Chapter 64: Surprise Visit (1)

’Cassie, huh...’

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. He had been wondering what felt off about that woman for a while now. Now, his suspicion was starting to grow into something tangible.

’So she still wants me and Evelyn to break apart?’

That would explain why she hadn’t called him when Nora had an asthma attack, and instead called Chris to the hospital. In fact, he suspected...

’No, let’s not think too fast.’

Now, she had also given Chris the address to Evelyn’s shop. Her intentions were obvious. But something didn’t add up. If she wanted to break them apart, why would she change her attitude and act nicely toward him?

’Because of Evelyn?’

He shook his head. That wasn’t right. She had thanked him for carrying her while Evelyn was absent. That didn’t seem false.

’Then why...?’

Scratching his hair, he quit thinking about it when he received a call from Cole.

"Morning, Cole."

From the other side, the man replied stiffly. "Morning, Ethan. How are you doing today?"

Raising an eyebrow, Ethan answered smoothly. "I’m good. You seem to be under pressure. What’s wrong?"

Taking in a deep breath, Cole finally spoke. "Uh... I was planning to come over to your place this morning. And uh... my dad kinda heard about it, and... he’s tagging along. With my mom."

"Oh..." Ethan blinked, then smiled. "A surprise visit? Not bad."

Cole laughed dryly. "Not really a surprise visit anymore, though."

Nodding his head, Ethan stood from the chair and headed outside. "You guys can come. I’ll be at home."

"Really?" Cole’s voice rippled with surprise. "Wouldn’t that be uncomfortable? I know my dad isn’t the best and..."

"Nah, it’s fine." Ethan smiled. "Just come already."

In the end, Cole could only sigh and agree.

Evelyn turned to Ethan as soon as he dropped the call. "You’re going home?"

He nodded. "Hm. I’ll be back in a few hours at most."

She stepped closer and pecked his cheek, making him smile. Patting her head, he winked at Cassandra, then stepped out of the shop.

Nora stayed behind, reading her mermaid stories. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder where her father was going.

’Hmm. I don’t care, though...’

Meanwhile, Ethan quickly made it back home and took a relaxing shower. It was almost noon, and the sun was high in the sky already.

After checking out the plants in the balcony, he returned to the kitchen and started preparing pancakes.

A smile remained on his face, and anyone would think he was eager to meet his in-laws.

Pausing, he checked the daily task and smiled again.

[Today’s Task: Welcome your in-laws and give them a memorable experience at your new house.]

He chuckled and continued making pancakes. By the time he was done, more than an hour had passed since Cole called.

As if on cue, the man’s call came in once again. Ethan picked up the phone and answered.

"Where are you now?"

"Uh... we’re outside your gate," Cole replied in a strained voice.

Nodding, Ethan cut the call and placed the pancakes on the small table in the living room before going outside to get the visitors.

Meanwhile, in the car, James and Elena stared at the house in shock.

"He got this fine place for himself and forgot his in-laws? What a bad child he is!" James scowled angrily.

Elena gently patted his shoulder. "Relax, honey. Relax. We’re here to see him anyway, so we’ll see what he has to say."

Seated in the driver’s seat, Cole felt his face flush with shame. He couldn’t believe that his parents were saying this.

’I definitely don’t want my wife’s family to be like this,’ He thought with a grimace.

Soon, Ethan’s figure appeared by the gate, and he opened it for them. Sighing, Cole started the car and drove into the compound.

The three of them were even more amazed by their surroundings, seeing the beautiful garden and fine flowers planted around the house.

Cole finally parked the car and got down from it, followed by his parents. By then, Ethan had caught up to them, smiling.

Seeing that smile, Cole couldn’t help but shiver.

He cleared his throat and said, "Brother-in-law, sorry I didn’t tell you about the visit since yesterday."

Ethan blinked, then shook his head. "No, it’s totally fine. Since you’re here already, come upstairs."

He turned to James and Elena with a smile, but said nothing. Instead, he turned around and headed upstairs.

Although James was displeased, he was too absorbed in admiring his surroundings to even express his displeasure.

The three followed him, climbing to the top floor where Ethan lived. As they went up the stairs, Cole asked casually, "Brother-in-law, do you have neighbors?"

Pausing, Ethan shook his head and answered. "No, the two floors are empty. I haven’t decided to rent them out yet."

"Oh... alright." Cole nodded.

Meanwhile, James had a surprised expression on his face as he hadn’t expected the whole building to belong to Ethan.

Thinking about moving here with his wife and choosing one of the apartments, his eyes shone.

’I might even rent the other one and receive payment monthly.’

He couldn’t help himself from showing a wicked grin, which made Elena nudge him slightly.

Ethan opened the door, and they all entered into the living room. Looking at the painting and decorations, even Cole was awed.

"Goodness, Brother-in-law, this is impressive."

Ethan nodded and sat on one couch, gesturing for them to sit in the other.

James snorted and casually kicked off his shoes, even crossing his legs as he sat down. Elena was more graceful and reserved, as she merely sat beside him without doing anything excessive. Not wanting to be associated with them even though they were his parents, Cole sat in a single-sitter couch adjacent to them.

James looked around the house, then asked, "Where is my daughter and my granddaughter?"

Blinking, Ethan waved his hand with a faint laugh. "They’re still at the shop. After all, I can’t disturb them for a minor issue such as you guys visiting, right?"