Chapter 309
“Honey, is this Benjamin, your hacker?” Ethan asked casually.
His words took Lilian by surprise.
‘Wow! Does he know?’ Lilian scolded herself mentally, trying to think fast.
She couldn't reveal too much... but she couldn't lie to her own husband either. She sighed.
After a few seconds, she decided to be as honest as possible.
“Honey... he really is just like Harry,” she admitted. She didn't reveal the hacker or his real name, but it was true enough. “But please keep this to yourself. Don't tell anyone about him.”
“Of course, honey...” Ethan smiled when he saw how worried she was.
Her lips were slightly pursed, as if challenging him to kiss her. That made him lean toward her.
He tried to kiss her, but Lilian quickly turned away.
“Why?” he laughed, surprised by her refusal.
Lilian didn't answer. She just turned and practically ran downstairs, disappearing down the hall. Ethan chuckled softly as he calmly followed her.
When Lilian reached the living room, she saw Benjamin and Dinho talking animatedly with Julian and Harry, completely distracted.
“Why are there only four of you? Where are Gabriela and Matthew?” she asked. It was five minutes before lunch; they should be there.
“Sis, Gabriela is on her way...” Benjamin replied. But when he looked up, he saw Ethan right behind her.
Benjamin froze.
He immediately recognized Ethan Legrand—the imposing posture, the cold and calculating gaze. A shiver ran down his spine. He avoided eye contact, looking straight at Lilian.
“I see...” Lilian nodded. “And Matthew?”
“He's with Laura,” replied Dinho.
“Wow! He finally brought Laura...” Lilian celebrated, beaming.
“Yeah, he suddenly changed his mind,” added Dinho.
“I see...” She fell silent when she felt Ethan's hand gently rest on her shoulder. She looked at him.
“Lilian, could you introduce me to your friend?” he asked, smiling.
“Oh, of course. I forgot!” Lilian smiled and turned to Benjamin. “Benjamin, this is Ethan Legrand, my husband. And, dear, this young man is Benjamin, my old friend, whom I consider a brother.”
“Hello, Benjamin. Nice to meet you,” Ethan said, extending his hand.
“It's an honor to meet you, sir...” Benjamin's voice faltered. Ethan's firm handshake only increased his tension.
“Benjamin, you can call me ‘bro’ if you want. Or just my first name. No need to use ‘sir,’” Ethan said casually, before greeting everyone with a slight nod.
Benjamin just nodded, swallowing hard. “Call him bro? No way...” he decided internally.
Ethan, always reserved, sat down next to Lilian. As he listened to her conversation with her friends, he ran his hand through his wife's hair, watching the movement in the room and the landscape beyond the windows.
“Wait, there are only two of you. Where's Matthew? Why didn't he come with one of you?” asked Lilian, looking strangely from Benjamin to Dinho.
She really didn't understand why each of them had come in a different car... and neither of them with Matthew. If they had been together, they could have picked up Laura earlier.
“I told you he picked up Laura,” Benjamin replied.
“But that doesn't make sense. It's just a quick trip to her house. Why didn't you go together?”
“Maybe Laura would be shy about meeting me... or meeting Dinho,” Benjamin said dismissively, crossing his arms as he looked around.
He was about to ask about Lilian's son when Dinho spoke up:
“Matthew left home earlier than us today. Maybe they had something to do before coming here.” Dinho scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. “Boss... I think you know what I'm talking about...”
“Ha ha ha...” Benjamin laughed loudly.
“True... true... they're a new couple and need more intimate moments.”
Lilian and Dinho smiled at his absurd comment.
“Who's the new couple?” Gabriela's voice sounded behind them, surprising the group.
Everyone turned around immediately.
“Gabriela, you're finally here!” Lilian said, standing up.
She was a little shocked to see her friend in skinny jeans, a white blouse, and sneakers. The simple bun in her hair only reinforced the surprise. This was not the glamorous Gabriela everyone knew.
Lilian hugged her and whispered:
“Did you dress like this on purpose to get someone's attention?” Her eyes widened. “My God, Gabriela Mileys, are you trying to attract my husband!?”
“What?” Gabriela laughed and gave Lilian a light slap on the forehead. “What the hell are you thinking, girl? Tsk, tsk... you're so funny...”
Lilian stared at her with a look of protest, still holding her forehead.
“Sorry, dear. Even though I know your husband is incredibly handsome, you don't need to worry... I've never liked married men,” Gabriela said with a smirk.
Lilian rolled her eyes.
“And how do you know I'm trying to attract someone?”
“You usually wear designer clothes, all dressed up.” Today you came... down to earth,“ explained Lilian, examining her. ”I rarely see you like this...
“Girl, you know me so well...” Gabriela laughed, but her gaze scanned the room.
Her expression changed to slight frustration when she didn't find who she was looking for.
“Why isn't everyone here yet?” she asked.
“Some people are still missing,” said Lilian, equally concerned. “I'm still waiting for Daniel...”
“Damn! They ruined my plan,” muttered Gabriela. But her words were lost when she finally noticed the tall, imposing man just ahead.
Ethan Legrand.
He was casually fiddling with his cell phone, unaware of her gaze.
Gabriela's eyes widened and she immediately pulled Lilian by the arm.
“Girl! Now I understand why you fell in love with your husband at first sight... He's so hot,” she whispered, trying not to drool.
“Stop teasing me,” Lilian rolled her eyes, but smiled.
“Come on, introduce me to your husband,” Gabriela asked eagerly.
Lilian took her to Ethan.
“Honey, this is Gabriela, my best friend.”
Ethan looked up and waved politely.
He just waved.
No handshake.
Lilian frowned. Did he hear something? Is he jealous? But she decided to leave the subject for later.
She introduced Gabriela to Julian and Harry, who greeted her with polite smiles.
“Come on, let's go to the backyard,” Lilian invited. “Lunch is ready.”
And so, everyone began to move toward the garden, while a certain atmosphere of anticipation hung in the air—after all, Matthew and Laura had not yet arrived.