Chapter 102: Vincent’s In-laws

Ethan and Vincent sat opposite each other, separated by the dividing board and their different game computers.

"Have you ever played this before?" Vincent asked as he logged in.

Chuckling, Ethan shook his head. "No. I wasn’t particularly interested in games while growing up."

Humming, Vincent replied. "Well, let’s see how much you lose, then. After all, I’m well-versed with this game."

Ethan chuckled but didn’t say anything. After all, the game had started.

Just as Ethan had said, he was a complete newbie and didn’t know how to play the game well. Still, he managed to learn to control the character properly.

By the time he did that, Vincent had already navigated the map and shot him down.

"One win to you," Ethan said with a smile. "Let’s go again."

They played again, with Ethan losing once again. Only this time, he lasted a little longer than during his first game.

They played again and again, with Ethan losing each time. However, Vincent had begun to grow wary.

How was Ethan adapting so fast? From the clumsy movements of a newbie, he had improved to the progress of someone slightly used to this game.

It was astonishing, considering that they had only started playing ten minutes ago. Vincent was left surprised, and a flicker of competitiveness rose in his heart.

Ethan noticed the increased aggression through the game, then smiled. ’Let’s see how much I can get used to playing this.’

After over half an hour, they stopped playing.

Vincent remained silent for a moment, then muttered. "...A draw."

Ethan stretched his fingers, a relaxed smile on his face. "That was indeed fun. Tell me, what did you want to talk about?"

"My in-laws," Vincent replied. "Since you know about my wife, then you should know a bit about her family."

Ethan nodded. "Indeed, I do. How do you want to deal with them?"

Vincent didn’t answer immediately. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I think I’ll just leave them alone."

Ethan blinked, surprised. "Why? I thought you were the vengeful type."

"Yes..." Vincent nodded. "But they’re her family regardless. Even if she resents them now, it probably wouldn’t last. And I’m in the same boat as them. It wasn’t like I was any better until I found her."

Humming, Ethan crossed his legs and said, "That’s fine. Not everyone has to be vengeful. Sometimes, peace is the only solution that gives everyone satisfaction."

Clearing his throat, Vincent stood up, showing a small smile on his face.

"Since you’re agreeing with me, I’ll leave them alone." He paused, his gaze hardening. "But I won’t be allowing them to contact her. Not unless she wants to."

Ethan nodded and stood up. "Well, let’s get going, then. We have kids to pick up."

As they headed towards the door, he glanced at Vincent. "You’re paying, right?"

Vincent chuckled. "I own the place."

"Nice!" Ethan shot him a neat grin and a thumbs-up.

When they got out, Ethan immediately got on his bike while Vincent entered the white car he had brought here.

Together, they got onto the streets and drove off to the school. The streets were a little busy, as other parents were also on their way to pick up their kids.

Eventually, they arrived just in time. Ethan parked ahead of Vincent’s vehicle, removing his helmet. The students were just pouring out again, and he quickly spotted Nora coming out again, with her only friend, Alexa.

Ethan smiled at them and waved his hands. Glancing around, he spotted Richard standing a few meters away, looking at Alexa with a proud smile.

The man wore greasy clothes this time, which made Ethan wonder what job he was doing. Still, he didn’t ask or pry. He knew better than to poke his head into people’s lives unless necessary.

"That man looks suspicious," Vincent said, his gaze fixed on Richard.

After all, among all the parents waiting outside, only he seemed below standard.

Ethan shook his head. "He’s Alexa’s father. Probably just a struggling man."

Vincent watched as the girls split up, then nodded. "I see."

Nora approached Ethan and quickly hugged him. "Dad!"

Ethan smiled and ruffled her hair. "Say hello to Uncle Vincent."

The girl turned to him, her smile bright. "Hello, Uncle Vincent. It has been a while."

Vincent smiled back and was about to reply when someone else approached him.

"Dad..."

Looking at his son, Vincent’s smile widened. "Looks like you played soccer, huh?"

The boy nodded, holding a ball under his arm. He was taller and older than Nora, even being her senior in school.

"Here’s Uncle Ethan. Say hi."

The young boy turned to Ethan, sized him up, then nodded. "Hello, Uncle."

Vincent almost facepalmed by how dry the greeting sounded.

"Don’t mind this brat. He’s too stiff for his own good."

Ethan chuckled. "Looks like hereditary issues to me."

He turned to look for Alexa and her father, but noticed that they were gone.

"Alright, time to go back home."

He clapped and got on his bike. Nora sat in front of him, holding the steering with an excited grin.

"Let’s go!"

Ethan laughed, then turned to Vincent. "See you later. And thanks for the help today."

Vincent shook his head. "Calling the police is nothing. If you need anything, let me know."

With that, he got into his car with his son, then drove off. Ethan watched them leave, then whispered to Nora, "Let’s get something for your mother before we go back."

Nora nodded, a grin on her face. "Let’s go already."

Ethan chuckled and started the engine before getting on the road. Instead of stopping to buy anything consumable, Ethan had them stop at a jewelry shop.

He had noticed Evelyn’s lack of jewelries, and even though he wasn’t the type to care about such small things, it didn’t mean Evelyn wouldn’t like to have one.

So, with a smile on his face, he entered into the shop with Nora and browsed through the collection of beautiful necklaces and earrings.

After several minutes of indecisiveness, he finally decided to buy a silver necklace with a cross pendant and a small diamond crystal in the center.

Imagining how it’d look on her, he smiled.