Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 124

"This isn't just about me, aren't you my husband? Are you seriously trying to make us make our own decisions respectively now?" Ines said, exasperated.

Ethan had to admit defeat. This girl either didn't speak at all or her words were razor-sharp and hit the nail on the head, leaving him no room for retort.

"I apologize, Mrs. Meyer. We're two peas in a pod." There was a playful glint in Ethan's eyes.

Ines blushed, knowing full well what he meant. "Ethan, I'm trying to have a serious conversation here, quit playing the fool."

"A good husband is one who plays the fool with his wife." Ethan said, trying to keep a straight face. Ines found her more bold over time spent with him. She grabbed his handsome face, "Answer my question seriously." She really didn't know what to do and wanted to hear his thoughts.

Ethan took her hand, staring intently at her face, not missing any of her expressions. "Izzy, can you tell me what you're truly feeling right now?"

Ines was taken aback, then said, "Honestly, I don't care about the wealth that comes from the shares. You've given me so much more than that, more than I could ever spend. And I can't forget what Hunter did. I don't want any ties with the Galeana family. But I also can't stand the thought of just letting it go. If I don't accept, the shares could end up back in Hunter's hands. Sooner or later, everything will belong to that mother-daughter duo, and it's rightfully my mom's. Why should I just hand it over to them?"

Ethan's gaze deepened, his thoughts wandering: the ultimate fate of those shares, whether they would indeed fall into the hands of that mother-daughter duo, was yet undecided. Yet, this girl seemed to have made up her mind. "It seems," he mused aloud, "you're seeking my counsel when you already possess the answer."

"I..." Ines was lost for words.

"Actually, you're overthinking it. Accepting the shares doesn't mean you're tied to the Galeana family. You just have to sit back and enjoy the dividends. If there's a shareholders' meeting and you don't want to face those people, just send someone else to represent you. It's really that simple, you're just overthinking it and making it complicated."

Ethan fully supported Ines owning shares, but if Hunter wanted to burden her with the responsibility of managing the company, he would definitely oppose it.

Her thin shoulders can't bear such a heavy burden. She hadn't had a good life in the previous years, and he wanted her to live comfortably in the coming years.

It seems it's time to meet with Hunter and clarify some things.

After Ethan finished speaking, he noticed that Ines' eyes, which had been heavy, had lit up. She looked straight at him, and he knew she had made up her mind.

"Why am I so stupid that I didn't think of this?"

"Silly girl." Ethan murmured. She was too close to the situation to see clearly.

"I'm not silly." Ines snuggled into his embrace, hugging his lean waist, feeling incredibly calm.

Ines remembered Phoebe's repeated requests and tentatively asked, "Ethan, would you be opposed to appearing on a magazine cover?"

Ethan looked at her and laughed, "What are you trying to say?"

"As you know, Phoebe is the editor of the entertainment section of a magazine. The economy is on the decline, and their industry is no exception. All the major magazines are coming up with new

tricks, and the competition is fierce. You're rarely in the public eye, could you make an appearance for her? I believe with your help, it would be a great boost for her. She's my best friend and she's helped me a lot." Ines explained earnestly, her eyes pleading.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Why doesn't she ask Noel?"

Ines paused, "Do you know something?"

"Didn't Noel try to pursue her a while ago?"

"I forgot to ask Phoebe, but judging by her state, I don't think Noel succeeded."

"With such a good resource, why doesn't she use it? If she asked, Noel would definitely be willing. Noel is also more suitable to be on the cover of an entertainment magazine than me." Ethan chuckled.

Ines pouted, "Is it really okay for you to use your good friend as a stepping stone like this all the time? Besides, I'm the one asking you now, stop bringing other people into this. Are you going or not? I need to give Phoebe an answer."

"I'm serious, Noel is better at creating buzz. And Phoebe would have more creative freedom writing about him."

Catching the subtle shifts in his countenance, Ines had a sudden realization. Entertainment magazines catered to an audience that thrived on gossip, predominantly women. If Ethan were to attend, he would undoubtedly face inquiries about his personal life, particularly the emotional chill that characterized his demeanor a few years prior. A question, no doubt, on the minds of all the women in A City. Registering this, Ines nodded and replied softly, "Alright, we won't go then. I'll inform Phoebe. When she transitions to the finance section of the magazine, we'll extend our support."

She understood his troubles and naturally didn't want to stir up his painful past, especially in public. It would be too cruel for him.

Seeing the change in Ines' attitude, Ethan furrowed his brows. After thinking for a while, he said, "If you can go with me, maybe I'll consider it."

Ines laughed and pushed him slightly, "Stop joking around. I'm a nobody, not a celebrity. What use would I be? Everyone's focus would be on you, not me."

"You're my wife, are you sure they're not interested in our story? After all, it's rare for people to get married so quickly after meeting."

While Ines thought Ethan had a point, she still didn't want to pressure him. After thinking carefully, she decided to let it go, "Ethan, don't push yourself, I really don't want to put you in a difficult position."

Ethan pointed to his cheek, "Then how about you give me a kiss? Maybe then I won't feel so bad."

Ines laughed and lightly patted his chest, "You're too old to be acting so childish."

"Are you really not going to kiss me?" Ethan squinted. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Ines chuckled, casually wrapping her arm around his neck and planted a passionate kiss on his cheek. Ethan, contented, said, "Izzy, don't sweat it. It's not like this magazine interview is a live broadcast or something, the ball's totally in Phoebe's court. I trust her to handle it. You can ring her up now, see if we can do the interview together. If she's cool with it, let her pick a date."

"You sure you're okay?" Ines asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"I'm fine."

With the reassurance, Ines dialed Phoebe in front of Ethan, and Phoebe burst into laughter at the other end, commending Ines for still being such a go-getter, and the idea of them doing the interview together was right up her alley.