Ines felt a pang of anxiety in her heart. “Does that mean Ethan would be stuck in there?”
“Probably not. The situation is still unclear. Ethan and Jacob should be able to come home tonight. Don’t worry too much. I’ve asked Mr. Lionel to handle Ethan’s case. He will call us as soon as there’s any news.”
This was an unexpected turn of events for Ines. Her eyes lit up. “Really, mom?”
Erica gave her a reassuring smile. “That should be the case. However, they would be restricted from leaving A City, and Jacob will be suspended from his job.”
“That’s not an issue. I believe we are on the right side of the law, and we have no intention to flee.”
Erica guided Ines to sit on the couch. “Izzy, you’ve accidentally stirred up a big storm. This has become more complex than it initially was.”
Ines, who was initially feeling a bit gloomy, felt a wave of relief wash over her after hearing Erica’s words.
“That’s a relief. I was afraid my actions might not have any impact and instead agitate them. I’ll stay here to help you with work and wait for Mr. Lionel’s update.”
“Alright, the Meyer Group has been quite busy lately. I don’t know who leaked the news about Ethan being taken away by the police, but some of our short-sighted partners are trying to terminate their contracts with us. It’s quite a mess.”
“We’re better off without partners who only care about profits and have no loyalty.”
Erica nodded in agreement with Ines’ sentiment.
Instead of returning to the Galeana Group, Ines stayed at the Meyer Group all day, with a small smile always playing on her lips.
Watching Ines’ cheerful disposition, Erica gave a chuckle and shook her head.
Ines was initially excited about the prospect of seeing Ethan, but as the day wore on with no news from Lionel, her anticipation turned into frustration. She found herself frequently glancing towards the office entrance.
Erica, having been through similar situations, understood her feelings and chose not to say anything.
Unable to contain herself, Ines asked, “Why haven’t we heard from Mr. Lionel? Should we call and check?”
“If you want to call, go ahead. I still have some urgent paperwork to handle. You can call him yourself.”
Ines shot her a grin. “Okay, I’ll call Mr. Lionel right away.”
Ines was feeling very nervous at this point. She took a deep breath to steady herself as the call went through. Just as she was about to hang up after several rings, a familiar voice answered, “Izzy.”
Ines paused, surprised. “Ethan, are you out?”
“Yep, I’m out.”
“Where are you now?”
“I’ll be at the office soon.”
Ethan seemed oblivious to Lucas’ presence, murmuring, “Izzy, I missed you. Don’t reject me.”
Frustrated, Ines called out, “Lucas.”
Hearing her voice, Ethan immediately broke off the kiss, calmly straightening Ines’ clothes. Then he turned to Lucas with a stern look. “Lucas, can’t you leave on your own? Or are you waiting for me to escort you out?”
Lucas was on the verge of meltdown. He stared at his boss helplessly. He wanted to leave, but the door was blocked. Facing Ethan’s increasingly forbidding expression, Lucas gestured towards the door with an awkward smile.
Ines quickly understood Lucas’ predicament and led Ethan further into the room.
Lucas, feeling as if he had been pardoned, quickly exited the room, even thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
Ines couldn’t help but pummel Ethan’s chest, glaring at him. “You’re such a pervert, always thinking about sex!”
Ethan kept a straight face. “How do I know Lucas would be so audacious, turning up in my office like that?”
Ines rolled her eyes at Ethan. “Don’t take your anger out on Lucas. He’s been handling everything for you while you are not here, working his fingers to the bone. He deserves some credit.”
“Since when did you start taking Lucas’ side, Izzy?” Ines was irritated, pushing Ethan towards the lounge. “I’m just stating the facts. Now, go take a shower. Can’t you smell the stench on you? Your daughter may not even recognize you if you don’t go freshen up.”
Given the cool weather, not bathing for three days wasn’t that big of a deal, but Ines wanted to see a more refreshed Ethan. At her words, Ethan frowned, lifting his arm to take a whiff. Indeed, there was a strange odor.
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