Chapter 106: Alexa’s Mother?

Maya grinned cutely, winking at the camera.

"Are you wondering what they’re enjoying? Of course, it’s something made from our Eve Refreshments! We don’t just expect you to buy fruits, peel them, then eat them. There are many others who enjoy fruit juices, right?"

She gave the camera a knowing smile, then stepped back while taking a T-pose.

"Well, welcome. You’re at the right place again. Still at the same location, you can order any kind of fruit juice you want—even the most absurd combinations—and you’ll get it delivered to you in just a few minutes."

She paused, blinking in realization.

"Or... do you have no idea in mind? We can give you suggestions depending on what you feel like drinking? Want a recipe to keep you awake while you work? Want something to help you relax? Or perhaps you need some particular vitamins you’re not getting enough? Worry not, dear citizen! We’ve got your back!"

Gilbert paused the video, then set a timer as he placed the camera on a stand.

He quickly joined his girlfriend, along with Evelyn, Cassandra, and Ethan to stand before the camera.

Once the timer clicked and it continued recording, Evelyn smiled.

"Come find us at The Apex Complex, Shopping Quarter of the Cold River District, Arcane City! We’ll be expecting you!"

With that, Gilbert quickly went back and stopped the recording.

"I’ll edit this while I work so that we can upload it today."

Ethan patted his shoulder. "Good job."

Soon, Evelyn, Cassandra, and Ethan returned to the main shop. The shop with fruits in bulk was partially closed, and Ethan would only head there if a customer arrived—as per Evelyn’s command.

He was happy to comply, as that meant he’d have more time to spend with Nora. Specifically, teaching her subjects that still confused her.

It didn’t take long before customers started flowing into both shops. Since it was a Saturday, most of them weren’t parents who had kids in the government school.

Instead, they were people who had just settled in the area and were looking around, touring the Shopping Quarter of the district.

Evelyn and Cassandra attended to them dutifully, and Ethan remained idle until he was called.

Patting Nora’s head, he stood up and said, "Give me a moment, I’m coming."

She nodded and watched him go.

Evelyn quickly introduced him to a man who was interested in buying many fruits at the same time.

Knowing that the man was either going to sell them too, or make fruit juices, Ethan smiled faintly as he calculated the price.

"Four hundred and fifty dollars, sir."

The man frowned then nodded. "Alright. I’ll open my car boot. Help me load it in."

Ethan shrugged and helped the man load three baskets of apples, grapes, and oranges into the back of the car.

After receiving payment, he dusted his hands and waved him off. Then, he returned to Evelyn and started counting it smugly.

"Ah... how much did you say you need again? A hundred dollars? Have it."

Evelyn stared at him, speechless. Was he seriously acting like it was his money now?

Ethan raised an eyebrow at the look she was giving him, then said, "Not enough? Take everything, then. I’ll make more and give it to you."

Evelyn accepted the cash and nodded awkwardly. "Um... thank you."

Ethan hummed and clasped his hands behind his back, smiling like he had just done a righteous thing.

Watching him return to tutoring Nora with a serious expression, Cassandra laughed. "Your husband is humorous. Anyone would think he’s a goody-two-shoes."

Evelyn nodded. "I guess this is how he relates with family. I’ve never seen his face at work, though."

"It’s just like my brother." She sighed, smiling faintly. "To his men, he’s probably cold and ruthless, but once we’re at home, he becomes so warm it’s unbelievable."

Evelyn chuckled. "Well, I guess every man has a soft spot for his family."

Cassandra’s smile dimmed, and she shook her head. "No, not every man. My father wasn’t like that."

"Ah..." Evelyn blinked in realization, then patted her back. "You’re right. Not everyone can be nice to their families. So... we can only cherish the ones who are actually nice!"

Her words seemed to lift Cassandra’s spirit, and the young lady smiled again.

"You’re right."

Evelyn winked at her, then turned to face the new customer that had just stopped before their shop.

Meanwhile, Ethan spent another hour lecturing Nora about phrases and clauses in English, then decided to take her out for a stroll.

"You won’t take long, right?" Evelyn asked, pursing her lips.

Ethan nodded. "Just down the block and we’ll be back after grabbing a drink."

"Alright, get one for me too! And Cassandra!"

"Alright, alright. We’ll be off now. Let’s go."

He held Nora’s hand and stepped out of the shop, walking along the sidewalk leading down the road. The girl looked around curiously, her black eyes shining, and a cute smile on her face.

"Hey, Nora. Have you ever asked Alexa about her parents?"

Hearing the question, she raised her head to look at Ethan. "You mean Alexa’s dad?"

Ethan shook his head. "Her mom."

Nora shook her head. "No, not really. But I think she’s outside the country or something."

"Outside the country...? Hmm..."

Ethan’s brows furrowed, but he soon dropped the case. He didn’t have enough information yet, so there was little to no point speculating.

They soon got to the end of the street where Ethan bought four different bottles of soft drinks. He handed one to Nora, kept one himself, and reserved the remaining two for Evelyn and Cassandra.

’I haven’t heard a thing from Evelyn’s parents in a while. Even Cole...’

He suddenly paused, feeling his phone vibrating in his pocket.

Taking it out, he was a little surprised to realize it was actually his dad. Answering the call, he smiled.

"Hello, old man. Finally missing your good and perfect son?"

Jason clicked his tongue. "What good and perfect son? You’re just a son."

"Ow..." Ethan winced dramatically. "I’ll have to report this to my mother."

Jason immediately cut in to change the topic.

"Anyway, I called you to remind you about Albert’s wedding. It’s in a week’s time."