11:05
Chapter 77
Ethan’s hand paused above his desk for a moment. Even if the patient was his good friend, there was no need for a doctor of his caliber to get his own hands dirty.
You see, most medical examinations these days depend on advanced technology. As long as you can operate the machine, the results are pretty much the same, regardless of the doctor’s medical skills.
Kermit personally conducting the examination was unnecessary and could only mean one thing – he was hiding something. Ethan had been suspicious ever since he heard Ines’s words. Hunter had been the CEO and chairman for so many years, his ambition for power was clear. Why would he suddenly let his publicly disowned daughter into the company, and put her in such a crucial position? The job was a golden goose and a training ground, able to groom someone quickly. It was clear he was looking for a successor.
He always knew his wife had potential, her future was limitless.
Apparently, Hunter might share his view.
Ethan had a bad feeling about this. The situation must be more complicated than it seemed. He wondered if Ines could accept the truth when it was revealed.
Although she seemed to hate her father, she cared about him deep down. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have lost control after him passing out.
After work, as soon as Ines turned on her phone, she saw Ethan’s ambiguous text, “My bad. Let me make it up to you tonight.”
Her mind instantly wandered to some explicit scenarios, and her face turned red. She picked up her bag and left the office. Ethan’s car was already waiting outside, she quickly walked over and got in. Ethan chuckled at her eagerness, “Can’t wait to see me, huh?”
Ines rolled her eyes at him, helpless at his occasional shamelessness. “I just don’t want to run into any colleagues.”
“Am I embarrassing you?” Ethan seemed unhappy.
He was a catch, it was an honor to be seen with him. But somehow, he was something to hide from her colleagues.
Seeing his discontent, Ines teased, “Not at all. I’m just worried that Mr. Meyer’s irresistible charm will dazzle all the girls in our office, and they’ll be ready to steal you away from me.”
Ethan nodded seriously, furrowing his handsome brows, “Well, it’s a good thing Izzy finally realized her fate as Mrs. Meyer.
His words implied his undeniable charm. Even though she was used to his occasional narcissism, she couldn’t help but laugh. Then she remembered their date and asked, “What are we doing tonight?”
“Dinner, movie, shopping.” Ethan listed.
Ines was taken aback and blurted out, “That’s so clichéd. You didn’t just copy the tricks you used to date girls when you were young, did you? Times have changed, why don’t you keep up?”
Sending flowers, dining, watching movies – these were all ways boys pursued girls a decade ago. She didn’t expect him to use the same old tricks.
She had high hopes, thinking he would be different. But he turned out to be just like everyone else.
Young? Was she insinuating he was old? Was he really that old?
Ethan’s tone darkened, his eyes narrowing, he emphasized, “I’m not even 33 yet.”
Ines raised an eyebrow, recalling his birthday was not long after Christmas.
Women don’t like discussing their age, and it seemed men were the same. The man before her was particularly sensitive about it.
“Oops, my bad, Mr. Meyer. Don’t be mad. And stop frowning, it makes you look…” like an old man.
Of course, she didn’t voice the last part, instead she added with a smirk, “it ruins your dashing looks.”
Ethan knew her unsaid words were no compliment but decided to let it slide. He nodded and asked, “You don’t like my plans?” His hand tightened on the steering wheel as he asked.
Ines snorted, “Of course not, it’s obvious you didn’t put in any effort, using such outdated tricks on me.”
“Lucas said that’s what he does on dates and my online research confirmed it. We can change the plans anytime if you’re not satisfied.” Ethan sounded serious.
Actually, after Lucas gave him the advice, he went online to double–check. Other people were suggesting the same things, claiming women are emotional creatures, the cheesier the better.
Why didn’t it work on Ines? He shouldn’t have believed them so easily.
“Did you get the lavender idea from the internet too?”
Ethan didn’t respond, just shifted his gaze away from Ines..
“Ha.” Ines knew the answer from his reaction. The thought of Ethan asking his secretary and scouring the internet for advice made her laugh. This man was always meticulous.
As she laughed, Ethan felt more frustrated, “do you not like it?”
Ines looked at him with a faint smile, “Mr. Meyer, I’ll go along with your plans.”
What mattered was his sincerity. The fact that this high and mighty man was willing to do all this for her showed he cared.
Ethan scratched his head, confused, “Are all women this fickle? One minute she was complaining, the next she was all smiles.
Ines giggled, “You’re just figuring that out?”
They continued their date like a normal couple, starting with dinner at a steak house. Ethan was the perfect gentleman, placing a napkin on her lap and cutting her steak into small pieces.
Ines enjoyed his thoughtful service with a smile. Midway through the meal, a waiter brought a bouquet of roses to their table, bowed slightly and said, “Madam, these are your flowers.
Ines shot a glance at Ethan, catching a smirk on his face. She didn’t need to guess twice, it was obviously his doing. After thanking the waiter, Ines took the flowers from him.
Ines lowered her head to take a whiff of the flowers. The refreshing scent of roses instantly filled her nostrils, making her feel super relaxed. She looked up at him and asked, “Didn’t you just give me flowers? Why again?”
To which Ethan asked, “Do you like them?”
Ines nodded, her smile bright as a flower, “I love them. Exactly seventeen. What’s the meaning behind them?” Ethan casually replied, “To be with you for a lifetime.”
