Vivienne noticed her daughter's change in mood and softly asked, "What's making you so happy?"
Melanie clutched her phone, whispering back, "Asher will be back soon."
Vivienne shook her head in mild exasperation. Her daughter was acting quite smitten!
Was it necessary to be so anxious over Asher just stepping out for a while?
Ah, the mindset of the young was beyond her comprehension.
When Asher returned, it coincided with lunchtime.
Leonard enthusiastically introduced Ethan to him. Asher responded with a composed demeanor, showing no overt reaction, leaving Leonard feeling as if he had punched a soft cushion.
Vivienne and Melanie were accustomed to Leonard's antics, exchanging a wordless glance of disapproval before redirecting their attention elsewhere.
Asher sat beside Melanie, opposite Ethan and Aria. Leonard couldn't help but muse that it seemed a perfectly paired setting.
Putting aside other considerations, he was somewhat satisfied with Asher. Ethan too, met with his approval.
During the meal, Ethan occasionally engaged Leonard in conversation, successfully cheering him up.
Leonard glanced at Asher, wishing he could be more amenable, saying something pleasant to lift his spirits.
Perhaps, in his joy, he might even consider marrying his daughter off to Asher!
Towards the end of lunch, Aria and Ethan exchanged a glance. Understanding passed between them, as per their prior arrangement.
Aria turned to Leonard, her expression hesitant.
"Uncle, I have a favor to ask!"
Leonard looked up at her. "What is it? Feel free to say, as long as it's within my power."
Ethan tugged lightly at Aria, seemingly displeased with her move, "Aria, we're eating. Let's not talk about this now."
Aria looked wronged, "There are things you won't say, but I will. My skin is thick, I don't mind."
Leonard urged, "Alright, take your time, tell me..."
Aria ventured, "Uncle, could Ethan work at your company? I want him to learn more under your guidance."
Leonard chuckled.
"No problem……"
It was a trivial matter; of course, he could accommodate it!
However, before Leonard could finish, Melanie interjected with a firm refusal.
"Absolutely not! Aria, how could you even think of this? It's a dangerous idea!"
Aria was baffled. "? ???" What are you saying?
Ethan's gaze flickered as well.
Aria paled, looking at Melanie, "Melanie, I'm sorry, I was just anxious..."
Leonard felt a pang of sympathy. Aria rarely asked anything of him.
Now, she merely wanted Ethan to work at his company – not a big request. He could easily arrange it. Confused, he stared at his daughter, wondering why she had rejected the idea so categorically.
Melanie explained seriously, "Aria, have you forgotten what you told me before?
If you let Ethan join Dad's company, even if he succeeds, people will still say he relied on connections. Many will look down on him.
All his hard work will be disregarded, and they'll only see him as someone who climbed the ladder through nepotism. Do you want that for him?
When Asher started his business, you told me I'd be harming him, making him lose face. Aren't you doing the same to Ethan now?"
Each word fell like a slap to Aria's face.
