Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 275

"Dad, no need to fret. Ethan is swamped right now, barely has time to breathe. Let alone call us. He's got this under control, I'm sure. He's probably knee-deep in sorting out the mess as we speak. We gotta have faith in him, he'll figure out the best way out of this." Erica said, sporting a grin.

She tried hard to sound casual, but was actually worried sick. She dialed Ethan's number and went straight to the point, "Ethan, how's it going with Izzy's issue?"

In order to keep everyone in the loop, Erica put the call on speakerphone. Ines picked up and recognizing Erica's voice. She knew they were aware of the news, but was in the dark about the specifics, so she said, "We just finished cooking, Ethan's elbow-deep in dishes. He's working on the issue. I'm not really sure about the specifics."

Seeing Ethan drying his hands, clearly done with kitchen duties, she said, "Hold on a sec, I'll pass the phone to Ethan." © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Ethan took the phone, "Mom."

"How's it going? Have you sorted things out?" Erica asked.

"Yes, you must handle this properly." Phillip chimed in from the side. Ethan knew the whole family was listening in on speakerphone. He took a deep breath, sounding a bit exasperated, "Everything else is okay. I've got evidence to clear the mud they've slung at us. But the car accident is a tough nut to crack. I'm clueless about the real deal back then, and Emma hasn't spilled any beans. If we can't handle this properly, Izzy might still face public backlash."

Hearing Ethan's words, Ines was puzzled. She knew Emma had admitted to the accident, and Shirley was the real criminal. She and Emma were just the innocent victims.

Seeing Ines’ perplexed look, Ethan motioned for her to stay quiet. Ines paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

"Emma seemed to have turned over a new leaf, why wouldn't she spill the truth?" Phillip asked.

"If the accident wasn't Ines’ fault, then it's gotta be Shirley and Emma's. Do you think Emma would be dumb enough to drag herself into this? Even if she's turned over a new leaf, there's no way she'd make peace with Izzy." Ethan said.

"So what's your game plan?" Phillip asked.

Ethan rubbed his temples, sounding helpless, "I'm not sure yet, I need more time to mull it over. I gotta do some heavy thinking this afternoon and evening."

"Alright, tread carefully. Don't let the rumors harm Izzy." Phillip said.

Ethan grumbled inwardly. He had been clear enough, but Phillip still kept his cards close to his chest, not revealing a thing. What on earth was he keeping secret? Even in such a situation, he was still unwilling to spill the beans.

The more secretive Phillip was, the more curious Ethan became. He was determined to squeeze some info out of him.

Then, others started to offer Ethan some advice, and Ethan acknowledged their suggestions.

"Ethan, why aren't you telling Phillip and the family that we actually know the truth about the accident?" Ines asked.

Ethan gently stroked Ines’ hair, "Don't worry, I've got a plan. We've got a lot of info now, it's just a matter of how we use it. I won't let you suffer."

Ines nodded, then looked at Ethan intently, "Do you still think the truth is not that simple?"

Ethan chuckled, "You really have a knack for seeing through things."

"I'm no fool, what Emma told is just part of the truth, and just happens to be what we need to know. But the whole Beasley thing is still a mystery. You haven't found a shred of clue, which is highly unusual." Ines said thoughtfully.

"Mmm, that's exactly what I think. Right now, Phillip is my prime suspect." Ethan said, furrowing his brows. He had had his suspicions. But without a confirmation from Phillip himself, he kept telling himself it was just his imagination. Ines wrapped her arms around Ethan's waist, leaning into him, whispered, "Don't overthink it. Phillip is your grandpa, he would never harm Beasley. He's just withholding some info, so don't fret over it. When it's time for us to know, Phillip will tell us. Don't anger him again, he made it clear last time that he doesn't want anyone in the family to bring this up."

Hearing this, Ethan reluctantly nodded, but he was reluctant to let such a golden opportunity slip by. He was already making plans.

Ethan spent the entire afternoon in his study, either on video conferences or having discussions. Ines was curious about his next move, but she didn't disturb him. Instead, she went back to her room to sleep.

But because all these things were weighing on her mind, she had a restless sleep, even started having dreams. In her dreams, she saw Emma's terrified face and the blankness of losing consciousness. Camela arrived around 4:30 in the afternoon. She got a call from Erica to come over and cook dinner for them, as the place was crawling with reporters. Erica wanted to come over, but couldn't, because their place only had one entrance, and everyone knew about her relationship with Ines.

Ines was just coming out of her room when she saw Camela, she was taken aback, "Camela, why are you here so early?"

"I got a call from Erica, only then I learned about the troubles you guys are in. I'm here to cook dinner for you. I don't believe a word of those news reports. I know you and Ethan are good kids, not like that at all." Camela said.

"Thanks a bunch, Camela. I've been a real pain in the neck, asking you to trot over here early every weekend. You hardly have time to chill with your own family." Ines said.

"Ah, it's all in a day's work. We hashed it out when we signed the contract. My kids aren't in A City. The only one I could hang out with is my husband, but he's always on the go. He's off fishing or traveling with his buddies every day. Even if I head home, I wouldn't catch a glimpse of him. So I don't need to keep him company." Camela said.

Ines gave Camela a nod and a smile, before waltzing into the study. She found that Ethan had put the brakes on his work. He was deep in those news articles. The tech department of the Meyer Group had been busting their humps trying to scrub the news. But it was a Herculean task, and the results weren't instant.