CHAPTER 144: CHAPTER 144: THE PERFECT FALL GUY (2)

The man was dressed in black, sporting a bow tie, elegant like a medieval noble.

Taking the violin from Seraphina’s hand, Ethan Sterling handed her a bouquet.

"Wouldn’t it be a shame to turn down such an opportunity?"

Just now, when he walked over, David was speaking with Seraphina, and Ethan waited here so as not to interrupt them.

Thus, he overheard bits and pieces of their conversation.

"Given the state my dad and brother are in now, how could I possibly leave the country?"

Seraphina lowered her head, sniffing the roses in her arms, and made a funny face at him.

"Besides... If I develop abroad, how could I have my husband pick me up every day?"

Ethan chuckled, reaching over with his right hand to support her arm, his tone becoming serious.

"If you truly want to go, I can accompany you. I’ll arrange the hospital for your dad, and as for your brother’s case, I’ll keep an eye on it with Nathan. You can return for a few days when you are needed."

Ethan knew this was a rare opportunity for Seraphina and didn’t want her to miss it.

Seraphina lightly shook her head, "No, I don’t want to go."

"Why?"

"I know the music market here isn’t great right now, but I feel it will slowly improve in the future. Just now, playing on stage, I could feel their favorite was my piece with Oriental style."

Talking about music, Seraphina’s eyes sparkled.

"I hope to have my own orchestra in the future and create more music in the Oriental style, letting the world hear our voice."

Watching her eyes, Ethan smiled and nodded.

"Whatever decision you make, I will support you unconditionally."

"Thank you." Seraphina wrapped her arm around his, "Now that my performance is over, the next three days, wherever you want to go or whatever you want to do, I can accompany you."

"Really?" Ethan turned slightly, playfully nibbled at the tip of her ear, "Anything at all?"

"Stop it!" Flushed with embarrassment from his teasing, Seraphina gently pushed him, "I’m going to remove my makeup and change."

"No need to change." Ethan encircled her small waist, gently stroking the soft, smooth silk, "I love your dress tonight. It’s beautiful, change on the plane."

"Plane?" Seraphina looked surprised, "Where are we going?"

"I want to take you home to see." Ethan held her hand, "My home."

Knowing he meant the place he grew up, Seraphina nodded.

"Alright."

After quickly packing up, the two brought Seraphina’s luggage to the airport.

Knowing Seraphina was tired from her recent performances, Ethan specially arranged a business charter flight for her.

On the plane, Seraphina had a good sleep, and when she woke up, the plane had already landed at the airport.

Getting into the waiting car at the airport, they arrived together at a slightly old apartment complex in the northern part of the city center.

The car stopped below the unit door, Ethan helped her out of the car and led her into the dim corridor.

"This is the place where I grew up, from birth until fifteen years old."

Seraphina raised her face to look around, "Do people still live here now?"

"Yes, all old residents from before." Ethan led her into the old-fashioned elevator, closed the door, and pressed the floor button, "I’ve bought this whole area and let everyone live here for free."

At that time, his mother raised him alone, and many neighbors lent a helping hand to the mother and son.

Ethan did this not only to preserve his home and prevent others from buying and demolishing it but also to repay those neighbors for their kindness.

However, Ethan never announced it publicly.

Aside from Sean Hale and the lawyer, Seraphina was the only one who knew this secret.

As the elevator ascended, Seraphina looked at the man beside her, reaching over to hold his hand.

Everyone said he was a demon, yet who knew what deeds this man did behind the scenes?

The elevator reached the 9th floor, Ethan led her to the door at the end of the corridor, took out a key and unlocked it.

"This is my home, please come in, Mrs. Sterling."

Seraphina stepped inside, glancing around.

It was a very small one-bedroom apartment, with old furniture and couch, but tidied up neatly.

A piano sat in one corner of the living room, with a photo frame on top.

Seraphina walked over and picked up the photo frame from the piano.

The photo inside was of Ethan’s mother, holding young Ethan, both smiling happily.

Most of Ethan’s looks were inherited from his mother, Mrs. Sterling in the photo had a delicate and beautiful face.

Simple attire couldn’t hide her innate elegance.

Ethan handed a cup of hot tea to Seraphina.

"Have some tea first, then we’ll go out for dinner."

Seraphina glanced around, focusing on the tidy kitchen.

"Why not... Let’s cook at home?"

Oriental people always emphasize a homely atmosphere, this place was neat but clearly hadn’t been inhabited for a long time.

Seraphina wanted to have a meal here and truly experience the place he grew up in.

Ethan looked at his watch, "Alright, let’s go buy some ingredients first."

Without driving, they strolled to a nearby Oriental supermarket, buying necessary ingredients and seasonings.

Ethan carried the groceries, Seraphina hugged a bag of bread, walking and planning the lunch menu.

"For lunch, I want eggplant stew, and tofu..."

"No problem." Ethan replied with a smile, "It’s too late today, so we’ll stay here tonight, and tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet my mom."

Upon hearing him mention Mrs. Sterling, Seraphina paused, "You think... she will like me?"

"Of course." Ethan turned to her with a smile, "My mom will surely like you."

"Why?"

"Because I like you, what I like, my mom must like too?"

One standing on the curb, the other standing off it, just right to look each other in the eye.

Looking into Ethan’s eyes, Seraphina slightly tilted her head, gently kissing his lips.

"Ethan, I..." she inhaled deeply, mustering her courage, "I like..."

Before Seraphina could finish, out of the corner of her eye, she caught an unusual movement and instinctively looked behind Ethan.

In the lane, a black car, whether out of control or something else, was veering towards Ethan.

"Watch out!"

Seraphina grabbed Ethan’s arm, pulling him to the side.

At the same time, Ethan heard the engine roaring behind him, quickly turning his face.

"Go!"

Seeing the car approaching them, Ethan didn’t hesitate and with all his strength, pushed Seraphina forward.

Seraphina fell to the ground, the bread bag flipped in midair, and the bread scattered everywhere.

Bang— the car’s side light hit Ethan, who toppled over, rolling down the roadside grass.

"Ethan!"

Ignoring her scraped arms and knees, Seraphina scrambled up, rushing down the grass like a madwoman.