Chapter 164: Proclaiming Sovereignty
The four of them returned to the apartment. Ava put the groceries in the kitchen. She had given Sabrina the day off, so Sabrina wasn't there.
Ava asked Joshua to watch Finn and Cleo while she went to the kitchen to wash vegetables and cook.
Joshua conscientiously picked up the two kids and carried them to the sofa.
For some reason, Finn and Cleo didn't throw any tantrums at all when being carried like that, one on each side. In fact, they seemed quite happy about it.
After settling the two children on the sofa, Joshua diligently squeezed into the kitchen.
Ava felt warmth behind her as her body was embraced. Joshua's deep voice sounded right by her ear, "I'll help you."
Ava pushed at Joshua, "No need, you go watch those two and wait for dinner."
"Mommy, we want to help too." Finn and Cleo were also very eager.
Seeing them all so enthusiastic, Ava didn't refuse. "Alright then, Finn and Cleo, go get your own aprons, and grab one of the spare ones for Joshua too."
Finn handed an apron to Joshua. "Daddy, do you even know how to cook? You obviously don't know how to cook. Maybe you shouldn't get in the way."
Feeling underestimated, Joshua took the apron and put it on himself. "Just watch."
Ava had just finished washing the tomatoes and was about to cut them when she turned around to see Joshua in a pink apron.
Although the completely out-of-place pink apron still looked good on him... it was a bit awkward...
"Hahaha." Ava couldn't help laughing. "Sorry Joshua, this is the only spare one we have at home."
"Doesn't matter." Joshua took the tomatoes from Ava's hands. "Need them cut?"
"Yes."
"I'll do it."
Ava hesitated for a second, then figured cutting tomatoes wasn't that hard, so she handed them to Joshua. "Okay, cut them into chunks."
"What about us, Mommy?"
"Finn, you help me wash the scallions. Cleo, your hand is still injured, so just watch Finn. When Cleo's injury heals, then you can help me."
With tasks evenly distributed, Ava went to stir-fry. Before she could even pour oil into the pan, a strange noise came from behind her.
"Finn, what are you doing?"
Ava frowned. Finn was struggling with all his might to hold the fish they'd bought, but the fish was too slippery and flopped onto the floor.
Finn stood there helplessly hugging empty air, his round eyes looking at Ava for help. "Mommy, I just wanted to help you wash the fish."
But... the fish got away!
Ava was speechless.
A very rhythmic chopping sound came from the cutting board in front of Joshua.
Ava leaned over to look, her expression a bit tired.
She had asked him to cut the tomatoes into chunks, but he'd cut them into tiny dice!
"How's this?"
"Nice cutting. Don't do it again next time."
Ava rubbed her forehead.
"How about you three go wait outside?"
The three of them were neatly kicked out of the kitchen by Ava.
Finn and Joshua's eyes met, both showing a bit of exasperation with each other.
Just then, Ava's phone in the living room rang. Joshua walked over and picked it up, intending to take it to Ava.
But Joshua's eyes fell on the name displayed on the screen.
Ryan!
Joshua's eyes darkened. The second he answered the phone, an extremely arrogant and unrestrained voice came through.
"Ava, why did it take you so long to answer? I'm planning to come to Silverlight City in a couple days. Surprised?"
Joshua gritted his teeth.
That incredibly arrogant voice.
Ryan!
It really was him!
"Hello?" Ryan paused for two seconds.
A smell of gunpowder spread through the air.
Ryan's voice turned extremely cold. "You're not Ava."
"Joshua." Joshua announced his name in a dark tone.
Ryan was quiet for several seconds, then a surging killing intent spread through the line. "You're with Ava!"
"She's my girlfriend. Got a problem with that?" Joshua's words were full of territorial claim.