Chapter 26: A Potential Son-in-law

Ethan sat beside Evelyn and crossed his legs, leaning into the chair like he owned the place.

James glanced at him in annoyance, then turned to his daughter. "How could I not say something like that? You didn’t listen to us and went ahead to marry this good-for-nothing guy, giving Nora a useless father. Do you think I’m happy with that?"

Evelyn’s face flushed with anger, but she reined it in when Ethan held her hand and squeezed it gently.

He turned to the older man and spoke calmly. "Father-in-law, I know you don’t have a good impre—"

"Did I ask you to speak?" James interrupted him, his voice cold.

Evelyn stiffened, suddenly reminded of why she feared and respected him. He was a retired school teacher and had a commanding tone that couldn’t be ignored.

Any normal person would feel frightened upon hearing his voice.

However, Ethan was no normal person. Even though he had become Ethan Hale now, his pride and ego as Victor Caldwell wouldn’t allow him to just accept that.

His expression turned cold, and he stared at James with a serious look in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but held back when he remembered the task for today.

Besides, he didn’t want an argument that would affect Evelyn emotionally and cause complications.

"Hmph! Don’t talk when adults are talking," James scowled and turned back to Evelyn.

"I’ve already warned you repeatedly. You’ll get nothing but pain and suffering from this useless man. Divorce him and get back to us now. I’ll take you to meet the one who is a better fit for you."

He took out a file from beside him, placing it on the table and pushing it to her with a pen attached to it.

"You don’t need to go back home today, so you don’t need to worry about him doing anything. If he tries to do any nonsense, I’ll have the cops pick him up right now."

Evelyn’s expression darkened as she stared at the divorce papers. However, she couldn’t fully blame her parents. After all, they were only caring for her and didn’t like Ethan from the beginning.

His mistreatment of her had completely destroyed whatever tolerance they had for him.

Shaking her head, she pushed the papers back to James. "Dad, I told you I’m not divorcing him. Ethan isn’t... he isn’t like before anymore. He’s back to being himself."

"Back to being himself?" Elena repeated, shooting him a sharp look. "Look at his eyes. Is that how a young man should look at his in-laws? So disrespectful!"

Evelyn turned to her mother in surprise. "What? No. It’s just because of what father said. It’s embarrassing."

James frowned at her. "Who cares if he dies of embarrassment? He’s going to sign this too and free you from whatever charm he has put you under."

Ethan covered his face with both hands, taking in a deep, calming breath. Without raising his head, he spoke in a muffled tone.

"Father-in-law. You know you can’t force us apart, right? You’re only making things difficult for us, and awkward for Nora."

James snorted. "Difficult for you? What’s my business with that? I didn’t want you as my daughter’s husband and I don’t want you. You don’t come from a rich family and neither do you have a good paying job. You’re just a leech on my daughter. Just scram already, will you? I might even offer you money and some alcohol."

Evelyn’s eyes widened. "Dad! That’s going too far? Are you trying to buy me now? Besides, I don’t love Ethan because of money. Why should you care about that? Ugh."

"Of course, money is important," James growled. "He can’t even take care of you. How can he take care of his in-laws? If he can’t do that, then he’s just trash."

A vein popped up on Ethan’s head, and he had to grit his teeth to stop himself from speaking.

Evelyn stared at her father with an aghast look on her face. "Dad..."

She turned to look at her mother, but seeing that the woman remained silent, she was disappointed.

Biting her lip, she stood up and pulled Nora away from her mother.

"I’m sorry, but if this is what we’re going to talk about today, then I’m leaving."

Her voice was soft, but anyone could tell that she was angry.

Holding Nora’s hand, she stormed out of the house while Sophie rushed after her.

Ethan lingered for a moment, glanced at the elderly couple, then shook his head.

"It’s all about money, eh?"

James sneered. "So what? She’s my daughter, and I want the best for all of us."

Meanwhile, just as Evelyn stepped outside with Nora, she was surprised to find Chris entering through the gate with a gift box in his hand.

He was also stunned to see her, as he didn’t think she’d be here at all. He almost panicked but quickly composed himself and smiled at her.

"Hello, Eve. Surprised?"

She didn’t answer immediately. Her gaze dropped to the box he was carrying, then went back to his face.

"What... are you doing here?" She asked.

Chris smiled and walked towards her. "Your dad didn’t tell you? He asked me to come."

Evelyn slowly nodded, then turned to her younger sister. "Can you take Nora upstairs? Show her to your room."

The young teenager nodded in understanding and led Nora away. The little girl also didn’t resist, preferring to abstain from adult matters.

With a calm expression on her face, Evelyn turned around. "Chris, come inside."

The young man smiled again and followed her back inside the house. His smile instantly vanished when he saw Ethan, replaced by a frown.

"He’s here too?"

Evelyn gave him a sidelong glance. "If I’m here, why won’t my husband be here?"

That sentence immediately shut Chris up. Ethan was also surprised to see him here, and he instantly connected the dots. The realization almost made him laugh.

Ignoring Ethan, Chris turned to Evelyn’s parents and bowed respectfully.

"Father, mother, I brought this gift for you two."

James smiled instantly, his expression brimming with joy. "Good son! Good son! Come and sit here beside me. Evelyn, you also should come here."

The white-haired lady’s expression darkened, and Ethan could feel her anger rising.