Chapter 113 Was Ethan Jealous?
Ethan had always been the picture of composure, perhaps due to his upbringing. At the age of five, he was already living independently with Mr. Douglas Sr.
While other kids went through rebellious phases and impulsive adolescence, Ethan was mature beyond his years.
He approached everything methodically, never acting on impulse. Before undertaking any task, he would meticulously consider whether it was worth his effort.
Even in kindergarten, when teachers gave out small pets to exemplary students to take home, Ethan would decline, aware that taking care of a pet meant being responsible for its well-being. He understood the heartache of a pet's brief lifespan and decided it was better not to get attached.
Ethan was someone who knew when to cut his losses.
Thus, emotions and women had become mere concepts to him at an early age. He was excessively rational. To him, there were no hormonal clashes, no room for love.
He had never imagined he would one day act irrationally, desiring to fight for a woman's right to her child's custody.
A decision with no apparent benefits.
"Think this through," Ethan told Jasmine, his gaze steady.
Once he made a decision, he wouldn't waver.
Winning or losing didn't concern him, nor did crossing the Patrick family or tarnishing his reputation.
Even if it brought him trouble, Ethan's capabilities allowed him to look beyond such concerns.
"Staying with the Patrick family does seem to offer more advantages than being with me," Jasmine reluctantly released her grasp, forcing a resigned smile.
After all, she couldn't afford to owe Ethan too much.
"Mr. Douglas... I’ll go up myself later. You don't need to follow. “After all, it’s a family matter," Jasmine murmured.
Ethan's frown deepened, but he remained silent.
To his surprise, he felt a twinge of anger at her mention of "family matter."
Just because Henry shared Justin with her didn't make their matters purely domestic, did it? What was he then, Ethan, in name only a 'husband', an outsider? Was their relationship nothing more than a partnership to her?
With a huff, Ethan spoke in a low voice. "Call me for anything, even if it's just to give the phone a buzz."
Jasmine looked up at Ethan, opening her mouth to speak. "Does Mr. Douglas treat all his business partners this well?"
What was she expecting? To be the only one who stood out among all his 'business partners'?
Bowing her head, Jasmine clenched her fingers in self-mockery before getting out of the car and walking away.
Ethan watched Jasmine enter the hotel, feeling an inexplicable irritation.
...
In the suite's living room, Mr. Patrick Sr.'s laughter could be heard from down the hall.
"Would you look at that, the little genius, just as bright as Henry was at his age," boasted the patriarch. In just a few hours, he'd grown incredibly fond of Justin.
"Great-grandpa," Justin said, sitting on the carpet with various puzzle toys all expertly solved in his hands, "Mom says these are too simple and not worth showing off. We should be modest."
It was obvious that Mr. Patrick Sr. adored Justin. He didn’t even need another paternity test to recognize Justin as his kin.
Such a lovable kid.
"Justin!" Henry, having arrived first at the hotel, burst into the room and scooped Justin into his arms. "Grandpa..."
Mr. Patrick Sr.'s face darkened, and he harrumphed. "Ignoring my calls now, Henry? You're getting too big for your britches."
Henry had been at odds with Mr. Patrick Sr. for quite some time, ever since the incident with taking Jasmine away. No matter how Mr. Patrick Sr. tried to reach out, Henry refused to come home.
When Mr. Patrick Sr. faked a heart attack to lure him back and Henry discovered the ruse, he left that very night and swore off answering his grandfather's calls.
It was only out of sheer necessity that Mr. Patrick Sr. personally came to Silverlight City to see for himself how the vixen named Jasmine had managed to ensnare his grandson's soul.
Of course, since he was in Silverlight City, his great-grandson was his top priority.
"Grandpa, this has nothing to do with Jasmine or Justin. You shouldn't have taken Justin without saying anything!" Henry felt his grandfather's actions were inappropriate, but he couldn't be too condemning.
"It was my idea to go with great-grandpa," Justin interjected, defending Mr. Patrick Sr.
Henry paused, looking down at Justin in his arms. "Why?"
Justin remained silent, offering no reply.
He didn't exactly relish the idea of calling Henry his dad.
He preferred Ethan.
He knew the implications of a paternity test.
It meant, from a genetic standpoint, he was Henry's son.
He was aware that a paternity test could lead him to being snatched away from Mom.
Justin was way too smart for that. He had to make the first move. He didn't want Mom to be hurt, nor did he want Mr. Patrick Sr. to take him away.
In front of the old man, he went all out to showcase how well Mom’s upbringing had worked, how happy he was living with her, and even the fact that he attended an elite program for gifted students in the country.
He was determined to work harder, to grow stronger, so one day he could protect Mom.
He was fighting for more time to stay by Jasmine's side.
"Mr. Patrick Sr., Jasmine's here," the assistant announced, bringing Jasmine into the room.
This was Mr. Patrick Sr.'s first time meeting Jasmine.
He had to admit she was stunningly beautiful. With delicate features that any man would find attractive.
Henry had a good eye. The old man had investigated Jasmine and, aside from the incident of her masquerading as heiress, whether it was her past as the state’s top scholar or her label as a prodigy, it all seemed worthy of Henry.
What a pity.
Fake was still fake.
"You should be grateful you got lucky with your genes, you thought you could keep this from the Patricks? You've overplayed your hand," Mr. Patrick Sr. said sternly, his tone none too friendly.
Justin climbed out of Henry's arms and ran to Mr. Patrick Sr. "Grandpa, do you like my mom? She's very kind."
Mr. Patrick Sr. was fond of Justin and knew better than to talk down about Jasmine in front of the child. "The smartest thing your mom ever did was have you."
Justin's chubby little face was irresistibly adorable. "Grandpa, my mom's here to take me home, but I'll miss you."
The old man couldn't help but beam, careful not to scare the kid, and silently watched as Jasmine took Justin away.
As for discussing custody with Jasmine, that could wait for another day, a time when they could talk alone.
Children are innocent, after all.
"Mom, let's go home," Justin said, turning to hug Jasmine and looking up at her.
Jasmine gave Justin a nervous smile, still fixated on Mr. Patrick Sr.
"Justin, make sure you take the toys and all these gifts with you," Mr. Patrick Sr. said, having had people buy a mountain of clothes and shoes for Justin.
How could his great-grandson walk around looking like a ragamuffin?
Although Justin looked good in anything.
"No can do, Grandpa Pat. Justin likes you, but Mom said we can't just take stuff from others. These aren't mine," Justin replied, shaking his head, he couldn't accept them.
Jasmine felt a lump in her throat, leading Justin away with her head bowed.
She didn't need to explain anything, Justin's upbringing was her best defense.
Mr. Patrick Sr. glanced at Jasmine, surprised. A woman he thought to be greedy and insatiable teaching her child not to take things from others? "Don't you like these clothes and toys, Justin?"
Justin's eyes gleamed with longing. "I do like them, Grandpa, but Mom said that if you want something, you should work for it, not expect someone else to give it to you."
Mr. Patrick Sr. looked at Jasmine meaningfully. "Henry, you take Justin outside for a bit. I need to have a word with Jasmine."
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