CHAPTER 390: CHAPTER 390: WORRY

"Today I saw Ethan Sterling’s girlfriend, and I think it’s better to take the kids away." Not to mention her suspicion about Vivian’s motives for wanting the kids to move in, what if Ethan brings his new girlfriend home?

Should the kids have to face a stepmother directly?

Vivian noticed she wasn’t feeling well and invited her to sit down and take her time to speak.

"No need, Honey and Seth, go pack your things, we’re going home now."

Upon hearing this, Seth immediately led his sister back to their room to pack.

Vivian noticed the alertness on her face, sighed, and said, "I didn’t know about Ethan’s dating. Although he mentioned something like that before, I thought he purposely said it for me to hear, hoping I would pass the news to you. Ethan is the one among the three kids I understand the least, but I know he truly cares about you. I also believe that even if you two separate, he wouldn’t maliciously hurt you."

Ruby Sullivan was stung by her words and sneered, "What do you mean by malicious harm? Is there benevolent harm? The supplier we collaborated with for Nirvana’s materials canceled the contract, forcing me to find new partners one after another, only to get the same answer from each. Today, he responded with an acquisition agreement. Would you call that benevolent?"

Vivian was somewhat shocked. She hadn’t expected things between them to have deteriorated to this point. Seeing Ruby Sullivan’s aggrieved look, she remembered her late friend, and her heart softened a little. "I’m sorry..." Yet she knew there was nothing more she could do.

Even if they were to ask her uncle for help, like last time, it would only slow down Ethan Sterling’s attack on her. If Ethan truly hardened his heart, no one could assist.

Ruby Sullivan froze at her apology, realizing she had lost control.

"I’m sorry, I know this has nothing to do with you..." She suddenly felt a bit short of breath, nearly collapsing onto the sofa.

Vivian instructed the maid to bring her a glass of water, sat beside her, and patted her shoulder, saying, "You’re both good kids. If you really can’t stay together, then at least don’t become enemies for the children’s sake. Don’t worry, I’ll tell my son the same."

Ruby Sullivan leaned against her and suddenly felt like crying.

If her own mother were still alive, would she tell her what to do?

She saw the two little ones come out of their room, tried to steady her emotions, and told Vivian, "Please tell Ethan Sterling that no matter what his real motive is for attacking Nirvana, I will absolutely not give up custody of the two children!"

After she finished speaking, she picked up the two little ones’ suitcases and walked out of The Sterling Estate with them.

Seth and Honey both knew their mother was upset, so on the way back, they quietly kept to themselves, not wanting to bother her.

That evening, Ruby Sullivan personally cooked their favorite dishes for the two little ones and then played blocks with them. Honey was so happy she couldn’t stop talking about the activities she had done with Vivian lately.

Honey just wanted to talk to her mother, but as Ruby Sullivan listened, she suddenly felt afraid, worried they might leave her, and suddenly asked, "Mom hasn’t had time to be with you lately. Do you not like Mom anymore?"

"Of course not, I know Mom is busy with work. Weren’t you just as busy when we were in Bellaza? Mom works so hard to support us, I love Mom the most," Honey said, sitting next to her mother, cuddling into her embrace.

Seth also noticed that Mom wasn’t in a good mood today. After hearing her questions, he realized something must have happened and comforted, "Mom, don’t worry about us. We understand you’re working hard for us."

"Good." Ruby Sullivan smiled at her son and bent down to plant a kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

After coaxing them to sleep, Ruby Sullivan went to Mama Bennett’s room.

"I might be going abroad for a while. If anyone from The Sterling Family comes to take the children while I’m gone, you must refuse. If you really can’t refuse, call me immediately."

Mama Bennett nodded, "Got it. When are you leaving?"

"Once the visa is ready. It could be in the next day or two. I’m not sure if I can make it back for the New Year. If I can’t... I’ll have to rely on you." Owen had already arranged time off to go home for the New Year, and Mama Bennett said she’d play it by ear. If Ruby couldn’t make it back, Mama Bennett wouldn’t be able to reunite with her family.

"Alright, don’t worry." Mama Bennett smiled nonchalantly, but she was actually a bit heavy-hearted.

Her son had just called yesterday, asking if she was coming home for the New Year. They hadn’t seen each other in years, and she missed her family dearly.

At this time, Ethan Sterling sat by the bay window, drinking. Vivian knocked and said she wanted to chat.

"I heard you’re dating?"

"Ruby Sullivan said that?" Ethan Sterling laughed, "When did she become such a gossip?"

Vivian sat on the bed, without turning on the light, looked at her son by the window, and sighed, "I didn’t want to meddle in your private life, but there are two kids involved. Aren’t you afraid the kids will hate you if you force Ruby into a corner?"

"Yes." Ethan Sterling answered quietly.

Not only was he afraid the kids would hate him, but he was even more scared that she would hate him. However, he had no idea how else to bring her back.

She was so proud; she was willing to to hurt herself rather than make him leave. Hence, he had to take away everything she had, forcing her to become a helpless little rabbit. Even if she turned back into the vengeful little fox she once was, he’d accept it.

By taking Nirvana, he’d leave her with no reasons to hold on. By drawing The Lawson Group’s attention, he’d show her that, even if Dr. L was formidable, Ethan Sterling wasn’t to be trifled with either.

But these things, which could be said in a few words, required him to scheme intricately, with every step perfectly executed.

He didn’t know if this extreme way would achieve the result he wanted. So far, it seemed to be the best plan he could come up with.

"Don’t interfere with my affairs, and don’t offer her any more help." Ethan Sterling’s voice obviously lowered in the latter part, as if warning her.

Vivian frowned, "If you won’t let me interfere in your affairs, then you stay out of mine." She stood up to leave, full of anger.

"When are you and Uncle getting married?"

"Not sure yet."

"Uncle is a good man. If you think he’s right, marry him soon. Treasure what you have." He finished with a laugh that was hard to interpret, then tipped back a sip of his drink, as if mocking himself or feeling envious.

Vivian looked at her son silhouetted in the moonlight and sighed, "Just take care of yourself." She stormed out and went to the second son’s room.

She heard from Cindy that Leon Sterling’s work often brought him into contact with Ethan Sterling, so maybe he would know if Ethan was dating.