Chapter 83

In the CEO's office of the Horizon Group Building, Jason had just finished discussing the next round of collaboration with Ter Group with Ethan when Isaac knocked on the door and walked in. "What's up?" Ethan asked. "Boss, for Mr. Jonathan Malone's birthday gift, should we check with Mrs. Powers first?" Isaac inquired. Ethan wasn't bothered by such trivial matters and casually nodded, "Hmm, ask her before you buy." Isaac took note and quickly left the office. Jason, who was adjusting the coffee machine, heard this and turned his head with surprise in his eyes, "Are you also going to Jonathan's birthday banquet?" Ethan furrowed his brows slightly, "What, am I not allowed to attend?" "No," Jason smirked and tactfully continued, "But won't you have to see Aaron there?" "Not really," Jason said with a slight pout before speaking tactfully, "But wouldn't that mean running into Aaron?" "Same old story," Ethan chuckled softly, leisurely placing the document in his hand into the drawer. He lazily remarked, "Do I still need to consider him?" Hearing his confident tone, Jason couldn't help but retort, "Well, who was the one who couldn't stand the sight of Aaron back in the day?" "Oh, that was because he was ugly," Ethan's voice was casual. Jason didn't know how to retort. Aaron's appearance had nothing to do with being ugly. Jason had seen lovers view each other as beauties, but he had never seen rivals view each other as hideous monsters. Gotta admit, Ethan was sharp. Jason gave up on his plan to argue with Ethan and walked over, offering him the freshly brewed coffee in his hand. "Quit," Ethan pushed the coffee in front of him towards Jason. "Come on, what's there to quit about coffee?" Jason remarked, glancing at the green tea on the man's desk and furrowing his brow. "What's up with you lately, turning into a health nut?" Ethan glanced at him, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "I'm married now and planning to live a long life—you wouldn't understand." Jason really wouldn't get it. He took a sip of his coffee, sat down at his desk, and changed the topic. "William has been quite bold lately, even wanting to talk to you. When you go to the banquet, don't let your wife notice anything and get mad at you." "No need for your advice," Ethan raised his gaze, seeing Jason hesitate again, he asked, "Got something else to say?" "Well, there's something I've been wanting to ask," Jason set down his coffee cup, his tone probing, "Did you use William to get Aaron to return to Seattle?" Back then, Aaron was doing well in Chicago, not only did New Era successfully go public, but he was also gradually consolidating Malone Group's business, so there was no real need for him to return. If William hadn't angered Aaron's father into the hospital, Claire wouldn't have had to personally call her son, and who knows when Aaron would have returned. Before knowing Ethan's thoughts, Jason naturally didn't think much of his contact with William. But looking back now, it seemed that right from the start, he had set a trap for Aaron. Look at that, Aaron returned to Seattle just a few months ago and already got dumped by Stella. Ethan chuckled and then lowered his eyes, walking alone to the floor-to-ceiling window. After a moment, he said, "Keep your mouth shut tight." "When did I—," Jason instinctively defended himself, but he stopped when he met the man's cold gaze. "Don't worry, I won't slip up this time." He hadn't realized this guy was such a sly old fox. His tactics were so sophisticated that he didn't want to become a target. Time flew by to the weekend, and Stella and Ethan went to attend Jonathan's birthday banquet. "Happy 70th Birthday! May your special day be filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories," Stella said politely, handing the gift to Jonathan without paying attention to Claire's slightly cold gaze on the side. Ethan stood beside her and said, "Cheers to you on reaching this incredible milestone!" In his seventies, Jonathan was still lively, squinting his eyes and quietly examining the two people in front of him. After a while, his voice husky with a smile, he looked at Stella and sighed, "Thank you. You look good, and your grandfather can rest assured now." Stella smiled back, taking it as a response. For him to say that meant he had turned the page on that not-so-pleasant wedding. Avery had stood by the railing on the second floor, silently watching the scene below. Her mind had drifted to the words her aunt had complained about when she had been left desperate after Lionel was detained. "Back then, it had been Jack who had chickened out. If he had taken good photos, would this girl have been so arrogant then? She would have been at our mercy." When Stella had first come to the Carlson family, she had been just a meek and unremarkable little girl. Even Dean hadn't thought much of her. What use had regret been then?