The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 396 My Only Family

Patrick had not expected to hear such words from Ethan.

His son's eyes were just as cold and disdainful as that woman's had been.

Ethan's expression was so much like Sylvia's that for one brief moment, Patrick felt as though he had been transported back to the past. He could certainly see her in their son.

It took Patrick a while to snap out of his daze. Embarrassed by Ethan's dismissive attitude toward him, he couldn't help but lash out. "You'd better think it over carefully. Don't act all arrogant and just be grateful for my offer. Once you come home, we will recognize you as a member of the Lester family, and your situation will definitely change for the better."

The way he saw it, he was already being more than gracious by making this offer. If his son had any sense, he would gladly accept the opportunity and make the most of it.

But Ethan was done talking to Patrick. He touched Janet's hand and said, "See Mr. Lester out for me."

He was clearly sending Patrick away.

As for Janet, she didn't like the man at all.

He might look and sound like a decent, rich man, but his hands were tainted with blood. Patrick had raped an innocent woman, and abandoned her and their child in the years that followed. They all knew that he was only trying to cozy up to Ethan now because of his selfish interests. Contrary to what he had been expecting, however, Ethan had no regard for the Lester family whatsoever.

Without missing a beat, Janet strode over to the door and opened it before gesturing at Patrick. "Please, Mr. Lester," she said in a chilly voice that could rival Ethan's.

Patrick was beyond mortified at this point. This couple had actually dared to give him the cold shoulder. Him, of all people!

The shameless Lind girl was just as brazen as his bastard son.

Patrick struggled to compose himself. He refused to lose his cool in front of these insolent youngsters. "Don't worry, I can manage by myself," he scoffed.

Just before he walked out of the room, he glanced back at Ethan with a last reminder. "I'm warning you, Ethan, if you blow this chance, you will never get another one. You may never step into the threshold of the Lester residence for the rest of your life. You-"

He was cut off as Janet unceremoniously slammed the door on his face.

"I can't believe a man could be this mean," she grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're still his son! The least he could have done was to be courteous and respectful. He doesn't deserve to be anybody's elder."

A surprised grin broke out on Ethan's face. He hadn't seen her so worked up before. It was adorable.

He leaned back against the headboard and studied Janet.

She bristled under his scrutinizing gaze, and she awkwardly averted her eyes. Her husband was an enigma, really. He usually didn't talk much, but he always liked to stare at her with his gentle eyes. Janet felt a blush creep into her cheeks. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have spoken ill of your father. I just... I just feel terrible for you, for everything you've been through."

Ethan had lost his mother at a young age, and had to fend for himself ever since. And then his father turned out to be a massive scumbag.

"Come here." Ethan waved her over with a faint smile.

Janet plopped on the edge of the bed with her head lowered, like a child who knew she had done something wrong and was about to be scolded. The bed was high enough that her feet dangled just a couple of inches from the floor. She began to swing her legs nervously as she waited for the inevitable.

Ethan reached out and gently stroke her hair. He could tell what was on her mind. "It doesn't matter. I don't see them as my family, anyway. You are my only family."

Janet's lashes fluttered as she raised her eyes to look at him.

Moments later, they were entangled in a deep kiss, teasing and chasing until they were both out of breath.