Ch. 831..840
Chapter 831: A Sincere Face_1
What Mila Harrison was looking for was, of course, different from what Adrian Zhekova was.
Maverick Zhekova, a big man, didn’t care much about his son’s marriage.
Victoria Wheeler’s daily thoughts were mostly about asking whether the Old Madam loved her the most, and whether Maverick loved her the most.
Where would she find the time to care about Adrian’s marriage?
The only person in the family who was anxious about Adrian was probably the Old Madam.
But even though the Old Madam was anxious, she didn’t see the need to force Adrian into marriage with just anyone.
She still allowed Adrian to find a girl he truly liked.
No consideration was given to the girl’s family background.
As long as she was of good character, and her job wasn’t anything illegal or disorderly.
Even if she was just an ordinary girl, the kind that could be found anywhere on the streets, the Old Madam wouldn’t mind.
As long as Adrian liked her.
If it weren’t for the Old Madam’s attitude, Adrian wouldn’t still be single at the age of 29, and he would not have had the opportunity to reunite with Cindy Clarke.
Nor would he have had the opportunity to be together with Cindy in a pure and innocent way, and recognize his little child.
But Gabriel Zhekova and Mila Harrison couldn’t let Ethan Zhekova do as he pleased.
Even Mila Harrison required Ethan’s wife to come from an equivalent social status.
Mila believed that, after all, Ethan was a member of the Zhekova family. How would any ordinary family be a match?
So she looked down on girls from ordinary families.
But in reality, families of even higher social status looked down on Ethan.
Mila Harrison and Gabriel Zhekova saw themselves as members of the Zhekova family, standing high above the rest.
But in reality, Ethan wasn’t directly related to the Old Master. Gabriel didn’t even have access to the Pingla Headquarters, he just managed a subsidiary of the company.
Ethan was the same, unable to enter the Pingla headquarters, he couldn’t be considered a core member of the Zhekova family.
He is currently working under Gabriel.
Therefore, the social status that Mila Harrison admired was not interested in Ethan.
Being able to form a marriage alliance with the Zhekova family, although rare,
But does not make it exclusive among the Big Eight families.
Adrian, for instance, does not have brothers like Zane Hamilton and Zander Hamilton. Although they are cousins, they are both at the core of the Hamilton Family and often help each other in their work.
Sometimes, when one of them is busy, they would temporarily take on each other’s responsibilities.
They truly are at the very core of the core.
Christopher Smith and Benjamin Smith, too, are like this.
Also other families, those with their own brothers.
With so many suitable candidates, Ethan is relegated to the back of the queue.
So, those looked upon favorably by Mila Harrison, did not look favorably upon Ethan.
Those who might have a favorable opinion of Ethan and would be willing to become in-laws with his family, Mila might not look favorably upon them.
Thus, speaking honestly, it would be much more difficult for Ethan to get married than for Adrian.
Not only does Mila Harrison want to find a match of equivalent social status, Gabriel thinks the same way.
They just cannot allow Ethan to be like Adrian, casually choosing someone like Cindy to marry and damaging his own reputation.
If Adrian is willing to do that, that’s Adrian’s business.
Ethan can’t do the same.
Moreover, Gabriel is hoping to find a powerful partner to cooperate with, which would give him a bigger chance in the competition for the position of Family Head.
Therefore, Gabriel said: “We are also anxious, and whenever we meet a decent girl, we wonder if she’s single or if we could introduce her to Ethan.”
The Old Madam knew of Gabriel and Mila’s thoughts. If Ethan really wanted to look for someone, wouldn’t he be able to find one?
It was just that Gabriel and Mila, as a couple, had high demands. They wanted the other party to come from a high-status family, have real power, and be able to help their family.
In short, they wanted to have everything.
The only thing that didn’t need to be fulfilled was whether Ethan liked the other party.
The Old Madam glanced at Ethan; even though she didn’t like Gabriel very much, after all, Ethan was just a younger generation and had not done anything wrong.
Ethan couldn’t interfere with decisions made by Gabriel.
So the Old Madam wasn’t necessarily wrong to transfer her dislike for Gabriel to Ethan.
The Old Madam didn’t say anything plainly. Considering the narrow vision of Gabriel and Mila, if the Old Madam directly said that they should just let Ethan choose a wife without considering social status, they might misinterpret it.
They might even start imagining all sorts of conspiracy theories.
Besides, Ethan may not necessarily share the same thoughts as Adrian and Samson Zhekova; to ignore social status and just find a girl they like.
It’s quite possible that Ethan shares the same thoughts as Gabriel and Mila, that they want to find a match of equivalent social status for a marriage alliance to increase their own family’s interest.
Therefore, the Old Madam indirectly asked: “Ethan, what about you?”
“Your parents are thinking of finding a girl for you, you can’t not be anxious.” The Old Madam said, “You should also want to settle down, cooperate with your parents, that would be more efficient, isn’t it?”
Mila Harrison was afraid that the Old Madam would tell Ethan not to be anxious. Wasn’t that obstructing Ethan from starting a family?
Even though Mila felt that Gabriel and Ethan’s chances of competing for the position of Family Head was hopeless, since the ability to become Family Head had already manifested in Adrian, the next Family Head would be Adrian.
No matter how hard Gabriel and Ethan tried, they would never be able to take the position away.
But Ethan’s children could still try, couldn’t they?
They needed to let Ethan hurry up and have a child. Of course, the child must be born within marriage, otherwise, even if they awakened the capacity to become the Family Head, the child’s origins could not have any flaws.
Even a situation like Adrian and Cindy’s; having a child before marriage was acceptable.
The key is to have a child as soon as possible, so there would still be time to compete with little Morgan.
Otherwise, if they never have a child, they wouldn’t even have the chance to compete.
Facing the Old Madam’s question, Ethan immediately put on a sincere and respectful attitude, with a touch of shyness.
He said to the Old Madam, “I don’t resist the idea of marriage. I just think that such a thing is about fate. I’m also about at the age where I should get married, and if I meet the suitable one, I will definitely marry.”
“I don’t plan to marry a few years later. If I meet a suitable girl, I will get to know her. I am not fixed on marrying someone of equivalent social status.”
“I just want to find someone I like. Just like my older brother, if the person I like happens to be from these families, it would be a coincidence. But if the person I like is an ordinary girl, I won’t view it as a bad thing.”
“What I want is based on my own preference, not on the other party’s background or social status.” Ethan said sincerely.
“Seeing how good the relationship between my older brother and sister-in-law is, I admire it very much. So I thought that I must find someone who I genuinely like and who genuinely likes me.”
“My marriage cannot be a combination based on interests.” Ethan said.
After he finished, he observed the reactions of the elderly couple.
But both of them were incredibly cunning, nobody could outwit them when they were young.
Chapter 832: Chapter 832: Disdain_1
Having seen the ways of the world, how could he be fooled by Ethan Zhekova’s words?
Mila Harrison, on the other hand, is immediately flustered by his words.
What does Ethan Zhekova mean by saying this?
If he truly brings home an ordinary woman, what benefit would it bring him?
Though Cindy Clarke comes from humble beginnings, she has unique skills!
Her culinary prowess is unrivaled and has gained her widespread recognition.
Strictly speaking, Cindy Clarke can no longer be considered an ordinary person.
If Ethan Zhekova chooses to marry another ordinary girl now, when he is already so far behind Adrian Zhekova, he will not come close to matching up to Cindy Clarke.
Doesn’t that mean he is setting himself up for a loss?
Ethan Zhekova’s words made Cindy Clarke turn to glance at him.
No matter whether Ethan Zhekova was sincere, he came off as completely genuine.
He seemingly wanted to leave a good impression on the elders.
Whether the Old Madam believed him or not, she appeared to be delighted, nodding and saying, “Yes, yes, yes.”
“Of course, marriage is for a lifetime. Your wife is the person you will spend the rest of your life with, several decades of living together,” the Old Madam said.
“If you marry out of convenience rather than love, the rest of your life would be miserable.”
“Marry someone you genuinely love, and life will be sweet!”
Mila Harrison frowned and shook her head in disagreement with the Old Madam’s words.
Maverick Zhekova and Victoria Wheeler were also introduced to each other by others, and Victoria too comes from a prominent family.
Yet they seem to be living a decent life.
She and Edward Dewer met through an arranged introduction too – they have been a married couple for decades, so why not this?
How are they not living a happy life?
The Old Madam clearly doesn’t want Ethan Zhekova to surpass Adrian Zhekova in terms of marriage.
If this is something to worry about, why did she agree to Adrian Zhekova and Cindy Clarke being together in the first place?
Finding a match of equal social standing for Adrian Zhekova would suffice.
“Yes,” Ethan Zhekova said, displaying a look of innocence, “that’s what I think too.”
“Anyway, looking at my older brother’s family, I am really envious,” Ethan Zhekova said with a face full of admiration.
Cindy Clarke lowered her eyes.
It’s not clear whether Ethan Zhekova is sincere at the moment.
But Cindy Clarke doesn’t quite trust him.
Although she doesn’t know much about Ethan Zhekova, Cindy Clarke inherently distrusts him.
She doesn’t like this man.
It’s perhaps Cindy Clarke’s intuition.
The first time she saw Ethan Zhekova, she took a dislike to him and didn’t trust him.
She believes that Ethan Zhekova’s gaze is not sincere.
She noticed that Ethan Zhekova would occasionally avert his gaze when others spoke, concealing his own.
This made Cindy Clarke find him very deceitful.
Averting his eyes and concealing his gaze, not wanting others to see his eyes.
It inevitably implies that he fears exposing himself.
Thinking unspeakable thoughts that people can’t see, brings this kind of worry.
Unlike Adrian Zhekova and Samson Zhekova.
They are open-hearted and never show such deceitfulness.
Looking at Ethan Zhekova’s self-righteous expression, Cindy Clarke felt he was extremely hypocritical.
In this moment, Cindy Clarke’s judgement of others aligns with that of her child.
At this moment, Samson Zhekova grinned and said, “In that case, why not have Sister-in-law introduce some of her friends to you?”
“Anyone who is friends with Sister-in-law must be extraordinary,” Samson Zhekova declared.
Ethan Zhekova was saying he doesn’t care about family background, right?
As long as the person is good, that’s enough.
Cindy Clarke is a good person, so the friends she knows must also be good.
Could Ethan Zhekova complain about that?
In contrast to Cindy Clarke meeting Ethan Zhekova for the first time, Samson Zhekova knows Ethan Zhekova very well.
He is far too aware that Ethan Zhekova is not the kind of person to disregard social status.
Instead, just like Edward Dewer, Ethan Zhekova gives great importance to this issue.
He is incredibly snobbish and looks down on people.
Even when out and about, he carries himself with high and mighty airs.
Isn’t it all just because he is a member of the Zhekova Family?
The words he just said were merely to sound nice.
If he were to actually be made to act on his words, he would immediately put on a sullen face.
Samson Zhekova knows this all too well.
That’s why he purposely spoke in this manner.
The way he involved Cindy Clarke was somewhat disrespectful.
Just as he said, Cindy Clarke is a good person, and her friends are certainly good as well.
Now, by using her friends to deflect the situation, it seems a little disrespectful.
Therefore, after saying this, Samson Zhekova gave Cindy Clarke, who was sitting diagonally across from him, a silent and apologetic smile.
He was seated on the same side as Edward Dewer’s family.
So when he made this face, Edward Dewer’s family couldn’t see it.
Seeing Samson Zhekova behaving so informally, exchanging glances with her, Cindy Clarke curled her lips slightly, afraid of being noticed by Edward Dewer’s family.
Therefore, she refrained from returning Samson Zhekova’s glances.
But, Edward Dewer’s family weren’t focused on Cindy Clarke’s response anymore.
They had been infuriated by Samson Zhekova’s words all along.
Mila Harrison had finally realized what Ethan Zhekova’s words meant.
They were just nice-sounding words for the two elders.
But what does Samson Zhekova mean?
Could Cindy Clarke really introduce her friends to Ethan Zhekova?
Even if it was Cindy Clarke, they felt she wasn’t a good enough match for Ethan Zhekova.
Even more so her friends!
How could Cindy Clarke’s friends be better than Cindy Clarke?
They are merely ordinary people.
They could not possibly be a match for Ethan Zhekova!
“Hehe, forced affection won’t bear sweet fruit,” Mila Harrison gave a dry laugh. “Introductions are fine, but I’m afraid it could make Cindy Clarke uncomfortable if they don’t hit it off.”
“I wouldn’t feel awkward about it. After all, knowing each other and being friends,” said Cindy Clarke.
“Even in matchmaking, you don’t always hit it off with the first person.”
Mila Harrison felt her heart in her throat.
She almost blurted out a curse.
Why was Cindy Clarke so clueless?
Her friends, how could they be good enough for Ethan Zhekova!
She dared to speak so brazenly!
However, right after, Cindy Clarke said, “But I don’t have many friends, only a few I’m close to.”
“I’m not one to make a wide circle of friends. I believe that when making friends, sincerity is key. It’s better to have a few friends you can share your hearts openly with than having a lot of superficial friendships.”
“So I only have a few close friends. And, they are all in a relationship.”
Peggy Lewis is indeed single.
But she wouldn’t betray Peggy Lewis, would she?
In Cindy Clarke’s view, it’s Ethan Zhekova who’s not good enough for Peggy Lewis.
She wouldn’t introduce Peggy Lewis to someone like Ethan Zhekova.
Mila Harrison heaves a sigh of relief, but still doesn’t feel at ease.
She can now rest assured that Cindy Clarke will not introduce a girlfriend to Ethan Zhekova.
But on the other hand, she thinks that Cindy Clarke made up these excuses.
Who knows whether her friends are single or not.
Mila Harrison always feels that Cindy Clarke is looking down on Ethan Zhekova, hence she made up these excuses.
Cindy Clarke and her friends, looking down on Ethan Zhekova?
Mila Harrison is so angry that she can’t eat anymore.
She picks up her glass of red wine and takes a sip.
Ethan Zhekova just quietly smiles, not saying a word, once again hiding his gaze.
Chapter 833: Chapter 833: This Uncle Thinks He’s Stupid_1
During the family feast at the mansion, if you ignored the presence of Gabriel Zhekova’s family, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
After all, the little fellow had effectively ignored Gabriel Zhekova’s family.
Ethan Zhekova had no intention of initiating conversation with the little one.
From the moment Ethan arrived at the mansion, he hadn’t spoken a single word to the child.
He didn’t even greet him.
It was probably because Ethan felt that the child who seemed so inconsequential didn’t require too much of his attention.
The little fellow didn’t particularly want to be close to him either, so he spent his time clinging to Samson Zhekova.
Samson was more than happy to play with him.
Samson was just a boy in his twenties who loved cooking.
Though he was the Headmaster of Pingla, Pingla was just a school after all, an ivory tower kind of place.
All the intrigues and deceits of the outside world had nothing to do with him.
Samson detested these schemes, which is why he chose Pingla in the first place.
Moreover, his character, influenced by his family environment, and his upbringing alongside Jayden Zhekova and Aria Evans, resulted in Samson’s jovial and dislike of scheming nature.
He was in his twenties, yet he still had the heart of a young boy. He could play well with the little one.
Seeing the big and little one playing so well together, Aria Evans helplessly said, “Look at Samson, still acting like a child. I can hardly imagine him falling in love or starting a family, let alone him dating.”
“When will this kid grow up?” Aria said helplessly.
Mila Harrison watched Samson Zhekova and suddenly felt that her son, Ethan Zhekova, looked a lot better compared to Samson.
She seemed to enjoy the spectacle and insensitively said, “Samson is already this old, yet he can still be so naive and can play alongside a five-year-old child. It really is rare.”
Aria suppressed a twitch in her lips.
Mila’s words were laced with sarcasm, implying that Samson was incompetent. To put it in kinder words, he was naive, in harsher ones, an idiot.
Samson engaging in play with the little one didn’t bother Aria in the least.
Playing with a child as pure and lovable as the little one was far better than being around Ethan Zhekova.
However, Mila’s words were just too harsh. She was basically calling Samson an incompetent idiot for playing with a child.
It was as if she was insulting both Samson and the little one. Aria subconsciously glanced at Cindy Clarke.
Cindy noticed Aria’s gaze and gave her a small smile.
Cindy also couldn’t decipher Mila’s thought process.
It was questionable whether she was good or bad. Mila knew to step in and mediate when there was a conflict with Gabriel.
But, if she was a good person, her words wouldn’t be so sharp. It was really hard to describe her.
What was most irksome was that Mila’s words were barbed, yet didn’t provide a solid ground for argument.
Even if you were displeased with what she said, you couldn’t really blame her.
So, Cindy decided to ignore her words, to disregard her presence completely.
Aria didn’t expect Cindy’s reaction. Mila was gloating, thinking she had left Aria speechless.
The Old Madam then spoke up, saying, “I love kids like that. Samson may seem careless and heartless, but he understands a lot.”
“He understands better than many people. I’d say Samson is the truly wise one,” said the Old Madam.
The Old Madam was broad-minded and wouldn’t grow angry over little things.
But she wouldn’t tolerate Mila’s behavior either.
So these words from the Old Madam were meant for Mila.
“Usually, our little Morgan and his Great Grandfather get along even better than this. The moment the two are together, they’re inseparable,” the Old Madam said with a smile, her gaze on Mila.
If Samson playing with the little one implied he was incompetent, then what about the Old Master who played with the child even more?
Was the Old Master also incompetent?
Mila’s smile abruptly froze on her face.
The Old Madam added, “Samson is a good boy, he enjoys playing with little Morgan without putting on any airs as an elder.”
Ethan Zhekova cast a glance at Samson.
By this logic, in order to win the Old Madame’s sentiment, he needed to please the five-year-old?
However, Ethan didn’t rush over to where the little one was immediately.
That would seem too blatant and expose his intentions too clearly.
So he continued to chat with the Old Madam for a while.
When Ethan went to get a glass of water, he naturally stopped by the little one and Samson on his way back.
He asked the little one, “What are you two playing?”
The little one wondered why Ethan was trying to talk to him now.
He had been perfectly content ignoring him!
Now that Ethan was talking to him again, he had to deal with him.
The little fellow sighed silently, thinking it was quite a hardship for a five-year-old kid to face such a situation this early!
An idea struck the little fellow, and he questioned Ethan, “Second uncle, do you want to play with me?”
Ethan smiled and nodded, “Yes, would you like to play with your second uncle?”
The little one thought, ‘No, I don’t want to,’ but a sweet smile bloomed on his face as he said, “Okay, let’s go catch some bugs!”
Ethan: “…”
What in the world was ‘catching bugs’?
The little fellow’s chubby finger pointed out towards the window, “We’re catching bugs to feed the birds.”
“There are always magpies flying past our window, but every time I open the window, I end up scaring them away. So, I want to catch some bugs. The next time a magpie comes, I can feed it, and then it won’t fly away out of fear.”
Ethan’s mouth twitched as he said, “Actually, you can also feed them bread crumbs or millet. You don’t necessarily have to feed them bugs.”
The little one shook his head solemnly, “The birds outside are all wild. We can’t feed them things from our home. If they eat too much of it, they’ll stop eating bugs outside, lose their natural instinct to forage and may starve to death.”
“Always feeding them millet or bread is not good.”
With his little face tilted upwards, the little fellow asked innocently, “Second uncle, do you no longer want to play with me?”
Ethan thought, ‘to begin with, I didn’t want to play with him.’
But on the surface, he smiled and said, “Why would I not want to? Only, today isn’t suitable. The elders are all here; we should stay here and chat with them. Going out to play on our own wouldn’t be appropriate. Besides, it’s cold outside, so it’s easy to catch a cold.”
“Even the bugs are hiding to hibernate.”
The little one was outwardly grinning while chuckling coldly on the inside.
Seems like this second uncle thinks he’s an idiot, even pulling out such a ridiculous story about bugs hibernating.
Surprised, he asked, “Even bugs hibernate?”
Ethan earnestly said, “Of course.”
While saying all this, he wore an innocent smile.
He then told the little one, “Wait until spring comes in a few months.”
Chapter 834: Chapter 834: Why are you so annoying_1
“As the weather gets warmer, the bugs will also start to come out. Would you like Uncle Adrian to accompany you to catch bugs then?”
The little guy nodded and said, “Ok, it’s settled then.”
Samson Zhekova saw Ethan Zhekova and the little guy, one big and one small, both laughing innocently, with such purity and cuteness.
Samson Zhekova held his face, unable to watch.
The little guy was naturally cute when he laughed, that was very normal.
After all, he was only a five-year-old kiddo, it didn’t matter how cute he was.
...
But what was Ethan Zhekova being cute about?
Clearly, his silly older brother had been led astray by the little guy.
Compared with the little guy, Ethan Zhekova now looked like a fool when he laughed.
Samson Zhekova couldn’t hold back and looked at Mila Harrison and Gabriel Zhekova’s reactions.
Just now, Mila Harrison kept saying that he was the stupid one, right?
Now let her see who was really stupid!
Her silly son was squatting right here.
Gabriel Zhekova: “…”
Mila Harrison: “…”
What kind of son did Adrian Zhekova have?
Why was he so annoying!
As she was thinking about that, Mila Harrison looked up and saw Victoria Wheeler’s proud and complacent expression across the table.
Mila Harrison thought that Victoria Wheeler’s thoughts were written all over her face, clearly making fun of Ethan Zhekova for not even being a match for the little guy.
Beat around the bush by a five-year-old kid, that was really embarrassing.
Maverick Zhekova next to Victoria Wheeler had a gentle smile on his face. His expression of satisfaction as he watched the little guy was unmistakable.
Mila Harrison really wanted to yell, What are you satisfied about!
Mila Harrison didn’t know what she was thinking at this moment, but for some reason she turned her head to check out the Old Master and the Old Madam’s reactions.
She saw the Old Master’s face lit up with the pride of passing the torch.
Above that, the Old Madam even said outright: “What a clever kid!”
Mila Harrison: “…”
Mila Harrison felt like she was about to lose it.
When she turned her head to look at Ethan Zhekova again, Ethan Zhekova had finally regained his composure, stopping his goofy smile, and looking uncomfortable, he stood up straightened his clothes.
But that didn’t change the fact that he had just acted foolishly.
How could her usually smart son act so foolishly at this moment?
Indeed he was Adrian Zhekova’s son, all from the Old Master’s line, all the terrible people since the age of five!
Ethan Zhekova came back to his senses and realized that he had been played by the little guy.
Ethan Zhekova’s face remained calm, and even the look in his eyes was somber as he looked down at the little guy.
He had been tricked by a five-year-old child, and had entirely lost face.
He was originally planning to show his abilities in front of the Old Master and Old Madam.
But now, he couldn’t even outsmart a five-year-old kid.
How could he convince the Old Master and Old Madam that he was a capable person?
Ethan Zhekova was on the verge of losing control of his emotions, glaring fiercely at the little guy.
This kid, he better not fall into his hands in the future!
Or he wouldn’t let this kid off easily!
Although Ethan Zhekova was good at disguise, the viciousness in his eyes was impossible to hide.
The little guy was very sensitive to this kind of viciousness.
His little face suddenly turned pale, and he quickly hid behind Samson Zhekova.
Even before the little guy had the chance to meet Adrian Zhekova, Cindy Clarke had been protecting him.
Cindy Clarke did everything she could to pamper him.
Not to mention after meeting Adrian Zhekova, he now had Great Grandfather, Great Grandmother, Grandfather and Grandmother.
Moreover, with Adrian Zhekova and Cindy Clarke pampering him, they shielded him from all the malice in the world.
The little guy had never directly experienced this kind of malice before.
Even the words that Arthur Woods had said to him before, were not as terrifying as Ethan Zhekova’s gaze.
After all, Arthur Woods was just a child, his damage was at most verbal.
How could he be like Ethan Zhekova, who wanted to harm the little guy from the bottom of his heart?
Even if Ethan Zhekova didn’t say anything, the little guy could intuitively feel it.
“Adrian.” Samson Zhekova protected the little guy behind him and warned in a low voice.
Ethen Zhekova came back to his senses, and saw Samson Zhekova and the little guy both guarding against him like this, suddenly he just snorted.
These were two complete idiots.
No wonder Samson Zhekova could play with the five-year-old kid.
Both were idiots.
“What do you want me to do?” Ethan Zhekova smiled faintly.
He walked up to the little guy, raised his hand and gently patted the little guy’s head twice.
He laughed at himself, “I really don’t have any luck with kids. Morgan likes you more.”
Although the little guy was scared by his maliciousness for a moment, he still bravely said, “Uncle, if you help me catch bugs, I will like you too.”
Ethan Zhekova chuckled coldly and said, “When it gets warm, I will go catch bugs for you.”
After saying that, he ignored the little guy and went back to sit down.
Trying to please a five-year-old kid, he really couldn’t do it.
Indeed, he was not as shameless as Samson Zhekova.
Mila Harrison glanced at the little guy, as if she had thought of something.
She turned her head and tentatively asked Cindy Clarke, “That… Cindy, has anything changed with Morgan lately?”
“Changed in what way?” Cindy Clarke didn’t quite understand the meaning of Mila Harrison’s words and asked cautiously.
Mila Harrison gave a dry laugh and said, “I remember when Adrian awakened his ability, he was in primary school, right? What grade was it?”
Cindy Clarke realised what Mila Harrison was asking about.
She was inquiring whether the little guy had awakened the Family Head’s ability, probably considering whether Gabriel Zhekova still had time to have a child.
The little guy indeed had not awakened his abilities, and there was nothing to hide about that.
Cindy Clarke told Mila Harrison, “Not yet.”
Morgan never mentioned feeling any different.
Come to think of it, Cindy Clarke didn’t even know what the manifestation of awakening the Family Head’s ability would be.
Could it only be felt by the person themselves, or would there be some kind of sign?
She even forgot to ask Adrian Zhekova.
Indeed, she wasn’t too bothered about the position of Family Head.
Unlike Gabriel Zhekova’s family, treating the position of Family Head as if it was a gold mine.
In Cindy Clarke’s view, the position of Family Head wasn’t that important.
It relied purely on the awakening of abilities.
And this was not something they could decide by their own will.
If Morgan awakened his family’s abilities and became the future Family Head, his responsibilities and burdens would only become greater.
If he didn’t awaken the Family Head’s abilities, he could freely choose what he liked to do.
Just like Samson Zhekova, wasn’t that a kind of happiness?
As long as the little guy was happy with his job, they were his strong support, supporting him in doing what he likes.
But it was clear that Mila Harrison didn’t give up, she asked Adrian Zhekova again: “Adrian, how old were you when you awakened your abilities?”
Adrian Zhekova responded, “I remember it was in third grade of primary school, I should have been 9 years old.”
Chapter 835: Chapter 835: Insanely Crazy_1
Mila Harrison did the math silently. Adrian Zhekova awakened his Family Head power when he was 9 years old.
The little one hadn’t even passed his fifth birthday yet. Let’s assume he’s now 5; there’s still 4 years to go.
Four years should be enough for Ethan Zhekova to marry and have children.
It’s easy to have children, but they didn’t know if there would be enough time to awaken the Family Head power.
However, Mila Harrison thought about it again and felt she was being foolish.
The Family Head power was not necessarily destined to awaken in Morgan Zhekova.
...
If he can’t awaken it when he’s 9, wouldn’t that be an opportunity for Ethan Zhekova’s son?
As long as they give birth to a child first, they have a chance to compete.
Perhaps Ethan Zhekova’s child would be born much earlier than when Adrian Zhekova awakened his powers.
Mila Harrison had never thought of Jayden Zhekova’s family as competitors.
Besides, Samson Zhekova was still young and probably wanted to play for a few more years. There was no need to rush.
Mila Harrison was oblivious to the moment Gabriel Zhekova cast a sudden profound gaze at the little one next to her.
Her question reminded him.
Morgan Zhekova had not yet awakened his Family Head power.
Adrian Zhekova only had this one son at the moment.
If something happened to Morgan Zhekova, even death, there would be no possibility of him awakening the Family Head power.
As long as they get rid of this boy before he awakens his Family Head power, he would have no chance of awakening that power.
Gabriel Zhekova regretted a bit as he pondered inside.
If only they had investigated properly in the first place.
If they had known that Adrian Zhekova had another son outside, they should have gotten rid of him before he was acknowledged as an heir.
That would have saved them all this trouble.
Gabriel Zhekova felt no burden in eliminating this little life.
He was just thinking about one problem.
Family Head power only awakens once in each generation of a family.
In other words, even if the person who awakened the Family Head power died, whether due to illness, accident, or murder,as long as they had awakened the Family Head power, a second person would not awaken that power in the same generation.
The position of the current Family Head would remain vacant, occupied by the previous Family Head until the next generations’ Family Head power was awakened and the position would then be passed on to the next heir.
This norm essentially eliminated the likelihood of ill-intentioned family members being harmful to the children who had awakened the Family Head power.
But this condition only comes into play after the Family Head power has been awakened.
Gabriel Zhekova was uncertain whether the Family Head power would still appear if the boy was eliminated before it awakened.
If Morgan Zhekova would not awaken the Family Head power, killing him would be pointless.
This wouldn’t affect the awakening of the Family Head power in someone else.
Even if it was a misjudgment, Gabriel Zhekova wouldn’t have any regrets.
What Gabriel Zhekova worried about was if the Family Head power would appear in Morgan Zhekova, and if Morgan died prematurely, would that power still appear in someone else? That was unpredictable.
There were no previous cases, whether in the Zhekova Family or in other families, no such situation had ever cropped up.
That was why Gabriel Zhekova was indecisive.
While Gabriel Zhekova was thinking, his gaze lingered on the little one without retreating.
Actually, his eyes had landed in the direction of the little one while thinking, but in reality, he hadn’t paid much attention to him.
To others, it seemed as if he was constantly staring at the little one, which was quite unnerving.
The Old Madam felt a tightness in her chest and called out in a heavy voice, “Gabriel!”
Suddenly, Gabriel Zhekova came back to his senses, turned his head, and laughed nonchalantly, “Second aunt, what’s wrong?”
The Old Madam immediately responded, “Nothing really, you were staring at Morgan, is there something wrong with him?”
Gabriel Zhekova laughed and said, “I’m just envious, wondering when Ethan will give us a grandchild.”
But the Old Madam didn’t believe him.
Gabriel Zhekova couldn’t be that naive. Even if she knew better, the Old Madam couldn’t have imagined that Gabriel Zhekova had already started plotting against the little one’s life.
They had lunch late, it wasn’t until past 3 pm that they finished eating.
After sitting at the family mansion for a while, they lost their appetite for dinner.
So, everyone chatted for a while, and when they felt it was about time, they all left the family mansion.
Only Maverick Zhekova and Victoria Wheeler, Adrian Zhekova, Cindy Clarke and little Morgan Zhekova did not leave and remained at the family mansion.
The Old Master suddenly gave a warning, “I feel that something is off about the way Gabriel Zhekova was looking at Morgan earlier. You guys should pay more attention to Morgan after you leave, don’t let him be alone no matter what.”
The Old Madam swiftly turned to look at the Old Master, “What do you mean? Do you think Gabriel Zhekova might harm Morgan?”
The two elders spoke without avoiding the little one, they wanted him to know as well.
They wanted Morgan to have some understanding of the situation. Even though Morgan was still young and couldn’t think too much,
he couldn’t afford to be careless with his own safety.
Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he had to be obedient.
If not, the Old Master would have asked Butler Howard to take Morgan out to play before he opened his mouth.
Hearing what the Old Madam said, Cindy looked at the Old Master in surprise, “Grandfather, are you suggesting…”
The Old Master took a deep breath, “I hope I’m overthinking, but Gabriel Zhekova’s reaction was indeed strange. For Morgan’s safety, I’d rather suspect Gabriel Zhekova and be cautious than regretting it when something happens in retrospect.”
The Old Madam pulled off the small purplish-red sandalwood beads from her wrist and started counting them one by one, “I noticed Gabriel Zhekova staring at Morgan the whole time, but I didn’t think in such a malicious direction.”
“I was thinking, no matter how much he wants the position of the Family Head, he wouldn’t go that far as to harm Morgan. Isn’t he still a human being if he even harms Morgan?”
The Old Master said solemnly, “If the position of the Family Head is so precious to him, I’d rather simply hand over the position to him. At least, it would save our children from his constant plots, like a snake hiding in the dark, hissing and staring at our child.”
At this point, Victoria Wheeler spoke, “If he could be that ruthless, why didn’t he do anything when Adrian Zhekova, who was younger, awakened the Family Head power?”
“People change,” said the Old Master. “Before Adrian Zhekova awakened the Family Head power, Gabriel Zhekova might have thought he still had a chance, and wouldn’t have been so ruthless.”
“By the time Adrian Zhekova awakened the power, it was too late for Gabriel to do anything.” The Old Master paused, then asked Cindy Clarke, “Did Adrian tell you that the Family Head power can only awaken once in each generation?”
Cindy Clarke shook her head, Adrian Zhekova only mentioned the existence of the Family Head power.
Chapter 836: Chapter 836: Keep a Close Eye on Him_1
But Adrian Zhekova didn’t mention any specifics.
However, Cindy Clarke didn’t think that Adrian Zhekova was purposely hiding something.
He probably just thought it wasn’t anything important.
Like Cindy Clarke, Adrian Zhekova didn’t care much for the position of Family Head.
So for some of the details, Adrian Zhekova might not even remember to elaborate on them himself.
He simply let Cindy Clarke know that as the Family Head, one must first awaken their Family Head abilities.
...
Seeing Cindy Clarke shake her head, the Old Master explained, “In each family, only one person in each generation will awaken Family Head abilities. Similarly, these Family Head abilities will only be awakened once in each generation.”
“Even if this person dies for various reasons, the Family Head abilities will not appear again in the same generation. Therefore, the family’s abilities will disappear. Until someone from the next generation awakens these abilities, the former Family Head will continue to hold the position.”
“Until a person in the next generation awakens the Family Head abilities and takes over the position, there will not be a new Family Head in the current generation.”
“This prevents anyone from harboring ill-intentions and attempting to kill the designated person who has awakened the Family Head abilities, thus ending their life.” The Old Master gave a simple explanation, and Cindy Clarke understood.
“Now Morgan Zhekova has not awakened his Family Head abilities, there is no sign at all, and moreover, how can we be sure that it’s Morgan Zhekova who will awaken these abilities?” asked Cindy Clarke, “It’s very likely that Morgan Zhekova won’t awaken them, and we may have to wait for a child who will be born later…”
Cindy Clarke’s blood felt cold all over. She lowered her voice, not wanting the little guy to hear: “Is he going to keep on killing? Will he stop only when Ethan Zhekova’s child has awakened the Family Head abilities?”
Cindy Clarke suddenly felt nauseous, as though she wanted to vomit.
Now that Gabriel Zhekova is gone, she wouldn’t even know whom to take her anger out on.
If she had known earlier when Gabriel Zhekova was around, she would have slapped him in the face!
What use is a face for a person who can conjure up such cruel and cold-blooded thoughts!
If Gabriel Zhekova really decided to do this.
Before Ethan Zhekova’s child has awakened the Family Head abilities, he would keep on killing – where would this end?
Moreover, thinking about how these innocent children would lose their lives at the hands of Gabriel Zhekova, was all the more horrifying!
Cindy Clarke was shaking with anger, not only because the little one was being implicated. With Gabriel Zhekova’s actions, other children were also in danger, that thought made her equally terrified.
Although Gabriel Zhekova seemed less intelligent than Maverick Zhekova and Adrian Zhekova, Cindy Clarke knew that if Gabriel Zhekova were to do something, he certainly wouldn’t leave any traces behind.
Even if the police were alerted, it would be difficult to bring him to justice.
How could a person be so hateful?
She finally understood what Adrian Zhekova had meant earlier, compared to the Clarke Family’s problems, issues with the Zhekova Family couldn’t even compare.
The Old Master said gravely, “We know that after someone has awakened their Family Head abilities, the abilities will not be present in anyone else in the same generation. But what we don’t know is – if the person dies before awakening the abilities, would these abilities manifest in others?”
“So we are assuming that this person would awaken the abilities, but if he or she dies before that happens, whether or not the abilities would still manifest in others remains unknown?” Cindy Clarke asked.
The Old Master nodded, “Because no such situation has arisen before, nobody knows the answer.”
“If Gabriel Zhekova is crazy enough to keep killing, and if the person who is about to awaken the abilities dies before that happens, and the abilities don’t make a second appearance, then no matter how many people Gabriel Zhekova kills, it won’t make a difference.” Cindy Clarke said.
“We’ll just have to see if he’s willing to take that risk.” said the Old Master.
With his fingertips taping against the armrest of the sofa, the Old Master said indifferently, “I’m just guessing based on the look in his eyes.”
“Regardless of whether this is the worst-case scenario, it is without a doubt that his intentions towards Morgan Zhekova are far from benevolent,” the Old Master said.
“I only hope that you can take this more seriously and be vigilant. It’s better than being ignorant and regretting only when something actually happens,” the Old Master said.
What kind of maliciousness hadn’t the Old Master seen in his life?
Therefore, they took his words seriously.
“Also, keep a closer watch on Gabriel Zhekova,” said the Old Master, “If he really intends to harm Morgan Zhekova, then find the necessary evidence to land him in prison. This would also prevent him from causing harm to others outside.”
Adrian Zhekova paid close attention and remembered everything that the Old Master said.
Concerning the safety of the little one, they couldn’t afford to be careless.
As the Old Master had said, regardless of whether Gabriel Zhekova had such intentions or not.
If there was any possibility, they had to take it seriously.
Without any delay, Adrian Zhekova immediately ordered someone to keep a tab on Gabriel Zhekova’s every move, right in front of everyone.
If possible, keep an eye on Gabriel Zhekova’s every action – even his eating, drinking and sleeping!
Apart from Gabriel Zhekova, people were also tracking every move of Mila Harrison and Ethan Zhekova.
If Gabriel Zhekova was indeed planning something, at least one of them – Mila Harrison or Ethan Zhekova– would be aware of and participate in Gabriel Zhekova’s plan.
Therefore, they couldn’t afford to let them off the hook.
“Morgan, you understood everything we just discussed, didn’t you?” the Old Master asked the little one again.
Usually, when the Old Master played with the little one, he always had a smiling face, like a child himself, and played along with the little one.
They were like a pair of forgetful playmates.
The little one rarely saw the Old Master so serious.
The Old Master really wanted the little one to remember this.
The little one didn’t disappoint the Old Master either.
The little one nodded seriously and heavily: “I understand it all.”
“Grandfather Edward wants to hurt me and might even steal my life.” the little one said.
Tears welled up in Cindy Clarke’s eyes.
Hearing these words from the mouth of her child made her feel unbearably sad.
The little one seemed even more fragile because of these words.
“So, I’ll be careful too. I’ll listen to mom and dad. Uncle will protect me, I won’t be stubborn, I won’t be naughty, I’ll behave well and won’t let Grandfather Edward have…”
The little one just couldn’t finish the sentence.
He wrinkled his brow, tilted his head, and rephrased, “Won’t let Grandfather Edward find an opportunity to hurt me.”
The Old Master, his heart aching yet relieved, nodded: “Good boy, remember this.”
“I remember.” said the little one.
At this moment, his little hands were still holding a bright red apple, which lightened the serious mood a little.
The little one was currently sitting on the sofa with the apple in his hand like a little mascot.
Chapter 837: Chapter 837: People Inside_1
Exactly at that point in their conversation, Cindy Clarke asked Adrian Zhekova, “Are there any signs of awakening the family head ability?”
“Does one feel something, or can others see the difference, or does one only notice slight changes unknowingly?”
“The abilities of a family head are diverse and peculiar, anything can happen.” Cindy said, “If the change is prominent, that’s good.”
“But if the change isn’t very evident, and can’t be detected unless under specific circumstances, wouldn’t one be unclear even if they had awakened the family head ability?” Cindy asked.
Just like Adrian Zhekova’s family head ability.
To probe someone’s heart, several conditions must coincide.
...
Who would be so lucky to meet several simultaneous conditions and discover their family head ability during everyday conversations?
“There aren’t any apparent signs for this and no machines or drugs can detect it.” said Adrian.
Otherwise, wouldn’t they have been captured for research?
Generations of family heads weren’t researched like laboratory mice, mainly due to their family’s influence.
Having a powerful family backing, even if someone wanted to research, they would not dare to target the family head.
Therefore, the position of a family head is two-dimensional for those who have awakened their family head abilities.
If you awakened the family head ability, you can assume the position of the family head.
At the same time, the identity of the family head can also protect those who have awakened the family-head abilities.
“It all depends on self-discovery. In fact, most of the family head abilities are quite easy to discover. A sudden improvement in a certain aspect that’s unusually beyond ordinary people, how can you not notice such an obvious change?”
“Noah can see as clear as daylight in the dark. He used to struggle to see at night, but one day he suddenly realized that his vision at night was as clear as during day time.”
“Edward Dewer can distinguish the truth from someone’s words.” Adrian said, “I don’t know exactly how he verifies it, probably similar to me, there’s a sudden judgment in my mind whether what the person says is true or false.”
“While for me, at age 9, I suddenly found that I could know what people were thinking. But like you said, it requires specific conditions to trigger. So, though I encountered it once during an accidental event, I never encountered it again.”
“I discussed this matter with my grandparents and parents, and we conducted a long research together to figure out how to trigger it.” said Adrian.
“That’s why I think I might have awakened not at the age of 9, but even earlier. As it requires many conditions to trigger, there might have been a delay between my awakening and my realization.” Adrian said.
“So if Morgan is to awaken, he would also rely on his own feelings.” Cindy’s comment made everyone turn to look at little Morgan.
Little Morgan held the bright red apple in his hand, ready to take a bite.
The aroma emanating from the apple made him salivate.
However, due to the attention caused by everyone’s gaze, he couldn’t bite into it.
“I haven’t noticed any difference.” Morgan said.
“It’s okay.” The old madam said, “Don’t put any pressure on yourself. Our family doesn’t care much about this awakening.”
The old madam was afraid that Morgan would feel bad about not awakening the family head abilities and consider himself not good enough.
“Our family has never aspired for the position of the family head.”
“We were only pushed into the position because we awakened the family head abilities. Since the responsibilities are high, we had to bear them.”
“And once we take responsibility, we need to do it well.”
“But if you ask, what does the position of the family head mean for our family?”
“Not much.”
The old madam even felt that the family heads’ abilities kept awakening in their family because of this attitude.
What the old madam didn’t tell was that she had a premonition that Morgan was going to awaken the family head’s abilities.
Gabriel’s plan for Ethan Zhekova to work hard to have a child and awaken the family head abilities might fail.
With this development, they needed to be even more cautious about Gabriel trying to hurt Morgan.
Morgan’s mentality is actually very good, and he doesn’t feel the need to awaken the family head abilities.
Maybe, he is still too young and doesn’t have a clear understanding of the position of the family head.
He doesn’t know how important the position of the family head is.
In short, Morgan nodded and said, “I don’t have any burden.”
The old madam was pleased when she heard this.
This kid, he’s very naughty when he wants to be, but he’s such a good boy when he behaves.
Make people want to scoop him into their arms and hug him tightly.
“However, you have to pay attention to changes to yourself.” The old madam advised Morgan, “If you feel that something has been different about you lately – not physically -”
“Just like your dad just told you. It could be that one day you have an eidetic memory, or your hearing becomes very keen, or your eyesight improves dramatically, or an unexplainable intuition arises. Make sure you tell us.”
“Whether it be related to the family head abilities or not, telling us will help us judge together.” said the old madam.
Morgan obediently nodded, “I remember.”
After everyone had given their advice, they all left.
Ethan Zhekova didn’t immediately go back and talk to Gabriel Zhekova on how to match Maverick Zhekova and Adrian Zhekova’s wits and tactics.
Instead, he went to a bar at night.
Ethan Zhekova paused at the entrance of the bar and looked at the bar’s sign.
It was a quiet bar.
More tranquil than regular bars, it was a suitable place for conversations.
At this point, a person came out from the bar.
Upon seeing Ethan Zhekova, he quickly came forward, “Young master Zhekova.”
Ethan Zhekova nodded, and the man said, “The person is inside.”
Ethan Zhekova nodded and entered the bar.
After entering the bar, he didn’t look for the person directly.
Instead, he went to his reserved seat without paying any attention to his surroundings.
Ethan Zhekova already drew a lot of attention when he stepped in.
He didn’t usually come to this type of bar.
In his eyes, this kind of bar was nothing much.
Ethan Zhekova usually frequented his regular clubhouses.
Apart from drinking and discussing business, the activities there were also thrilling and diverse.
These stimulations and diversities are beyond the imagination of common folk.
Occasionally, they would offer group feasts to their regular customers.
However, there was a threshold for becoming a customer of such elite clubhouses.
The annual membership fee alone started at 5 million.
Any consumption made inside was naturally additional.
For ordinary folks, spending tens of thousands on mere drinking and eating was already considered expensive.
Chapter 838: Chapter 838: The Most Beautiful Looking Wendy Clarke_1
But in the hands of people like Ethan Zhekova, that’s nothing.
But among those who go there to play, how many genuinely go for the drinks and dishes inside?
Naturally, they go for things they can’t find elsewhere.
Not to mention the women.
All kinds of fun ways to play.
They play as they like, limited only by their imaginations.
...
And all kinds of gambling methods.
They bet on everything.
Not only limited to the usual games found inside gambling venues.
Usually, they play games of unexpected variations while drinking.
Such thrills, such comfort.
Where could they find such amusement in a mundane pub?
However, even though Cindy Clarke looks down on Ethan Zhekova.
Still, Ethan Zhekova, nurtured in the Zhekova Family from a young age, possesses an indisputable air.
He attracts attention from the moment he walks in.
Frankly speaking, Ethan Zhekova is rather handsome.
There’s not an ugly one in the Zhekova Family.
Especially after generations of genetic enhancements, they all grow up to be strikingly attractive.
Ethan Zhekova, of course, is no exception.
Additionally, with his imposing aura.
Even though Cindy Clarke looks down on him, Ethan Zhekova in a crowd is still the center of attention.
For these young men and women at the pub, when have they ever encountered someone like Ethan Zhekova?
Ethan Zhekova and his friends have their usual favorite haunts.
They never mingle with ordinary people.
They each move in their own circles, like parallel lines that never meet.
Thus, unless by rare chance, where could ordinary people run into Ethan Zhekova in their usual stomping grounds?
Now that Ethan Zhekova has arrived, it seems like the music in the pub has turned down a notch.
Men and women alike can’t help but fix their eyes on his face.
Once Ethan Zhekova settles down, he scans the area out of boredom.
A subordinate then leans in to whisper, “She’s at the table to your left front.”
Upon hearing those words, Ethan Zhekova looks that way.
He has no trouble spotting his object of interest.
If either Cindy Clarke or Adrian Zhekova were there, they would certainly recognize her.
The woman that Ethan Zhekova is looking at is none other than Wendy Clarke!
Ethan Zhekova then waves a waiter over: “Open a bottle of wine for that table.”
“Yes.” The waiter doesn’t ask any further about what kind of wine.
This kind of big spender who doesn’t even specify the wine, of course, he’s going to open a pricy one.
Meanwhile, Wendy Clarke is chatting with two friends she met in Belfard.
Since it’s the Spring Festival holiday, everyone’s off work.
Even if she wanted to renovate the restaurant or apply for various permits, she can’t.
Hence, Wendy Clarke has no idea what kind of challenges await her after the holiday.
She has no clue that Adrian Zhekova had already disrupted her plans.
No matter how hard she works, it will all be in vain in the end.
All the money she’s invested is going to disappear into thin air.
Adrian Zhekova plans to make her lose every penny in Belfard that she earned in Nork City.
He wants every dollar Wendy Clarke planned to extract from Cindy Clarke to instead become a loss in Belfard.
But right now, Wendy Clarke doesn’t know any of this.
She’s just enjoying her holiday, making connections that could be beneficial.
This goes to show that Wendy Clarke really does have some ability.
She messed up her deal with the Lopez Family last time, and not only did the deal not go through, but she also offended them.
Besides the Lopez Family, Wendy Clarke doesn’t know anyone else in Belfard.
The Lopez Family has taken a severe hit and is seriously debilitated.
No one dares to associate with them at the moment.
So right now, the Lopez family’s network has also suffered greatly.
Because of this, the Lopez Family hasn’t had a chance to retaliate against Wendy Clarke yet.
Otherwise, just for the fact that Wendy Clarke not only failed to help, but almost caused them harm, they definitely wouldn’t have let her off the hook.
As soon as the Lopez Family has a spare moment and somewhat recovers, they’re bound to deal with Wendy Clarke.
But besides the Lopez Family, Wendy Clarke doesn’t know anyone else in Belfard.
But in just a few short days, she has managed to make friends.
You can’t deny Wendy Clarke’s impressive abilities.
The people Wendy Clarke has met now can all help her with her restaurant business.
Like tonight, the women that came to drink with Wendy Clarke, Eva and Layla, both work for the Health Department.
Although they aren’t in leadership positions.
Right now, Cindy Clarke doesn’t know anyone at the top.
However, knowing them will eventually lead to introductions.
Moreover, knowing an ordinary worker on the inside can help speed things up when it matters most, which is always better than being completely clueless.
So, even though these two are only ordinary workers, Wendy Clarke doesn’t overlook them.
Wendy Clarke noticed Ethan Zhekova the moment he entered, even though she doesn’t know him.
Even though Ethan Zhekova resembles Adrian Zhekova.
The lighting in the pub is somewhat dim.
So, Wendy Clarke can’t get a clear look at Ethan Zhekova.
However, even in the dim light, she can tell that Ethan Zhekova’s facial features are attractive.
Even in a pub full of good-looking guys and charming girls, he still stands out.
For no reason, Wendy Clarke thinks of Adrian Zhekova.
Ever since she has met Adrian Zhekova, Wendy Clarke thinks it would be really difficult to find another man who could compare to him.
What kind of luck does Cindy Clarke have to know Adrian Zhekova and marry him?
But now, Wendy Clarke has actually seen a man who can be compared to Adrian Zhekova.
His attractiveness, which made Wendy Clarke unable to shift her gaze, is unusual.
But in front of Eva and Layla, Wendy Clarke suppresses her emotions and only sneaks a glance before looking away.
It’s Eva and Layla who are thrilled.
Layla even excitedly says to Wendy Clarke, “The guy who just walked in is really handsome.”
Eva also says, “He seems to have an extraordinary bearing.”
As young adults, both Eva and Layla like exciting happenings.
And they enjoy watching handsome guys.
Each of them has their own favorite celebrities.
And they each hold their girlish dreams.
“He looks kind of familiar.” Eva says.
“Hey, do you think we could get his Whatsapp if we asked for it?” Layla asks Eva.
“What, you really want to give it a go with him?” Eva laughs.
She doesn’t have the heart to crush Layla’s dreams.
She and Layla are just ordinary girls.
Looking at handsome guys is fine, but for someone as handsome as Ethan Zhekova, they’re out of their league.
The plot from early idol dramas where the handsome guy pairs up with an ordinary girl doesn’t apply in reality.
“Hey, do you really think I don’t know my place? I know that he’s too handsome for me. Besides, with that kind of appearance, even if he really was with me, I wouldn’t be able to keep him. How many young girls would throw themselves at him? How could I compete with them?” Layla says, laughing.
“But, having a handsome guy’s Whatsapp, and being able to scroll through his IG stories would be quite nice, right?” Layla added with a laugh.
“Look around you, so many girls are ready to make a move.” Layla says, motioning for Eva and Wendy Clarke to see.
“Why not let Wendy Clarke give it a try then.” Eva suggests, “Just look at this entire pub, Wendy Clarke is the most beautiful one.”
Chapter 839: Chapter 839: The Annoying Manner_1
Layla immediately understood what Eva meant.
She then turned to Wendy Clarke and said, “Wendy Clarke, why don’t you go and try? Just ask him for his Whatsapp number, and we all add him?”
Wendy Clarke once again looked towards Ethan Zhekova.
To be honest, she hadn’t yet got a foothold in Belfard and was in no mood for love with an ordinary person.
Even if he was handsome, it wasn’t enough.
She must find someone who could rival Cindy Clarke.
...
At this moment, the waiter previously called by Ethan Zhekova came over with a tray.
There was also a bottle of red wine and three wine glasses on the tray.
Eva was a bit surprised and she said to the waiter, “We didn’t order this wine.”
The bill tonight was on Wendy Clarke.
They knew Wendy Clarke was wealthy.
However, they didn’t have the heart to let Wendy Clarke pay for everything.
Both Eva and Layla didn’t know much about red wine and didn’t understand which one was pricey or cheap.
But there was no cheap red wine in a pub.
No matter how much it sells for outside, it’s always expensive in the pub.
“Yeah, we didn’t order it,” Layla quickly added.
The waiter then smiled and said, “This is courtesy of that gentleman.”
The waiter gestured towards the direction of Ethan Zhekova.
The tables were set apart to allow for conversation.
Accompanied with music.
So, the conversation between customers at the next table wouldn’t be heard clearly by others.
When Wendy Clarke looked in the direction the waiter had gestured, she saw Ethan Zhekova.
Even though she was determined not to be attracted to ordinary people, her heart still skipped a beat at the sight of Ethan Zhekova’s handsome face.
Ethan Zhekova had a slight smile and raised the glass in his hand.
The waiter then opened the bottle of wine and poured it for the three of them.
Eva said, “That guy is quite intriguing. People usually buy drinks by the glass in a pub. But he actually bought a whole bottle, he’s quite extravagant.”
Upon a closer look at Ethan Zhekova, Wendy Clarke felt like she had seen him somewhere.
It was as if she had met him somewhere before.
But she couldn’t remember for the moment.
With this thought, Wendy Clarke then raised her glass.
She was about to tell Eva and Layla that she was going to Ethan Zhekova’s table.
Only to hear Layla say, “Wendy Clarke, why don’t you take the opportunity to thank him? That way, you’ll get to know him.”
“Yeah,” Eva also encouraged her, “Although this place isn’t big, there are a lot of girls here. He only sent a drink to you despite having a clear view of everyone.”
“He must have liked you at first sight.” Eva further added.
Wendy Clarke still held her wine glass, trying to maintain a delicate image.
But hearing Eva’s flattery, Wendy Clarke’s face shone with pride.
Wendy Clarke believed that she was the most dazzling person at today’s event.
Looking around, no one was as good looking as her.
Moreover, Ethan Zhekova sending over wine was a big deal and the waiter announced it loudly.
Therefore, people at the neighboring tables heard about it.
As the news spread, all the customers soon knew that the attractive man who just came in sent a drink to Wendy Clarke’s table.
Sending a drink meant he wanted to get to know her.
And possibly, have some fun together later in the night.
“What do you mean by sending it to me?” Wendy Clarke started feigning modesty.
That wasn’t her personality at all.
Just because Cindy Clarke could win over Adrian Zhekova’s heart.
Did the well-placed people in their circles like Cindy Clarke’s tune?
Otherwise, how could Adrian Zhekova choose Cindy Clarke over those ladies from high-class families?
Adrian Zhekova must be tired of the tune from high-class families.
That’s why he preferred Cindy Clarke.
That makes sense.
Not considering the benefits of family alliances, just based on personal likes,
Adrian Zhekova himself was from a highly prestigious family and very familiar with their behavior since childhood.
Everyone around him was also like that.
It was normal if he was tired of it.
So, Wendy Clarke started to imitate Cindy Clarke unintentionally.
However, she didn’t know what Adrian Zhekova really liked about Cindy Clarke.
She never made an effort to understand Cindy Clarke.
She looked down on Cindy Clarke and even hated and envied her.
With these emotions, Wendy Clarke’s understanding of Cindy Clarke was biased. How could she truly see the good in Cindy Clarke?
All she saw was what she assumed by herself.
She thought Cindy Clarke was pretentious.
So, Wendy Clarke started to imitate her.
Now, she seemed even more pretentious.
Layla and Eva exchanged a glance. Layla flashed a wry smile and said, “Oh dear! Even though he offered the wine to us as well, both Eva and I know very well that the wine is actually for you.”
“We do have that much self-awareness,” Eva chimed in.
“Ah, don’t say that.” Wendy Clarke pretended to be shy.
But, the dim lights of the pub didn’t show her blushing.
Eva and Layla thought that she was being overly pretentious and it was quite annoying
Eva urged her, “Go now! It won’t do you any harm to know such a handsome man, no matter how things turn out.”
Under Eva’s and Layla’s constant urging, Wendy Clarke agreed to go in a pretentious manner.
Making a hard-to-get and shy expression.
She again picked up the wine glass, maintaining her act while walking towards Ethan Zhekova.
“What do you think she’s up to, putting on such a show?” After Wendy Clarke was gone, Layla quietly whispered to Eva.
Eva sneered, “I don’t know where she learned it from. If someone taught her, they’ve ruined her.”
“Do you think Ethan will like her with this sickening act?” Layla sneered.
No wonder Wendy Clarke could suddenly get to know these two people in Belford where she should have no connections.
It turned out that Ethan Zhekova arranged it.
The two of them were beautiful and knew about Ethan Zhekova’s identity.
Even though they harbored some improbable desires in their hearts, they also knew about the reality.
They didn’t harbor any hopes for Ethan Zhekova.
They were just doing jobs for Ethan Zhekova.
“How could Ethan possibly like her,” Eva sneered disdainfully, “If she weren’t useful, would Ethan take the initiative to approach her?”
However, although Wendy Clarke got Ethan Zhekova’s attention, it did make Eva jealous.
Wendy Clarke imitated Cindy Clarke’s manner that she remembered and followed suit.
But she forgot that if it were Cindy Clarke, she wouldn’t go.
“Hello,” Wendy Clarke held her wine glass and walked over, still pretending to be shy.
Ethan Zhekova pointed to the seat beside him and said, “Please sit.”
Wendy Clarke smiled and sat down, “Thank you for the wine, but it’s too extravagant.”
Ethan Zhekova smiled slightly, “It’s nothing, just a way to make friends.”
Ethan Zhekova looked at Wendy Clarke, “The moment I walked in, I noticed you.”
Chapter 840: Chapter 840: It’s Probably Love at First Sight_1
“However, don’t misunderstand me,” Ethan Zhekova added, “I don’t just approach every pretty girl I see.”
Wendy Clarke seemed a bit nervous, slightly lowering her head in a shy manner.
Ethan found her pretentious behavior nauseating.
Usually, whenever he’s out to have fun, it’s a consensual affair.
The girls are also very proactive, proving themselves to be spirited and fiery, exactly to his taste.
At first glance, Wendy Clarke didn’t seem like a naive girl.
...
Moreover, he had previously investigated Wendy.
He was aware of what sort of person she was.
Why does she need to feign shyness before him now?
It’s utterly off-putting.
She’d be better off showing her true colors from the get-go.
He’d rather she matched his intensity fireworks-for-fireworks right from the outset.
Anything would be better than her current sickeningly annoying behavior.
“So, being offered a drink by you is quite the honor,” Wendy Clarke said, affecting an air of sophistication.
Unfortunately, Ethan Zhekova had seen far too many genuinely sophisticated ladies.
Not some pretenders like Wendy Clarke.
Ethan Zhekova handed Wendy Clarke his business card.
“Ethan Zhekova,” he said with an indifferent smile. “Let’s be friends.”
Wendy Clarke took his card and, before even getting a good look at it, handed him her own. “Wendy Clarke,” she said.
Ethan took Wendy’s card and glanced at it with a casual look.
Wendy lowered her head to look at Ethan’s card.
She hadn’t noticed when he stated his name earlier.
Despite the striking similarities between Ethan Zhekova’s and Adrian Zhekova’s names.
But she did not connect Ethan to Adrian.
Then she looked at his business card and read it:
Deputy CEO of the Westington branch of Pingla Group: Ethan Zhekova.
Wendy Clarke looked sharply at Ethan, surprised, and exclaimed, “Pingla Group?”
Adding Ethan’s name to the mix as well,
Wendy’s lips moved slightly as she said, “You and Adrian Zhekova are…”
Ethan lowered his gaze, hiding the loathing in his eyes.
And there it is again.
People always first know about Adrian Zhekova.
Seeing his name, seeing his business card.
Their first reaction, always like Wendy’s, is to think of Adrian.
Asking whether he is related to Adrian.
Every time, he has to admit, he is Adrian’s younger brother.
But every time he does, Ethan feels an overwhelming sense of humiliation.
Why is it that people’s first thought is always Adrian?
Why is it that when he introduces himself, he always has to mention Adrian to be understood?
He doesn’t want to keep saying he’s Adrian’s brother.
He wants his own name to hold significance too.
He wants people’s first reaction to be recognizing him, Ethan Zhekova, not asking if he’s related to Adrian.
That’s why he’s fighting for the position of Family Head.
He wants to seize the Zhekova Family and make a name for himself.
From then on, when people see him, they’ll know who he is.
No longer will they ask him how he’s related to Adrian Zhekova.
They’ll just know, he is Ethan Zhekova.
But he wants more than just that.
In the future, when they meet Adrian Zhekova, they will ask him about his relation to Ethan Zhekova.
The people of the Zhekova Family will be associated with Ethan Zhekova, not Adrian Zhekova.
Keeping this ambition in mind, Ethan, with suppressed anger, pretended to surprise and asked, “You know Adrian Zhekova?”
Wendy Clarke gave a bitter smile, “Although he is beyond my reach, Adrian is indeed my brother-in-law.”
“However, ever since my sister married him, she has turned her back on us, busy distancing herself from our family and doing everything possible to cut ties with us,” Wendy Clarke said. “So, if you hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t bring this up.”
She didn’t want to have the reputation of relying on Adrian Zhekova.
Feigning surprise, Ethan Zhekova said, “I had no idea there was such a connection.”
Ethan then laughed, “Adrian is my elder brother, and your sister must be Cindy Clarke, my sister-in-law.”
This time, Wendy’s surprised reaction was genuine.
She hadn’t expected to run into Adrian’s younger brother in a pub.
Just listening to their names, Adrian Zhekova, Ethan Zhekova.
Only a slight difference, but it exhibited how close their relationship was.
He wasn’t just another distant relative from the Zhekova family.
Nevertheless, Wendy cautiously asked, “Adrian is an only child. Are you his cousin?”
“That’s right.” Ethan managed to answer despite the bubbling anger, “My grandfather and Adrian’s…”
Ethan paused, explaining, “I mean Adrian’s grandfather were blood brothers.”
“My father and Adrian’s father.are first cousins, and Adrian and I are also first cousins.” Ethan explained.
Now Wendy was really excited, her heart pounding.
She had always resented her lot. Why did her less deserving sister Cindy encounter someone like Adrian Zhekova while she, who was clearly superior in so many ways, couldn’t find anyone nearly as good?
Even Edward Lopez dares debunk her.
But now, she’s met Ethan Zhekova!
Wendy felt that no matter where it was, gold will always shine.
She was superior and much better than Cindy, naturally Ethan Zhekova would be drawn to her.
Look, Ethan has come to her now, hasn’t he?
“To think, that we are connected in such a way.” Ethan said light-heartedly, “No wonder the moment I walked in I felt a certain affinity.”
Wendy seized the moment, “Why don’t we add each other on Whatsapp?”
Ethan had initially intended to hook up with Wendy.
There’s no way he would refuse her suggestion.
Ethan promptly agreed and added Wendy on Whatsapp.
“If there’s anything you need in Belfard, don’t hesitate to contact me,” Ethan said as he leaned closer to Wendy.
“If Cindy doesn’t help you out, I will,” Ethan said.
Wendy looked deeply moved, “Ethan, thank you.”
“After Cindy dismissed us, my heart shattered. I thought, if she doesn’t want to acknowledge us, then so be it. I’ll expand my business in Belfard without seeking her help, I can succeed on my own.”
“Who would’ve thought, my sister won’t acknowledge me, but you…”
Ethan suddenly raised his hand, His slender fingers touching Wendy’s lips.
“Don’t be sad,” Ethan said softly.
Wendy blushed, her heart beating rapidly at Ethan’s sudden closeness.
“Ethan, why… why are you so nice to me?” Wendy asked, puzzled. “We just met.”
Ethan gently rubbed his fingers over Wendy’s lips before slowly withdrawing them.
His other arm resting on the sofa’s backrest, seemingly cradling Wendy in his arms.
“I can’t explain it either, perhaps it’s just meant to be,” Ethan smiled, feigning a loving expression.
“But, you have met Cindy. Hasn’t she said anything bad about our family?”, Wendy asked again.
She intended to develop something with Ethan,
But she had to clear up the situation first.
“I only met her for the first time today,” Ethan replied.