Chapter 609 Sandy's 100th Birthday
Back at home, Ethan tenderly applied ice to Ashley's reddened hands. She gazed at him lovingly, her heart overflowing with affection.
"Darling, it's fine now. The redness is gone," Ashley said softly.
"Good." Ethan carefully dried her hands with a small towel.
Ashley withdrew her hands, her cheeks flushing. "It's getting late. Let me find your pajamas so we can get ready for bed."
"Alright."
As Ashley disappeared into the walk-in closet, Ethan's phone rang. It was Ian.
"Your Highness, Isabella has left the country."
"Good," Ethan replied.
Just as he was about to end the call, Ian continued, "Your Highness, there's something I don't understand."
"Go on."
"Since we've confirmed Isabella was involved in last night's incident, why aren't we firing her and handing her over to the authorities? Sending her to manage the Aivalia market seems too lenient."
Ethan glanced toward the closet where Ashley was searching for clothes. He maneuvered his wheelchair onto the balcony before responding. "If we fired her or had her arrested, Ashley would become suspicious. Learning the brutal truth would devastate her. Besides, Isabella might reveal that I..."
'That I had a heart transplant,' he thought, realizing that the further away Isabella was, the safer his secret would be.
"Your Highness? Might reveal what?" Ian prompted.
"Never mind. Sending her to Aivalia gives her a chance to start fresh. If she continues her schemes, we'll have no choice but to take legal action."
"I understand. There's one more thing, Your Highness. Our team reports that Ms. Mae has been frequently communicating with someone from the Colorful Clouds District."
"Colorful Clouds District?" Ethan's brow furrowed.
The mention of that place immediately brought Kelsey to mind. They shared a complicated history. Could Vivienne's key theft be connected to Kelsey from the Colorful Clouds District?
He dismissed the thought almost immediately. Vivienne couldn't possibly have connections to Kelsey. He was overthinking.
"Continue the investigation," Ethan instructed. "Vivienne will report to the Discussion Group tomorrow. Feed her information that will lead her to the safe. Keep her under close surveillance."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As they ended the call, a gentle voice came from behind him. "Darling, it's windy out here. You shouldn't be outside without a blanket—you'll catch cold."
Ashley draped a soft blanket over Ethan's shoulders. He smiled warmly, pulling her onto his lap and wrapping the blanket around them both. "Care to stargaze with me for a while?"
"I'd love to."
They held each other close, gazing at the star-filled sky, savoring this peaceful moment of happiness.
Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang again—this time it was his father, Garrett.
"It's my father," Ethan said.
"The King must have something important to discuss. You should answer."
"Hello, Dad," Ethan answered.
"Ethan, we need to visit the Colorful Clouds District tomorrow evening," Garrett announced.
"The Colorful Clouds District?" Ethan found the timing oddly coincidental, given Ian had just mentioned the place.
"What's the occasion?"
"Have you forgotten? Your grandmother's hundredth birthday is the day after tomorrow. It's a momentous celebration, and our family has organized a grand banquet. We should arrive early so you can meet the extended family. You haven't met them yet."
"Dad, I apologize. With everything happening lately, I completely forgot about Grandmother's centennial. Shall we depart together tomorrow?"
"Yes, I'll contact you before we leave."
After ending the call, Ashley looked surprised. "Grandma's turning one hundred the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"You know, I haven't seen her since that night I wore her dress to the palace banquet. I went to her house later to apologize, but no one was home."
At the mention of that banquet, Ethan's eyes filled with remorse and tenderness. He held her tighter. "After Grandma brought you to that event, I worried she'd feel responsible for your injuries, so I arranged for her to return to the Colorful Clouds District. She's elderly and needs to avoid distress."
"We should prepare a birthday gift for her."
"Of course. We'll select something tomorrow. It's getting late—we should rest."
"You go ahead. I need to finish preparing the medicine. I'll join you later."
Ethan kissed her cheek. "Don't work too hard."
"I won't. Now go to bed."
After settling Ethan in their bedroom, Ashley returned to her laboratory. The new formula had arrived, and she needed to prepare the medicine without delay.
Working with intense concentration, she finally completed the Panacea around 2 AM. Excited, she immediately called Atticus.
"Atticus, the Panacea is ready!"
"Really?"
"Yes! I can bring it to you now."
"Pearl, it's too late for you to be out. I'll come to you instead."
"That works."
Half an hour later, Atticus arrived at the apartment building. It was already 3 AM.
Ashley handed him the freshly prepared medicine. "Atticus, I'm so glad it worked this time. Please take this to Mr. York Grayson right away."
Atticus looked at her with profound gratitude. "Pearl, thank you."
The medicine box felt heavy in his hands, weighted with significance. His feelings for Ashley had transformed from unrequited love to admiration, gratitude, and reverence.
He gazed at her intently. "Pearl, thank you for everything you've done for me. I wish you and Ethan eternal happiness together."
Ashley smiled warmly. "Thank you for your blessing, Atticus."
Having her family's support made her love for Ethan feel even more precious.
After watching Atticus leave, Ashley turned to go back inside—only to find Ethan behind her.
"Darling, I thought you were asleep. What are you doing here?"
Ethan's lips curved into a smile. "When Atticus comes to see you, I naturally need to keep a close eye. But hearing him wish us well, it seems he's truly moved on. I've lost a rival—that makes me too happy to sleep."
Ashley playfully scolded him. "You silver-tongued charmer."
She pushed his wheelchair back to their bedroom, feeling as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart.
That night, they both seemed to share a beautiful dream, their lips curved in contented smiles as they slept in each other's arms, perfectly happy.
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