Chapter 588 The Tough Ethan
Ashley felt helpless facing Vivienne's interrogation. What right did Vivienne have to claim ownership over Ethan when she was his wife?
Yet revealing her true identity to the Discussion Group could jeopardize her career.
As Ashley contemplated this, Ethan began, "She's my..."
Before he could finish saying "wife," Ashley cut in, "Colleague."
Ethan turned to Ashley in disbelief, his eyes questioning her. Ashley's gaze flickered with guilt as she offered him a smile.
"I know you're colleagues, but why are you dining together? Are you dating?" Vivienne pressed.
Ethan replied coldly, "Vivienne, mind your boundaries. Why should I explain my relationship with her to you?"
"Your Highness, did you reject me because of her? Is that why you lied about being married?"
"Lied? I am married!"
"Stop arguing, please," Ashley interjected. "We happened to be eating here separately and ran into each other, so we joined tables."
Vivienne acknowledged with a half-believing nod, scrutinizing Ashley. She sneered inwardly, thinking Ashley wasn't as attractive as herself—no threat at all—which bolstered her sense of superiority.
Ethan, visibly upset that Ashley denied their relationship, displayed obvious anger.
Ashley, noticing his displeasure, tugged gently at his sleeve, her eyes pleading, "Darling, don't be angry."
Ethan huffed softly and turned away.
Seeing Vivienne still seated, he said coldly, "Why are you still here? Leave!"
"Since we're all here, let's eat together. I haven't had dinner yet and I'm quite hungry," Vivienne replied, waving to a waiter. "Waiter, bring another place setting!"
Ashley was astounded by Vivienne's audacity.
As the waiter approached with the cutlery, Ethan's voice cut through like ice, "Who authorized this? Take it away."
Vivienne had intended to call Ethan's name, but noticing the waiter's confused look, she said, "How can you treat me this way? I just wanted to join you for dinner."
"Ms. Mae, I'm civil to you out of respect for your grandfather and father, both heroes who served our country. Your family must have strict values."
"I didn't invite you; you came on your own and now you're acting offended. Aren't you worried about dishonoring your grandfather and father? Is this really how your family taught you to behave?"
Vivienne retorted, "How dare you speak to me like that!"
Vivienne burst into tears from Ethan's scolding, but he showed no sympathy.
Seeing his coldness, Vivienne turned a pitiful gaze toward Ashley, who kept her head down, pretending not to notice.
Vivienne, feeling angry, said, "You're both bullying me!""
Ethan responded coldly, "Leave now. We have matters to discuss."
Vivienne stormed off in anger.
Ashley sighed resignedly.
Ethan looked displeased. "Ashley, I wanted to tell her about our relationship to discourage her, but you claimed we're just colleagues. Well done!"
Ashley quickly explained, "Don't be upset. I told you before, I don't want the Discussion Group to know about us. Vivienne could easily tell them, which would affect my work."
"Affect your work?" Ethan narrowed his eyes. "I'm the head of the Discussion Group. With my protection, who would dare speak ill of you? I think you just don't want to acknowledge our relationship."
"That's not true."
Ethan scoffed, "The Discussion Group is mostly men in their forties. I was beginning to think you were hiding our relationship because of someone else."
"Ethan, what nonsense are you talking!" Ashley stroked his back soothingly. "Don't overthink this. Even if the handsomest man joined the Discussion Group tomorrow, I wouldn't be interested. My heart and eyes are only for you."
Ethan gradually calmed down. "If I hadn't sent Vivienne away, would you have really let her dine with us?"
"Of course not. I don't want to share our dinner with anyone else."
When Vivienne had called for an extra place setting, Ashley had been about to politely decline, but Ethan had directly dismissed her instead.
Sometimes, politeness didn't work with shameless people—a firm attitude was necessary!
"That's better," Ethan said, his mood improving.
After taking a few more bites, Ethan set down his utensils. "Her interruption has ruined the taste of everything."
Clearly, Vivienne had truly upset him.
Ashley asked, "Are you full?"
"Yes."
"Then let's head back."
"Alright."
As they prepared to leave, Ashley's phone rang. "It's Yaakov. The ingredients must be ready."
After speaking with Yaakov, she hung up.
Ethan inquired, "What's the situation?"
"The ingredients are indeed ready. He wants to meet now to give them to me."
"Let's go. My driver will take you there."
"Perfect."
They left the restaurant and took Ethan's luxury car to meet Yaakov. Ashley got out while Ethan continued to the hospital.
Yaakov waved when he saw Ashley. "Ashley, over here!"
Beside him were several suitcases filled with the medicinal herbs he'd collected that day.
"Yaakov, you gathered all these ingredients? Thank you for your hard work."
"It was no trouble. I found a quiet place perfect for undisturbed work. Be careful when preparing the medicine and don't exhaust yourself."
"I will, thank you."
Ashley followed Yaakov, each pushing two suitcases toward the preparation room.
Meanwhile, Vivienne, still upset after being dismissed by Ethan, had driven to meet a friend nearby when she spotted Ashley.
Recalling her humiliation and how Ashley hadn't defended her, Vivienne felt a surge of anger and took photos of the scene.
Looking at the images on her phone, she smiled coldly.
Ashley and Yaakov arrived at the preparation room—a house Yaakov had rented. After familiarizing herself with the space, Ashley said, "Yaakov, please give me the formula book. I want to start right away."
Atticus's father, York, was suffering from a serious illness. Every minute counted—she had to work quickly!
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