Chapter 29 Ethan’s Arrival
+8 Pearls
“Are you familiar with matters in this regard?” In Shawn’s eyes, I was a novice, someone who relied on him to make decisions for everything.
“I know a little,” I replied. I had already submitted my design concepts and plans, and most of the upcoming designs would be revised according to my requirements.
“Alright, I look forward to your masterpiece,” Shawn said, choosing not to interfere further before heading back to the office.
That evening, while I was still working in the bedroom, Shawn walked in with his phone and said, “It’s Yuna calling. Do you want to answer?”
“No, she’s not looking for me anyway,” I replied without looking up.
Shawn returned to his study room and continued talking with Yuna. After a few minutes, he came back to interrupt me again.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his deep eyes filled with dissatisfaction.
“Tiffany, you’re a grown adult. Why are you picking a fight with a child? She’s your precious daughter. You won’t even answer her call or care about what she’s doing now? How did your heart become so cold?” As expected, Shawn was flooded with complaints.
I glanced back at him and smiled faintly. “I’m simply trying to mold her behavior. You know how she often shouts at me and has long lost respect for me as her mother. If I continue to indulge her, we’ll eventually become enemies.”
“It’s not as serious as you make it out to be. She’s just a child. No child would hold a grudge against their mother,” Shawn felt that my standards were too harsh.
“It will,” I said firmly. “If her core values are twisted, she’ll resent me, and I might resent her too.”
Shawn found me unreasonable and stormed back to his study room.
My thoughts were disrupted, so I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes.
In my past life, Yuna grew increasingly disrespectful toward me. Her rebellious phase at the age of 13 left me utterly drained. She threatened to starve herself and even harm herself, so I stayed by her side 24/7. During that time, I became gaunt, with dark circles under my eyes, aging 10 years almost overnight.
That won’t happen again. A child needs guidance, but it must be strict to instill the right core values and emotional stability. I don’t want to go through her rebellious phases again.
The next day, I continued working on the design. The day passed quickly, and as night fell, I received a call. A deep male voice came through, “Tiffany Mayfield, this is Ethan Hayes.”
He addressed me by my full name?
How disrespectful. As his benefactor, he should at least call me “Ms. Mayfield.”
“How old are vou. Mr. Haves?” I asked with a smile.
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Chapter 29 Ethan’s Arrival
+8 Pearls
“Oh, I thought you were younger. I was hoping you’d call me Ms. Mayfield,” I teased, using the opportunity to lighten the mood after a long day of work.
“If you want me to call you Ms. Mayfield, then I will,” Ethan replied, proving to be more cunning and good at pleasing people.
“Never mind, you’re older than me,” I said, feeling awkward.
Ethan chuckled on the other end, “Any plans for tonight?”
“Going home to take care of my husband,” I replied, making it clear that I had no intention of flirting with him. It was necessary to bring up my husband to set boundaries.
Last time, Ethan had said he was interested in me, which made things overly complicated. I couldn’t let him make any more mistakes.
“Oh,” Ethan responded, his enthusiasm seemingly doused by a bucket of cold water.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now. I’m a bit busy,” I said with a smile.
“Alright, goodbye,” Ethan waited for me to end the call. I hung up without hesitation.
By the time it was completely dark, Shawn suddenly appeared at the designer’s office.
At that moment, I was discussing design issues with a few people, with a projector displaying design images on the wall.
“Mr. Hartwell!” Someone recognized him and greeted him respectfully.
“I’m here to pick up my wife for dinner,” Shawn said calmly.
I turned to look at him, quickly wrapped up my work, and walked over to ask, “How did you find me here?”
“Let’s go. I’ve made dinner plans,” Shawn said with a cold expression, turning to leave without another word.
I had no choice but to grab my bag and follow him.
I asked him who we were having dinner with, but Shawn remained silent, sitting quietly in the back seat with an inscrutable expression.
I had no idea what he was upset about this time. He was being so cryptic.
We arrived at a hotel, where the third floor housed a business restaurant. Shawn led me upstairs and pushed open the door to a private room.
Inside, about a dozen people were seated, but my gaze instantly locked onto the man at the head of the table.
Ethan?
Before I could snap out of my shock, Shawn had already introduced me to the crowd. “This is my wife, Tiffany Mayfield.”
