Chapter 30: In The Hospital

Ethan sat in a private meeting room with Lucas Stark, the CEO of Stark Industries.

He had his eyes closed, pondering a few things while the older man waited patiently. After a while, Ethan opened his eyes.

"That is a wise idea. However, investing in the Holmes company would not profit you. In fact, it might drag you down."

Lucas frowned. "Why do you say that?"

"The Holmes company might look small, but they have connections with larger companies and organizations," Ethan explained.

Still confused, Lucas asked. "I don’t see why that makes investing in them dangerous."

"Of course, it wouldn’t be dangerous if... the connections are friendly connections." Ethan stared at him confidently. "The Holmes are already dying, and it’s not a natural decline. They are being targeted by several stronger companies. If you try to help them, your industry would not survive a retaliation from them too."

Lucas’s expression stiffened. "How do you know that?"

Ethan didn’t answer the question. Instead, he continued educating Lucas.

"You might think it’s an opportunity for you to help them and bring them under your umbrella, but I assure you that you cannot withstand the level of retaliation you’d receive."

His expression turned dark and grim. "If you don’t want your industry to collapse with them, withdraw all your plans for them."

Lucas’s expression hardened, and he slowly nodded. "Alright. Seeing that you’re serious about it, I’ll withdraw from them. However, that still leaves a problem. What company would I invest in?"

"Moonbeam," Ethan answered casually.

"Eh? What company is that?" The older man blinked in confusion, having never heard of them.

Not surprised, Ethan explained. "They’re new arrivals in the tech world, so they don’t have fame yet. However, I’d advise you not to underestimate them and immediately support them."

Lucas didn’t speak immediately. From what he had observed of Ethan, the young man didn’t just speak bullshit. Everything he said was always true and reliable.

However, investing in a company that wasn’t renowned...

Seeing the hesitant expression on his face, Ethan leaned back and asked. "Mr. Stark, what businessman doesn’t gamble?"

Lucas blinked and shook his head. "Business itself is gambling with some level of certainty."

"Good." Ethan nodded. "I’m glad you understand that."

With that, he no longer said anything, leaving Lucas to his thoughts.

"I’ll take my leave, Mr. Stark."

He stood up, pocketing his hands as he turned away.

Lucas immediately stood up and said. "Let me send you back with my driver."

He had seen how Ethan had arrived here in a taxi, and he found it quite tasteless. However, he didn’t question Ethan’s choice.

Perhaps the young man really didn’t value luxury like others.

Ethan wanted to refuse, but considering it would be a faster means of transport, he agreed.

"Alright, then. I’ll have to trouble you, Mr. Stark."

The two men headed downstairs, and out of the restaurant, where the black limousine was parked.

"Stephen, get me another one of my rides in three minutes. Mr. Hale needs to borrow the limo," Lucas said to his assistant who trailed behind them.

The young man was shocked, but didn’t ask questions and complied.

"Thanks for your time, Mr. Hale. I’ll have the payment delivered to you immediately."

Ethan shook his head. "It’s fine. You don’t need to pay for this one. We didn’t spend even an hour. Instead, if the gamble works out, you’ll owe me a favor."

Lucas thought about it and nodded.

’This young man isn’t really moved by luxury,’ He noted.

Ethan calmly slipped into the back seats of the limousine with the grace of someone long used to such vehicles.

’He’s not from a rich background, though. This young man is really mysterious.’

Lucas watched the car drive away, then muttered. "A gamble, huh? Let’s see, then..."

Meanwhile, Ethan sat comfortably alone in the back seat while the driver drove with professional silence.

"Hm, I wonder if I should stop by a mall and get gifts for them...?"

He thought as he checked his phone. After a moment of consideration, he decided against it.

Gifts could be handled later. Getting back to the shop and helping was his priority for now.

Ethan was about to lock his phone when Cole’s call came through.

’Oh? Why is he calling me?’

He answered the call and spoke in a light tone. "Hello, brother-in-law. Have you finally gotten a spouse?"

To his surprise, Cole’s voice was dark and serious. "Ethan, where are you? Nora and Evelyn are in the hospital."

Ethan’s expression froze, and he hurriedly asked, "What happened to them? What hospital?"

Realizing Ethan was still oblivious, Cole sighed. "So that lady didn’t call you? It’s Nora’s asthma acting up again. You should come quickly to the hospital."

He then proceeded to give him the location.

Ethan immediately cut the call and gave directions to the driver, asking him to hurry up.

The limousine raced through the streets, heading to the hospital closest to Ethan’s neighborhood.

......

When the young man arrived at the pediatric ward, he immediately spotted Evelyn, Cassie, Chris, and Cole standing in the hallway.

Cassie was busy comforting her friend while Cole and Chris walked around, distressed.

The moment Ethan appeared, Cole’s expression lit up. "Ethan! You’re here!"

Everyone turned to him with varying expressions. Ethan gave a nod to Cole and ignored the others.

He quickly approached Evelyn and crouched before her. Her eyes were reddened from tears and she looked pitiful.

"Evelyn... why didn’t you call me immediately? What exactly happened to her?"

The young lady looked at him in surprise. "Didn’t Cassie call you?"

Ethan shook his head and they both turned to look at the young woman.

Cassie’s lips twitched. "I already deleted his number, so I couldn’t call him. That’s why I called Chris instead."

Evelyn didn’t think much about it and turned back to Ethan.

Although the young man felt a bit of suspicious towards Cassie’s words, he didn’t dwell on it.

Evelyn held his hand and explained to him. "I don’t know why, but she just started having difficulty breathing, and I immediately brought her here. Ethan, it’s been years since this last happened. I’m scared."

He gently pulled her into a hug and reassured her. "Calm down. She’ll be fine, alright?"

At that moment, the elevator door opened and Evelyn’s parents entered the hallway with dark expressions.