Arthur Sterling’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, yet he maintained a smooth facade. "Ethan, my boy, during your three years away, both your elder brothers, Edward and William, found their sweethearts." He added with a forced smile, "Besides, this fortune, it's rightfully yours. How could they, as your elder brothers, possibly take it from you?"
Ethan, disinclined to prolong the charade, spoke calmly. "I can agree, but on certain conditions."
Arthur's eyes lit up. "Conditions? Tell me, what are they?"
Ethan took a deep breath. "I wish to know who my biological father is." He was utterly convinced that Arthur Sterling was not his true father.
Arthur's face froze. He subtly glanced towards the kitchen, a flicker of relief crossing his features as he saw Evelyn still occupied. From Arthur's reaction, Ethan knew his suspicions were correct.
Arthur's expression darkened slightly. "What nonsense are you spouting? Am I not your biological father?"
"Truly?" Ethan sneered, a cutting edge to his voice. "Would a biological father send his own son to prison for another, and then force him to marry a comatose woman immediately upon his release?"
Arthur was momentarily speechless, taken aback by the directness of the accusation. The young man knew everything. He had initially intended to deceive Ethan, to ensnare him in the marriage first, believing that even if the truth surfaced later, it would be too late.
Ethan continued, his voice calm and resolute, "Simply tell me my true origins, and I will agree to marry Miss Davies. Consider it my repayment to the Sterling family for raising me."
Arthur's face was grim. "Insolent boy! How dare you threaten me?"
Ethan's expression remained indifferent. "Don't play the part of a father here. You don't deserve it."
Arthur's face flushed with anger. "Rebellious son, do you truly believe that after three years in prison, your father is powerless against you?"
"Threatening me?" Ethan's tone turned glacial, and a powerful, almost palpable aura of dominance emanated from him. "Do you think I am still the ignorant, naive boy I was three years ago? Or merely an illegitimate child you can manipulate at will?" His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "Cast aside your petty schemes. You are nothing in my eyes." A low, sardonic chuckle escaped his lips. "Haha, let alone you, the entire Sterling family could be shattered with a mere flick of my wrist."
Arthur's body trembled, and his breathing hitched, as if he were caught in the predatory gaze of some primordial beast. He felt as though he could be crushed at any moment, should Ethan choose it.
Ethan reined in his formidable presence, his voice returning to its calm demeanor. "Tell me the truth, and I will agree to marry Miss Davies. This will settle my debt to the Sterling family for my upbringing."
Arthur was somewhat dazed; Ethan had instantly reverted to his former ordinary self. It was as though the preceding intensity had been a mere illusion.
Strange, what just happened? How could that insolent boy possess such an overwhelming aura? I must have imagined it. He attempted to reassure himself, yet the sting of being intimidated by Ethan rankled him. But for the sake of the Davies family alliance, he forced himself to endure.
"Very well, I'll tell you," Arthur conceded.
Ethan listened intently.
"You are indeed not my biological child. Your mother was my first love. She was gravely ill, and her parents had passed, so she entrusted you to me." He paused, a feigned sorrow in his voice. "I promised her I would care for you, out of the love we once shared." Arthur concluded, "As for your biological father, I genuinely do not know."
Ethan observed Arthur throughout his confession, discerning no trace of deceit. Thus, the trail had gone cold once more. Yet, at least one certainty remained: his biological father possessed dragon blood. Finding him should lead to information about the true dragon bones. But how could one find a single individual in such a vast world?
"I have told you all that I know," Arthur said, his tone now cold. "I trust you will remember your promise." He added, "Furthermore, this matter is to remain strictly between us. Do not let anyone else know, or it will bring shame upon the Sterling family."
Ethan's response was calm. "Don't worry, I keep my word. When is the wedding?"
Arthur replied, "Tomorrow. You will wait at home today. I've arranged for someone to come and fit you for clothes."
Soon after, Evelyn had prepared a lavish spread of delicious dishes. She was visibly delighted to learn that Ethan had agreed to the marriage. After dinner, the couple immediately arranged for a selection of clothes to be sent over, and a maid was dispatched to help Ethan try them on.
The following day, Ethan, impeccably dressed, sat in the villa, awaiting the arrival of the wedding procession. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, his face resolute, his eyes bright, and his short hair giving him an unusually vibrant appearance. The entire demeanor radiated an extraordinary presence.
"My dear third brother, your elder brother will always remember your sacrifice. If ever you face a challenge in the future, do not hesitate to come to me." Edward Sterling, his eldest brother, clapped Ethan on the shoulder with a gentle smile. Upon learning of Ethan's impending marriage into the Davies family, he had rushed back overnight from his travels. Though he harbored a profound disdain for Ethan, the illegitimate son, as the eldest brother, he felt compelled to maintain appearances.
Ethan simply shook his head. "No need. From this day forward, I have no connection to the Sterling family." He had finally seen through the family's shameless facade.
Edward's smile faltered, and he silently cursed Ethan's ingratitude.
Soon, the Davies family's wedding procession arrived at the Sterling estate. Ethan strode out the door without a backward glance.
Evelyn cursed under her breath, "What insolence! Years in prison have stripped him of all etiquette and respect for his elders."
Edward comforted her. "Mother, he's just an illegitimate child. Don't trouble yourself over him."
Arthur added, "There's no need to anger yourself over a former prisoner. Our eldest son's efforts this time are commendable; we should go to Father and claim our rightful rewards."
Outside, Ethan, who had just entered the car, clearly heard their disparaging remarks. He sneered inwardly, Sterling family, just you wait.
The wedding procession set off for the Davies family villa. The Davies family, a venerable lineage in Jiangdu City, boasted a heritage spanning centuries, a depth of influence far beyond the reach of the Sterlings.
Soon after, the car arrived at the grand Davies villa. Ethan followed the butler into the residence.
Inside, Lord Davies, Jonathan, and his wife, Clara, were entertaining an elderly man with a distinguished, square-shaped face.
"Doctor Lee, we are so grateful for your tireless efforts," Jonathan said, his voice laced with profound gratitude.
"I am truly sorry, I was unable to offer the help you sought," Dr. Lee Zhengyuan replied, a hint of embarrassment in his tone. "Should I receive any news of the Medicine King, I will inform you immediately." Dr. Lee, a nationally renowned physician, had been retained by the couple at considerable expense. Though he had been unable to awaken their daughter, Eleanor, he had recommended a legendary healer, the Medicine King, to the couple.
Jonathan and Clara looked at him with renewed hope. "Thank you, Dr. Lee."
Dr. Lee waved a dismissive hand, rose, and said, "Then I shall take my leave." Jonathan hastily rose to see him off.
Dr. Lee passed by Ethan, who had just entered. Ethan was curious. Who was this man, and how did he know of the Medicine King? The Medicine King, ruler of all medicines. In ancient times, Shennong sampled a hundred herbs; today, there was the Medicine Emperor, who could identify all forms of medicine. The Medicine Emperor, the foremost figure in the world of alchemy, possessed mysterious and unfathomable alchemical skills. It was said there was no ailment he could not cure. Though the Medicine Emperor's power was immense, it was confined primarily to the realms of alchemy and martial arts, making him largely unknown to ordinary people.
How did Ethan know so much? Because the Medicine Emperor was his master.
"Are you Ethan Sterling?"
A sharp voice interrupted Ethan's thoughts. He looked up to find Jonathan Davies staring at him with an unfriendly expression.
Ethan nodded slightly.
Jonathan's face darkened. "What a splendid Sterling family! To dare send a former prisoner to marry into our family. Do you truly believe that just because we've faced misfortune, we can be easily bullied?"
"Enough, today is a joyous occasion; let us maintain decorum," Clara interjected, glaring at her husband. "Besides, I agreed to this." She then scrutinized Ethan from head to toe, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. "Not bad, not bad at all. He is a handsome young man, quite worthy of our Eleanor."
Jonathan snorted, turned, and ascended the stairs, clearly displeased with Ethan as a son-in-law.
"Old Mr. Smith, please bring Eleanor out." Clara instructed the butler, then beckoned to Ethan. "Ethan, dear, let's go up as well."
Ethan silently followed her upstairs. When they reached the second-floor living room, several nurses were already assisting a beautiful young woman. She appeared to be in her early twenties, with long, wavy red hair, a delicate and flawless face, and a slender, curvaceous figure. Had her complexion not been so sickly pale, she would have been even more breathtaking. Ethan felt a flicker of surprise. Hadn't he been told she was disfigured? Why was she so strikingly beautiful?
Subsequently, witnessed by Jonathan and Clara, the two held a simple wedding ceremony. Afterward, the butler took their photographs to apply for a marriage certificate.
"Ethan, from this day forward, I entrust my daughter to your care." Clara issued a serious warning.
Ethan nodded. "Mother, do not worry. I will ensure Eleanor's happiness in the future."
Jonathan scoffed coldly, turned, and went downstairs.
"Ethan, your father is simply like that; don't take it personally." Clara, feeling a touch embarrassed, produced a bank card. "There's a million in here. It's my gift to you."
Ethan was a little confused. Upon their first meeting, his mother-in-law was giving him a million dollars as a gift? Could such a generous act truly exist in the world? "Mother, I cannot accept this." Ethan quickly waved his hands, somewhat unsure of her intentions. He wondered if her kindness was excessive, perhaps hiding something. How could he have known?
Although the Davies family sought someone to bring good fortune, they weren't seeking just anyone. The Sterling family had proactively suggested Ethan marry into their household. Clara had immediately arranged for an investigation into Ethan's background. He had gone to prison for his brother three years ago, and now, freshly released, was willing to sacrifice himself for his family. Clara naturally admired such a loyal and righteous character. While she had hoped for an exceptional match, given Eleanor's condition, what truly exceptional man would be interested? Besides, the Davies family was not wanting for money. In comparison, character was of paramount importance.
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