Chapter 64: George Is Relieved! Help the Confused Girl!
"I guess I was overthinking it," George thought with a sigh of relief.
George trusted Ethan Lee deeply. After hearing everything, he felt reassured and said, "Felicia is Gwen's classmate. Please look after her and don't let her push herself too hard. Take your time with the band... Oh, by the way!"
He suddenly recalled what Felicia had said earlier: "Felicia, did you say the money has already been raised?"
Felicia blinked at Ethan.
Ethan gently patted her head and responded on her behalf, "I lent it to her temporarily. She'll pay it back, George."
"You're really something—you can casually lend out such a large amount of money," George said in awe of Ethan's financial stability. He was more at ease knowing his daughter's future was in capable hands.
He sighed and joked, "Looks like Gwen is about to climb a mountain~"
It was a saying—referring to marrying up.
Naturally, Ethan responded with praise. "Gwen is amazing, George. She's much better than you think."
They continued talking for a while, and George grew increasingly reassured.
"How's she been lately? I've been swamped with work and haven't had much time for her. Thank you for taking care of her."
"Don't worry," Ethan said with a smile. "Her studies are going well—her grades are still top-tier."
"That's a relief," George replied.
After chatting about Gwen, George turned his attention to Felicia. "Felicia... something unfortunate happened. If you'd been able to raise the full amount, your father might have only received a few years in prison."
"But something unexpected happened..."
After relaying the details of the earlier incident to the police, George—at a loss for how to comfort the poor girl—had ended the call abruptly. That's why he hadn't mentioned anything earlier, only bringing it up after finishing his conversation with Ethan.
Beep–
"How… how could this happen…"
Hearing the busy tone after the call ended, Felicia froze, unsure of what to do.
Her father was about to be taken away by the FBI. He had been targeted and held hostage by a supervillain…
What on earth had he gotten involved in…?
Looking at the beautiful and visibly shaken girl in his arms, Ethan gently stroked her hair. "Felicia, don't overthink it. You did your best…"
"Mmm…"
Felicia leaned against him silently, accepting that the matter had grown far beyond her control.
"Ethan, could you pass me my phone? It's by my clothes. I want to return the money to you…"
Ethan could tell what she was thinking and didn't object. He sifted through the pile of clothes until he found the phone beneath a silk-edged lining.
Felicia took it and, shortly after, Ethan received confirmation that the money had been transferred back.
Hmm… Does this count as a free ride?
"Ethan, I overheard you and Chief George just now…"
Felicia had pieced things together while listening to their conversation. There was clearly something unusual about Ethan's relationship with Gwen.
She couldn't help but ask, "You and Gwen… what are you two, exactly?"
Ethan replied honestly, "Gwen is my girlfriend."
"What about me?"
"She's part of the girlfriend group, just like you."
"I… I understand…"
Felicia got what he meant.
He was the kind of man who dreamed of building his own Crystal Palace—a harem.
But… she didn't mind.
Felicia looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "So… how far have you and Gwen gone?"
She wanted to compare… to see who was closer to Ethan.
Ethan smiled faintly. "The same as you."
Wait, does that mean…?
Felicia blushed deeply. We've done everything… we've unlocked every stage…
Oh yeah… what about Cindy…?
Thinking of her best friend, she asked, "What about you and Cindy?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Not yet."
Phew.
At least I'm ahead of one of my best friends.
Time to overtake on the curve~
Felicia's mood brightened.
Sorry, Cindy…
I didn't want to think like this…
But I can't help it~
"Ethan, you must be hungry. I'll go make you something to eat~"
After a short rest, Felicia prepared to leave. She picked out a white, off-the-shoulder sweater from her closet and slipped it on in front of the full-length mirror.
The sweater's hem reached mid-thigh, and the soft white fabric was nearly blinding.
Ethan shook his head.
Wearing just a sweater… she's definitely trying to seduce me…
He understood. Felicia was using this flirtation to distract herself—to forget about her father's situation, even if only for a little while.
Well.
What else could he do?
He had no choice but to help her… release some stress.
As he approached, Felicia saw his reflection in the mirror.
She pursed her lips and closed her eyes…
She just wanted to forget everything, even if the price was missing a few days of school…
…
A long time later…
The full-length mirror… was no longer spotless.
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