Chapter 890 Who Is That Man

Chapter 890 Who Is That Man

Ethan pressed his hand against his chest, still feeling a dull ache. But how could he possibly worry Ashley?

Fighting through the waves of pain, he forced a smile. "Sweetheart, how did you notice such a small detail on the livestream?"

The fact that Ashley had spotted his discomfort through the television when even people standing right next to him hadn't noticed touched him deeply.

"Darling, I'm your wife," Ashley said. "I know every little thing about you. Even through a screen, I can tell when you've overexerted yourself and pulled at your wound."

She paused, concern washing over her face. "How's the injury? Does it hurt? Maybe I should take you to the hospital to get it checked."

"Honey, I've rested a bit. It's much better now," Ethan assured her.

Ashley gave him a skeptical look, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception.

Seeing her expression, Ethan knew she didn't believe him. He placed his phone on a stand and said, "If you don't believe me, I'll take off my shirt right now so you can see for yourself."

"Wait—"

Before Ashley could stop him, Ethan had already removed his jacket and shirt, revealing his muscular torso.

His lean, athletic build was both elegant and incredibly sexy.

Ashley stared through the screen, mesmerized. Those perfectly defined muscles made her fingers itch to touch him.

On Ethan's chest was a scar that resembled a centipede. The sight of it pierced Ashley's heart. While his body made her pulse race, the wound filled her with sympathy.

"Ethan! You can't just strip like that," Ashley exclaimed. "Is anyone else there with you?"

Feeling her possessive concern, Ethan's lips curved into a smile. "Of course not."

"I've checked your wound already. Put your clothes back on before you catch a cold."

"Yes, ma'am." Ethan smiled indulgently and put his shirt back on while she watched.

"Darling, your wound probably pulled at the muscle, which is why it hurts," Ashley said. "Don't do any strenuous activity for the next few days. Just rest."

"Okay." Ethan agreed, gazing at Ashley with adoration.

"And don't forget to take the medicine Simon gave you," she continued. "When I'm with you, I always make sure you take it. Now that I'm away, don't skip it."

Mentioning the medicine, Ethan replied, "Don't worry, I'll take it."

"That medicine—you fought so hard to get it from Dwayne. I wouldn't waste something you went through so much trouble to obtain."

A look of surprise flashed across Ashley's face.

She had never mentioned to Ethan about turning the Eldergreen Herb into medicine, yet he seemed to know everything.

"You knew all along?" Ashley asked, astonished.

"Yes, I figured it out," Ethan said. "When you posted that message from your official account, I noticed the hidden distress signal. I faked my death to play along."

"So much happened afterward that I never got the chance to explain. When I discovered Griffin was actually Dwayne, I realized he was controlling you because of the Eldergreen Herb. It was just a theory until Simon brought the medicine box, which confirmed my suspicions."

The atmosphere between them grew heavy.

They had only wanted a simple, happy life together, but fate kept throwing obstacles in their path. Though they'd overcome every challenge so far, the fear remained—fear that someday, someone's malice might destroy everything they had.

After a moment of silence, Ethan gazed deeply at her and said in a husky voice, "Thank you for doing so much for me."

Thinking about how she had risked her life to save him filled him with fear, heartache, gratitude, and overwhelming love.

"Stop that!" Ashley protested playfully. "We're married—we face everything together. Don't be so formal with me!"

They stared at each other through the screen.

After a long moment, Ethan said hoarsely, "I miss you."

Ashley smiled. "But you're looking at me right now."

"Looking isn't enough. I want to hold you, talk to you about everything."

The thought of being apart for three more days felt unbearable.

"You can tell me anything over video call," Ashley said shyly.

Ethan rested his chin on his hand, looking at her intently. "You know that video calls can't satisfy all my... desires."

Ashley sighed helplessly.

Seeing her embarrassment, Ethan smirked, pleased with himself.

The intimate atmosphere between them continued to build.

Suddenly, there was a knock at Ethan's door.

Simon's voice came from outside: "Your Highness, His Majesty asked me to bring you these documents."

"Don't hang up," Ethan told Ashley. "I'll be right back."

"Okay."

Ethan adjusted his posture and called out, "Come in."

Simon entered the office, unaware that Ethan was on a video call with Ashley.

He placed the files on the desk.

"Your Highness, this is the personal information on the man who behaved strangely at today's press conference."

"Just leave it there."

After placing the documents, Simon added, "Your Highness, one more thing. Ian just informed me that Isabella, the head of the Aivalia formula company, will arrive in Gold Valley District tonight. She'll report on Aivalia's business progress tomorrow."

"Noted."

After Simon finished his update, he turned and left.

From the other end of the video call, Ashley heard the door close and said, "Isabella's coming back to Gold Valley District?"

Her voice revealed her excitement—she considered Isabella a friend.

Ethan shrugged, not particularly interested. "Yes, she's reporting on last quarter's results and planning next quarter's marketing strategy."

"That's wonderful! When she arrives, I'll take her shopping."

"Just don't tire yourself out," Ethan cautioned.

"I won't. By the way," Ashley changed the subject, "check that man's file. Watching him on TV, he moved like a zombie, but he only targeted you. It's almost like he was being controlled like a puppet!"

"Who is he?" Ethan was equally puzzled. He opened the file.

"That's strange..." he murmured.