "Darling, I'm not upset. Don't overthink this."
"You've had a long day, and I wanted to comfort you, but you're mocking me."
"I wasn't mocking you! I was joking!"
"To the mall," Ethan instructed the driver, adhering to the age-old remedy for a woman's displeasure: shopping.
Ashley laughed at his earnestness. "Ethan, I'm not angry. You're impossible."
She suspected he might be teasing, but his genuine concern suggested otherwise. Such attentiveness could only stem from deep affection.
"Darling, please don't be upset. At the mall, you can have anything."
Ashley suddenly cupped Ethan's face and kissed him, dissolving his worries instantly. He embraced her, deepening the kiss.
When they finally parted, Ashley's eyes sparkled with devotion. "Darling, don't overthink things. I'm not angry. I trust you implicitly."
Ethan's heart raced as if it might burst from his chest.
"Darling, you've gone pale. What's wrong?"
Clutching his chest, Ethan's voice weakened. "My medication..."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
