Chapter 12 Brother-in-law Ethan

“That’s my duty as a close friend of Fifi’s after all. When she’s in trouble, I can’t be cowardly trying to hide just to save myself, right? Hah-hah,” said Ethan in an eccentric manner while casting a telling glance at Zayn, openly mocking him.

Zayn immediately furrowed his brows upon hearing that. Ethan had no shame. Did Thomas being saved have anything to do with him?

“Ethan, that whole thing had nothing to do with you, did it?” Zayn could not refrain himself from saying.

Ethan immediately burst out laughing aloud. “Hah-hah, could it be that it had nothing to do with me but had something to do with you? Could it be that Adrian was not showing respect to me but you, Zayn? That’s a huge joke!”

Ruby kicked Zayn from behind and yelled, “Shut up Zayn, you imbecile! It was fine that you cravenly clung to life and hid at the side when Tommy was in trouble. Now that Tommy was saved by Ethan, how dare you still make bitter remarks? You’re a shameless assh*le!”

Zayn almost fell from the kick, so he hastily tried to explain himself, “Mom, I didn’t…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Waine interrupted him. He said with a cold expression, “This is absurd, Zayn! It was fine that you were useless in the past. Now that Ethan is the benefactor of my family, how dare you speak ill of him? Apologize to Ethan, quick!”

“Dad…”

“Don’t call me that. I don’t have a son-in-law like you. You’re a disgrace!” scolded Waine.

Zayn hastily looked toward Faye, hoping she would speak out for him, only to discover Faye looking at him with a cold gaze. It was apparent that she did not believe his words either.

Faye was utterly disappointed by Zayn. She did not count on Zayn to help when Thomas was in trouble. In order to avoid infuriating Ethan, she made Zayn stay in the car on purpose. His presence would only exacerbate the problem. Despite that, he defied her and ran over to show himself. She could let that off but now that Thomas was saved by Ethan, Zayn was still ungrateful. Despite being Thomas’ brother-in-law, he made some rude remarks. She was extremely repulsed by him!

There was no need to mention how wonderful Ethan felt upon seeing Zayn being forced to yield. He was almost blissfully floating, especially when he noticed Faye was disgusted by Zayn. Feigning magnanimity, he dismissively waved his hand and said, “It’s fine if he’s not willing to apologize and I’m not a narrow-minded person either. Just as long as Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter, and Thomas believe me.”

Zayn had no choice but to acknowledge that Ethan was truly a great actor. He behaved so gracefully, he made them hate him even more.

“Look at yourself, Zayn! How can both of you be so different?! How dare a good-for-nothing like you go on like this!”

“It’s fortunate that Ethan is magnanimous and doesn’t lower himself to your level!”

“If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have invited a scoundrel like you into my home four years ago!”

Zayn lowered his head and did not utter a word. He could no longer explain how he felt anymore. It was as though his heart was empty.

Meanwhile, Faye had spoken. “Alright, he has always been like this, not that all of you are unaware of that. Since Tommy has already been rescued, let’s take him to the hospital and get checked on first.”

“Oh, right, right, right…”

They suddenly remembered the more urgent matter of Thomas still being covered in wounds.

Ethan said, “I have a classmate who’s the medical director at Central Hospital and he is especially skilled at treating trauma injuries. Let’s take Thomas to Central Hospital.”

Next, he pressed a button on his car key. When Thomas discovered that Ethan drove a Lamborghini, his eyes lit up immediately. In a manner both envious and excited, he exclaimed, “Whoa, Ethan, you’ve already gotten yourself a Lamborghini, huh? That’s awesome!”

The pride on Ethan’s face could not be concealed when he said, “Nothing to it. A Lambo isn’t expensive either. Just a few hundred thousand dollars.”

“You're really amazing, Ethan. Can I sit in your car?” said Thomas in excitement.

“Of course you can,” Ethan said while nodding. He took one more glance at Zayn, pleased as he could be.

Thomas said, “Ethan, it’d be great if you were my brother-in-law instead.”

“Hah-hah, if your sister has no objection, I’m very willing to take up the position.”

…

They got into the car while chatting and drove away swiftly when Ethan stepped on the accelerator. Faye had also departed with Waine and Ruby in her car, leaving Zayn behind all alone.

Zayn heaved a long sigh, composed his broken heart, and prepared to leave. Just then, Adrian jogged over. With a reverential and awestruck expression, he bowed deeply and called out, “Mr. Zayn, I wasn’t aware that Thomas is your brother-in-law and I went a little overboard with the beating. Please punish me, Mr. Zayn.”

He leaned in close so that Zayn could give his face a few slaps.

Zayn did not show any mercy. He delivered a slap right away and beat Adrian until his mouth bled. Finally, he commanded, “Leave.”

Adrian did not feel humiliated after being thrashed by Zayn. On the contrary, he felt relieved. He was afraid that if Zayn did nothing, he would be in deep trouble.

Adrian gritted his teeth as he watched Zayn walk away. He chased after Zayn and said in a lowly manner, “Mr. Zayn, it has been a long time since we’ve met. Would you like to go somewhere and catch up?”

Zayn ignored him and continued walking forward.

Adrian caught up to him again. “Mr. Zayn, I know of a place that serves especially good Aresian food and it has a cozy ambiance. Should we head there for a meal?”

Upon hearing that, Zayn stopped and looked at him nonchalantly.

Adrian was feeling very nervous as Zayn stared at him. He did not expect that Zayn would still be so imposing after being exiled by the Larson family for such a long period. He forced a smile and behaved exceedingly humbly.

Zayn nodded after considering for a moment. “Sure.” His mother was from the Ares Province and she continued eating Aresian food after she got married and relocated to Waltz City. Zayn had eaten Aresian food just like his mother since he was young, so he enjoyed it too. What a waste that his mother passed away long ago. When Adrian mentioned Aresian food, it brought back memories for Zayn.

At the Aresian restaurant, they got a reserved room and took a seat. Adrian served drinks to Zayn personally and said, “So, Zayn, you’ve still been living in Waltz City for the past four years, huh? I was under the assumption that you’d moved elsewhere.”

“Hmm.” Zayn remained indifferent.

Adrian continued to search for topics of conversation and showed concern for Zayn. He was very cautious about not bringing up the incident where Zayn was kicked out of the Larson family four years ago, so he talked about topics that would not upset Zayn.

However, Zayn remained distant the whole time. There was no love lost between Zayn and the Larsons.

“Adrian, as I recall, you kicked me a few times on that night four years ago, didn’t you?” Zayn suddenly asked with a knowing smile.

Adrian’s hand shook upon hearing Zayn’s words. The hot coffee splashed onto his pants but he did not have the courage to scream. His face turned ghastly pale from shock. “Mr. Zayn, I… At the time I… It was my fault. It was all my fault! I was an idiot!”

Adrian was so shocked that he kept slapping himself continuously. It did not take long until his face was swollen. The surrounding customers in the restaurant were looking at him strangely.

“Say it. The Larsons sent you to me. What’s the matter?” Zayn asked impatiently.

Adrian was well-aware of Zayn’s intelligence and that he could not hide this scheme from him. He told the truth at once, “Mr. Zayn, the incident from four years ago was just a misunderstanding. Before Grandpa passed away, he had already cleared your name. After learning the truth, everyone in the family felt very guilty that they made you suffer from such a huge injustice and that is why the Larsons hope that you can come home. They’d like you to give everyone a chance to make up for their mistake and take over the estate.”

Zayn burst out laughing as if he had just heard the funniest joke. “Hah-hah-hah, guilty? Make up for their mistakes? Take over the estate? I think all of you are preying on that inheritance of mine worth over seven billion dollars, right?”

An inheritance worth over seven billion dollars!

Adrian felt as if his heart was leaping out of his chest upon hearing the numbers. Oh god, that was way too much money! No wonder when he called to report to the Larsons earlier, the family issued a strict order that he get a hold of Zayn at all costs.

All at once, he was even more respectful toward Zayn. If Zayn were to tell him to, he would become his dog at any moment.

After Zayn was done laughing, he stared at Adrian and said, “You want me to go home? Sure, George Carter is celebrating his 70th birthday in two days. Send Jordan Larson to pay a visit personally and present his gift. If that pleases me, I may consider returning to the family. Otherwise, you can perish the thought. Remember, I’m only giving this opportunity to you once, and I won’t do it again if you mess this up.”