Chapter 110: A Confession

Nora ate quietly for a while before Ethan looked at her.

"Remember, you’re going to school to learn, not cause trouble."

Nora raised her eyes toward him, slightly amused.

"I understand, Dad."

"Good."

Ethan nodded before continuing his meal.

"And don’t get into unnecessary arguments."

"I won’t." She nodded.

Evelyn smiled at the exchange. "You make her sound like she’s always causing trouble."

Ethan glanced at her. "I’m simply preparing for the possibility."

Nora sighed lightly. "I think you’re worrying too much, Dad. I’m not a kid."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"You aren’t a kid? What are you, then? Granny?"

Nora pouted and fell silent, unable to refute him.

Evelyn covered her mouth, trying not to laugh, while Ethan shook his head with a smile.

After breakfast, they cleaned up quickly and prepared to leave.

Ethan grabbed the keys to the BMW X5 before opening the front door.

"Let’s go."

The three of them climbed downstairs, then into the car, with Ethan taking the driver’s seat, Evelyn beside him, and Nora in the back.

The drive to the Shopping Quarter didn’t take long.

When they arrived at Eve Refreshments, Evelyn reached for the door handle.

"I’ll see you later."

Ethan nodded. "Don’t work too hard."

She smiled. "Got it."

Seemingly doubting her, Ethan asked, "Really?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes and stepped out of the car.

Nora watched her mother enter the shop before looking toward Ethan.

"Let’s go."

Ethan glanced at her.

"You’re quite eager today."

Nora smiled knowingly. "Of course, I’m going to school. It’s Monday too."

He laughed softly and drove away.

When they reached the school, Ethan pulled up near the entrance.

Nora opened the door and stepped out.

She adjusted her uniform, straightened her backpack, and glanced back at the BMW.

A faintly smug smile appeared on her face.

She turned and boldly sauntered toward the school entrance.

Ethan watched her go, faintly amused.

"This girl..."

He shook his head before driving away. After changing lanes, he headed back toward the shopping quarter.

By the time Ethan returned to Eve Refreshments, the shops were already busy.

Evelyn and Cassandra were attending to customers at the main shop, while Ethan headed toward the second shop where the bulk fruits were being sold. Several buyers had already arrived, and he immediately got to work.

The morning passed quickly.

Ethan helped customers choose their fruits, calculated prices, and handled the larger orders. Evelyn remained busy at the main shop, while Cassandra moved between customers whenever she was needed.

Every now and then, Gilbert appeared with his camera.

He would film a few clips of the shops, Evelyn serving customers, Cassandra arranging fruits, and Ethan handling the bulk orders before returning to his editing work. Maya would later turn the footage into content for their social-media pages.

The strategy was already beginning to show results.

More people were recognizing the name Eve Refreshments, and some customers had started coming specifically because they had seen their videos.

Several hours later, Ethan finally finished selling the remaining bulk fruits to the buyers.

Just as he was putting away the last of the money, his phone rang.

He pulled it out and saw Lucas’s name.

"Hello?"

"Brother Ethan, are you busy?"

"I’m done for now. What’s up?"

"Could we meet for a little while?"

Ethan paused, considering it. Since he wasn’t doing anything, there was no problem showing up.

"Sure. Where?"

"I’ll send you the location."

"Alright."

After ending the call, Ethan walked over to Evelyn. She was arranging some fruits behind the counter when he approached.

"I’ll be going out for a while."

Evelyn immediately looked up. "Eh? Did something happen?"

"Lucas wants to meet."

Her expression changed slightly. "Again?"

Ethan nodded. "It shouldn’t take long."

"You’ve barely been back." Evelyn pouted.

Ethan smiled helplessly. "I’ll be back soon."

She stared at him for a moment before suddenly stepping forward and wrapping her arms around him.

Ethan blinked in surprise. Evelyn held him tightly, refusing to let go. He smiled and gently stroked her hair. After nearly a full minute, she finally loosened her arms.

"Now you can go."

Ethan chuckled. "Thank you for permitting me."

She gave him a playful glare.

"Don’t be late."

He nodded and stepped out of the shop.

The restaurant Lucas had chosen wasn’t far from the shopping quarter, so Ethan decided not to drive. He left the car at the shop and walked there instead.

When he arrived, a staff member greeted him immediately.

"Are you Mr. Ethan?"

"Yes."

"Please follow me."

Ethan followed the employee through the restaurant until they reached a private room. The door opened, and Ethan stepped inside and he immediately noticed Lucas sitting alone at the table.

There was a bottle in front of him, along with a glass that was already partially empty.

Lucas wasn’t usually the type to drink. Ethan’s expression became serious.

He walked over and sat opposite him.

"What’s going on?"

Lucas looked up and laughed, masking his emotions behind his usual cheerfulness.

"Nothing, Brother Ethan. Can’t I have a drink?"

Ethan glanced at the bottle. "Hmm... you can. But this is suspicious."

Lucas smiled and tried to wave him off.

"No, not really. I just wanted to unwind. I’m fine."

"You’re not." Ethan stared into his eyes.

Lucas fell silent.

Ethan leaned back slightly, studying him.

"You asked me to come here. You’re sitting alone, drinking in the middle of the day, and now you’re telling me nothing is wrong."

Lucas slowly lowered his eyes.

"Brother Ethan..."

"Just talk already, Lucas. Stop acting like a bullied kid."

The smile disappeared from Lucas’s face.

For a few seconds, he simply stared at the drink in his hand. Then he sighed.

"I’m still looking for a child."

Ethan blinked, realizing that was indeed true. He had never heard of Lucas’s kids.

The man continued quietly.

"I’ve been trying for a long time. Every time I see other people with their children, I..." He paused, lowering his gaze. "Sometimes it weighs on my heart."

Ethan remained silent, giving him time to speak.

"Why?"

Lucas let out a bitter laugh.

"My wife is infertile. She cannot conceive."