Chapter 174: An Older Flame
In fact, it was less like a formal meeting and more like a long-overdue catch-up.
"You know," Bernadette said in between laughs, "The first real beating I ever took was from Irene."
"Oh, the dragon’s rage..." Bernadette began, shaking her head as though the memory was both painful and hilarious. "So here’s the thing—Nathan was an incredibly fine man, and I’d had a crush on him for a very long time."
Ethan, who had just taken a sip of his drink, nearly choked. His eyes went wide, and he struggled to keep the liquid from spraying out of his mouth.
Bernadette saw him nearly splurge and burst into laughter. She finally simmered down and continued. "Irene eventually got fed up with all the eye contact I kept making with Nathan. And all his jokes I always laughed at..."
Ethan chuckled a bit.
Ethan’s eyes widened in shock.
She swirled her drink absently. "And naive as I was, I played along. I thought maybe it was all some elaborate joke, you know? That she was just trying to scare me."
Ethan’s eyes widened further. He couldn’t quite picture it. His mother, going into a violent fury over another woman’s affections for his father.
She laughed a bit more, shaking her head at her younger self’s foolishness.
"Irene?" Bernadette repeated, and Ethan nodded.
She paused. "And as a dragon? She was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. Her control of the space element was unrivaled."
Ethan felt a swell of pride. Hearing about his mother like this, from someone as powerful as Bernadette was.
Their conversation continued for a longer period, going through stories of old guild missions, Nathan’s leadership style, and the chaotic early days of the Midnight Vanguard Of Valiant Warriors.
"Yes, it’s true most guilds will not take a liking to you, Ethan," Bernadette said in continuation of an earlier point. "But I was proud to hear that Nathan’s son found a way to overturn that parliament decision. That was what broke our guild apart in the first place."
"Oh, and I’m sorry about Victor," Bernadette added, her tone shifting into a somber one. "When Eduardo told me how he nearly sold the company out from under you, I almost didn’t believe it. Victor always seemed so loyal."
Bernadette nodded, sensing that Ethan didn’t want to dwell on it further.
They both stood, and Ethan stretched his hand out for a handshake.
Then she walked over to him, throwing her arms open. "Please, come here."
It was warm and oddly comforting despite the slight awkwardness of it.
Ethan nodded. "Thank you, Miss Bernadette."
Then her tone turned into a teasing one, her eyes glinting with mischief once more. "And when you grow a bit older and have gained more of Nathan’s features..."
Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise.
Ethan let out a sigh of relief, shaking his head with an embarrassed smile.
His eyes widened again, and Bernadette laughed again, enjoying how flustered she made him.
Later that evening, Ethan drove through the gates of his compound and parked the vintage sedan in its usual spot.
Bella had come by after Ethan asked her to, specifically to help explain the situation with Bettie and what had happened during the rescue at the factory.
Bella’s face brightened immediately. "Hey."
Bettie, seated on the opposite side of the room, made a brief, awkward facial expression.
Ethan settled into his seat and turned his head toward Eduardo, who stood quietly in the corner of the room as usual, ever the watchful butler.
A genuine smile appeared on Eduardo’s face. "I see you met her."
Bella’s eyes widened slightly, and glanced between the two of them.
"Yup, I know," Ethan said with an almost prideful nod. He leaned back against the couch. "Long story, but maybe you can call her an aunt."
Ethan then gestured toward Bettie while speaking to Isabella. "I suppose she’s told you everything?"
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