Chapter 62 Playing Matchmaker
Jasper's words were cut short by the mischievous gleam that suddenly sparked in Ethan's eyes.
Ethan tilted his small face up, flashing his pearly white teeth. "Jasper, do you think Wesley and Mom would make a good match?"
Jasper set down his book, his fingertips lightly tapping the pages as he tried to follow Ethan's leaping train of thought. "Where did you pick up these ideas?"
Ethan declared righteously, "That's how it works on TV! Good people should be with good people. Mom is so wonderful, and Wesley is so wonderful, too. If they got together, Wesley could play with me all the time and protect Mom, too!"
The more he spoke, the more brilliant the idea seemed. His little mind was already painting a picture of their happy family of five: Wesley sparring with him while Mom watched from the sidelines, Jasper playing piano, and Emma enjoying strawberry cake.
Jasper watched Ethan lose himself in his fantasy and sighed helplessly.
Ethan might seem clever most of the time, but at crucial moments, he always came up with these childish notions.
Never mind that Wesley was an A-list celebrity; just considering Emily's personality, how could she possibly be arranged by anyone?
Jasper ruffled his hair. "That's not your concern. You should focus on explaining today's incident to Mom tomorrow."
At the mention of Emily, Ethan's excitement deflated by half.
If Emily found out about what happened today, she'd definitely worry and might even forbid him from practicing at the park.
"Jasper, could you maybe not tell Mom? I promise I'll be more careful next time! And Wesley helped me out, so nothing bad happened, right?"
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "You think Mom is that easy to fool?"
Ethan's face fell, his little brow furrowing into a knot.
Jasper was right. Mom was too smart. She'd definitely catch on to something from his words.
Meanwhile, Wesley was still savoring the earlier scene in his car.
The way Ethan had buried himself in his arms, soft and sweet, his milky breath brushing against his neck like feathers tickling his heart.
That phrase "you're my hero" satisfied him more than any fan's screaming ever could.
His phone buzzed with a message from his assistant: [Mr. Martin, we've identified the fans who mobbed Ethan. Most were core members of "Ethan Global Fan Club," plus a few professional paparazzi. Should we send cease and desist letters?]
Wesley's finger paused on the screen before typing back: [Do it.]
When Emily finally had time to check her accumulated messages after finishing her work.
When she saw the entertainment news headline "Ethan Mobbed by Fans at Park, Wesley Steps In to Help," her grip tightened on the mouse and her heartbeat skipped.
Clicking on the video, the sight of the frenzied fans made her blood run cold. Even knowing Ethan was ultimately safe, seeing him scared and cowering in the bodyguard's arms made her heart clench with pain.
"Wesley..." Emily watched the video of Wesley calmly taking control of the situation, her expression complex.
He probably helped Ethan out of consideration for Elodie.
She hadn't expected this seemingly aloof movie star to have such a warm heart.
Emily always repaid her debts. Since he'd helped Ethan, she definitely needed to thank him properly.
Of course, without revealing her relationship with Ethan.
So how could she express her gratitude without seeming suspicious?
As she pondered this, her phone rang; it was Ethan.
"Mom, I'm craving cake from Sunset Bistro. Could you pick some up after work? Please, Mom?" Over the phone, Ethan's voice was soft and wheedling, like a honey-coated little cannonball.
"Alright, alright, you little glutton. Wait for me—I'll buy some after work." Emily chuckled.
Sunset Bistro's cakes were indeed exquisite, especially their chocolate mousse, which Ethan could polish off half a slice of every time.
After hanging up, she checked the time and quickened her pace with the remaining documents.
Meanwhile, Wesley had just finished a brand photoshoot when his phone chimed with a message from Ethan: [Wesley, to thank you for helping me, I want to treat you to cake at Sunset Bistro after school. It's the most delicious cake I've ever had! Sugar-free, so you won't gain weight!]
Wesley chuckled at the message, typing back a simple "okay."
He pocketed his phone, gave his assistant a few instructions, and headed straight toward Sunset Bistro.
6:30 PM at Sunset Bistro.
Emily walked into the lobby wearing a cream-colored suit with her hair pulled back in a neat chignon. She immediately spotted a familiar figure by the window.
Wesley had just removed his mask and looked up at that exact moment, meeting her eyes.
Their gazes locked, and the air seemed to freeze momentarily.
"Mr. Martin?" Emily was the first to recover, looking somewhat surprised. What were the odds of running into Wesley here?
Wesley raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as well.
He paused, his gaze settling on her with natural familiarity: "You like the cakes here, too?"
It seemed Wesley had also come for the cakes. Who would have thought this A-list star shared the same taste as little glutton Ethan?
She curved her lips slightly, her tone softening. "Yes, their desserts are quite exceptional."
Since she'd run into him, this was the perfect opportunity to express her gratitude. Emily glanced at the deepening twilight outside and suggested, "Are you free, Mr. Martin? Would you like to dine together?"
Wesley didn't refuse, only adding, "I might have a friend joining me later. Would you mind?"
A little friend still counted as a friend, didn't it?
"Of course not." Emily smiled in agreement, mentally calculating that she'd be getting home late tonight.
She pulled out her phone to text Ethan: [I ran into a friend and will be having dinner out. You all eat first, don't wait for me.]
Soon, Ethan replied with an "OK" emoji.
The hostess led them to a window booth that offered an open view while remaining relatively private.
The server had just brought their coffee when Wesley casually remarked, "Speaking of which, I really admire Obscura Fashion's recent 'Starburst' collection, especially that moonstone necklace among the accessories. The design has such beautiful imagery."
Emily was surprised he'd noticed such details. "You're too kind, Mr. Martin. I just created designs I personally loved."
"You're being too modest. The industry is so superficial these days; there aren't many people who'll dedicate themselves to original design like you do."
His gaze was too direct, filled with undisguised admiration that made Emily somewhat uncomfortable as she looked away.
She lifted her coffee for a sip. "You're the impressive one, Mr. Martin. Maintaining your artistic integrity and focus on your craft after so many years in the entertainment industry is far more challenging."
Wesley sighed. "Emily, could you please stop calling me Mr. Martin?"