CHAPTER 651: CHAPTER 651

"I didn’t say that. Anyway... I’ll leave you to your thoughts." Shirley smiled and said vaguely, "That’s all I can say. If you want to know the truth, you’d better find the culprit."

Clara was speechless. She clenched her fists and stopped asking any more questions. The answer was obvious.

"Also, you’d better stay away from Ethan. He’s Ace’s best buddy. He’ll always take his buddy’s side. If not, Ace wouldn’t know about Quinton having surgery so soon and even happen to have the doctor’s contact." When Shirley noticed that Clara had fallen for her trick, she continued making matters worse.

However, the truth was that the accident had nothing to do with Ace. It was related to Ace’s significant other, so she felt that it was related to Ace too. Shirley felt that she hadn’t lied by saying that.

"I knew that scumbag Ace was a cruel villain!’ Clara felt that Ace was the mastermind behind it because of Shirley’s words, and figured that Ethan must have helped Ace.

She could not stay here any longer. She had to return to the City to protect Joanna from that villain.

Meanwhile, the burning fire in the kitchen predicted the imminent battle between the two men who were there.

Santiago had rolled up his sleeves and was wearing an apron. He was cutting the ingredients attentively, looking attractive as he worked.

Most people would be mesmerized by him, but Ethan, who was sitting by the stove and making a fire, found Santiago detestable. He broke the firewood roughly as if he was imagining it was Santiago’s arm,and said to Santiago icily, "So, what’s your great plan, hmm? Just tell me if you want money. How much do you want?"

Santiago sneered and harshly threw the ingredients into the pot. The water splashed on Ethan’s face, and Santiago smiled vindictively. "Mr. Stuart, you’re filthy rich. How much can you pay to get rid of me?"

Ethan wiped away the water on his face and gritted his teeth. "As expected, you’re showing your true colors. I can easily see through a scheming man like you; you can only fool a dumb girl like Clara. It’s good that you’re finally being honest."

"I’m a scheming actor, and Miss Blackwell is a dumb girl. Shirley and you are the only ones who are noble and smart. Is that what you’re saying?" Santiago met Ethan’s gaze, his tone even but firm.

Ethan felt that he was a shrewd man who had met countless people, but he felt that Santiago was on par with him. Santiago was an actor, but he radiated an aura that suggested he was no ordinary person. It was indeed strange.

"Which company do you belong to? Who is your backer?" Ethan narrowed his eyes and demanded.

"I didn’t sign a contract with any company. I have my team, and I accept jobs myself. No capitalists support me either... If we’re talking about support, I only have a lot of fans like Miss Blackwell," Santiago said slowly.

"You know that she’s your fan. Her feelings for you are what a fan feels for her idol. You’d better not flatter yourself and let your imagination run wild. Don’t even dream of living a rich and carefree life by hooking up with a rich, young lady."

Ethan made himself very clear. He didn’t care about Santiago’s background, but he would not let him off the hook if he tried to approach Clara with ulterior motives.

"Hah! So, people can live a carefree life after hooking up with a rich, young lady? Isn’t that just like what Shirley did?

After she hooked up with you, she was always promoted and supported." Santiago snorted. "How hypocritical. I don’t even want to argue with you about this."

The pot was steaming, and the fried mudfish was finally done. There were some pickles and chili too. It was a sour and spicy meal, which Clara liked.

Ethan wanted to say more but Santiago left the kitchen, carrying the freshly-cooked meal. Ethan was left alone in the kitchen, crying because of the smoke.

He had lost this round.

"Food is ready. Let’s eat!" Santiago called out politely. Clara came to the table absently, looking dazed. She tried her best to force a smile but failed.

Santiago noticed that something was troubling her, so he put a mudfish on her plate. "You should eat first, and stop thinking about other stuff. I cooked it for you, so you should do me the favor and try it."

"Umm... sorry for being rude." Clara smiled apologetically at Santiago and started eating. "It’s good. It’s the best dish I’ve ever had."

"Of course! Although it’s just a dish, Santiago poured his heart and soul into it. We’re very touched and jealous of you.

"Tsk! Who made the top actor cook for her? It wasn’t me. I’m just a nobody who eats for free..."

The other celebrities laughed and teased. Santiago did not say anything, and just smiled in agreement quietly. People might think he was Clara’s boyfriend.

Adam enjoyed the meal and gossip too. He also chimed in and joked, "Hey, this is a farming variety show. Why is it turning into a dating variety show all of a sudden?"

"Mr. Jiminez, you’d better make it a dating variety show then. Isn’t it more interesting to shoot the farming lives of couples? What’s more, we have two couples here, and it looks so nice when they’re together. Of course, there’s a lot to talk about!"

At that time, Ethan came out of the kitchen, his face full of dirt and looking pitiful and aggrieved.

"Who are the two couples? Tell me so I can join in the fun too." Ethan looked at everyone and snarled coldly.

"No, there’s no such thing!" Everyone immediately kept their heads low and ate quietly. They could tease the top actor, top actress, or even the rich, young lady, but they did not dare to offend the capitalist.

The atmosphere was a little tense, and Clara put her cutlery down and sighed. "That thing doesn’t concern me at all because I’m going to leave after this meal. I had a great time with you guys these past few days. Goodbye."