Ethan could sense that the Masons were merely consenting to submit to him on the surface, but they were looking to use his influence and authority to empower themselves.
It was easy to discern their thinking. They believed Ethan's abilities were insufficient to compete with a large family like the Quinns. After what Ethan revealed to Ferry, it seems they belittled him.
In their eyes, Orion Industries was only doing well in Emerald Coast County because of the Quinns' reputation. They needed to see it through yet.
If Ethan ever chose to face the Quinns again, he would have no edge or possibility of winning. They believed he was foolish in thinking he could win against a vastly stronger family. A family that had stood for hundreds of years already. Even though he was part of the Quinns.
Ethan's second identity could not be easily discovered, so he could not use it as a deterrent. He will not divulge this information to them.
However, Ethan was not concerned. He still had enough time to quickly grow the Orion Industries and the Spark Enterprises into incredible businesses. By then, he'd have more chips. By that time, he will have gained more allegiance.
Ethan went to the Spark Enterprises entrance as usual at five o'clock in the afternoon to pick up Anastasia from work. But right now, he received a text from Anastasia. "Ethan, I am pretty busy today. I have to work overtime until late at night. Please go pick up Sophia first. I will stay here for a moment."
Ethan couldn't help but shake his head as he envisioned Anastasia working diligently in the general manager's office. He tapped on his phone to respond. "Okay, I get it. I'll send Sophia home and fetch you up at night. Take care of your health. Don't tire yourself out."
When Ethan drove to kindergarten, it was peak time for parents to pick up their children after school.
After looking at the kindergarten entrance but not seeing Sophia, he asked a teacher, "Hello, is Sophia still inside?".
During this time, Ethan had been picking up Sophia from kindergarten every day, so the instructor recognized him. Hearing his inquiry, the teacher couldn't help but wonder, "Huh?" Sophia's aunt arrived to get her up ten minutes ago. Haven't you discussed it?"
"So her aunt picked her up today. I honestly didn't know. Sorry to bother you!"
Ethan turned around and returned to his black Jaguar. He was ready to open the door and walk home when he suddenly realized something was wrong.
Logically, he and Anastasia were supposed to pick up Sophia daily, and he knew Charlotte would only do so after first informing him. Anastasia had contacted him to pick Sophia up, so he doubted she would have told Charlotte to bring her up instead. If his instinct is correct, Charlotte did not pick up Sophia also.
Ethan instantly took up his phone and dialed Charlotte. "Did you pick Sophia up at the kindergarten just now?"
Charlotte looked a little surprised. "No, I'm working on something in the office right now and haven't left yet. Why did you ask? Something happened?"
Ethan, do you want me to go pick Sophia up? I'll be there as soon as I finish packing. On the other end, there was the sound of someone typing on their keyboard. Clearly, she was still in the workplace not yet ready to leave the office.
Ethan's heart paused for a second. He felt like he'd fallen into an ice cellar. His body suddenly exuded an icy-cold aura, and his eyes flashed with terror.
"Ethan? You still there?" Charlotte inquired when she didn't hear his response.
Ethan took a long breath and tightened his fists, attempting to calm himself. Trying to remain calm, he answered, "Oh, since you're still busy, go ahead and do what you're doing. I will go pick Sophia up."
Ethan turned around and made a significant step toward the teacher just now. "Miss Allison, you just mentioned that Sophia was picked up by her aunt? Are you sure it was her aunt? Could you give some clarity?"
Miss Allison thought about it. "Yes, that was Sophia's aunt. Sophia even addressed her this way. But it was not Miss Charlotte Reed. I even verified with her, and she called straight away. Your wife did send that person to pick up Sophia. That is why we allowed her to take Sophia away.
Miss Allison couldn't help but be concerned when Ethan's expression darkened. "Mr. Knight, is... is there something wrong?"Ms. Allison is somewhat panicking, looking at the expression of Ethan.
Ethan clenched his jaw and inquired, "Does that woman have long, curly hair and abrasions on her face?" Is there a mole on her right brow, too?"
Miss Allison nodded. "Yes. She was wearing a mask at first, but she removed it later. Her lips and face were red and swollen, but she explained that it was due to a food allergy. But the mole on her head was so noticeable that I recall it vividly. She told me that Sophia and her will go somewhere to play around."
Ethan's face erupted in hatred. He now know what is happening.
The person who came to take Sophia away was indeed Luisa Thorn! He spared this woman several times and did not expect to turn to her own niece.
Luisa was furious and cruel against him and Anastasia. Previously, at the Grand8, she had been slapped and abandoned by Ferry Mason because of Ethan. She had developed a deep hatred for Ethan ever since. She had wicked motives when she took Sophia out of kindergarten!
At this time, even Miss Allison could tell something was amiss. She quickly inquired, "Is... there something wrong with that woman's identity? Mr. Knight, can you tell us?"
Ethan didn't have time to explain things to her. He quickly turned back and walked toward his car. At the same time, he took out his phone and called. "Go find out where Luisa Thorn is right now!" "Deploy everyone at any cost!"
Ethan was furious and exuded a scary and murderous air. It was the first time he had a strong desire to kill someone since returning to Emerald Coast County! His family is his ending. This time Luisa Thorn crossed the line!
If something happened to Sophia, he would make Luisa Thorn's life miserable! Begging him to kill her immediately is not an option.
--
Luisa had no idea Ethan was so angry at the time. She sat in a bar's private area, staring sultrily at a young man in his thirties and flirtatiously leaning against him.
"I almost got disfigured Mr. Carroll, you promised to help me exact revenge! Look at my face." Luisa's face was covered with a heavy foundation layer and concealer to mask the swelling.
Her eyes welled up with bitterness and anger as she remembered how Ferry had beaten and abandoned her ruthlessly in the Grand8. She despised Ethan immensely! She cannot accept that she lost her soon-to-be husband because of this loser.
Furthermore, after Dylan slapped her, Ferry slapped and kicked her as well.
However, Luisa dared not look for issues with Dylan and instead placed all of the blame on Ethan!
The young man next to Luisa wrapped his arm around her, groping her several times. "Rest confident, Luisa. Anyone who bullies my woman is also insulting me! I will seek vengeance for you!"
Alan Carroll, the owner of the Spirits Pub, attempted to drug Charlotte earlier! He will exact revenge for Luisa at any cost.