Chapter 54
It was probably because Ethan was so composed that Grace, who had initially felt awkward, also calmed down at this moment.
Perhaps her figure wasn’t anything special in his eyes since he wasn’t interested in women. Thinking of it this way, she felt much more at ease.
The hot spring was too comfortable, and she didn’t want to leave just yet, so she leaned back and let out a relaxed sigh.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside, and Tim’s voice followed. “Mr. Henderson, we’ve found out that the people who pursued us in Southbrook were sent by Andrew.”
Andrew Henderson? Wasn’t he Yancey’s father?
Grace was afraid that Tim would see her. After all, his impression of her was already very poor, so she instinctively sank down and submerged herself in the spring.
Tim had come to the edge of the spring and said respectfully, “Andrew, the fool left traces of his actions everywhere. Do we need to do something to retaliate?”
Grace was underwater and couldn’t hear their conversation clearly, but she could see Tim standing by the spring through the refracted water surface.
She definitely couldn’t surface at this moment. She was now in Ethan’s bathrobe, and on top of that, she was in the same hot spring with Ethan. If Tim found out, he would probably end her with a gunshot.
He would certainly think that she had ulterior motives and was maliciously trying to seduce Ethan. She couldn’t bear such an accusation.
Ethan’s gaze shifted downward, and he could see a figure desperately trying to hide through the swirling water surface. But Tim couldn’t see it from where he stood.
Ethan lowered his eyelashes and said, “There’s no need.”
If Andrew weren’t so foolish, he wouldn’t have married his mistress, Lily, and had Yancey.
Tim was about to leave when he heard Ethan ask, “Has the matter in Southbrook been settled?”
Tim was a little confused. Didn’t they already settle it before coming here? There weren’t many places worth developing in Southbrook, but there were hot springs and unique landscapes in Northbrook.
Moreover, there was a protruding platform next to the highest cliff here, offering a panoramic view of the mountains. That location was worth developing as well.
Although Tim felt doubtful, he still answered diligently, “Yes. There are only two scenic spots in Southbrook, but the government already sold the two spots to the local farmers several years ago. Now that the farmers know someone wants to develop the area, they’re all raising the price and asking for ten million dollars.”
The fact that the farmers dared to demand ten million dollars was beyond being greedy; it was simply a pipe dream. It was hard to imagine where these farmers got the courage to make such a demand.
Grace, who was in the water, felt like she was out of breath.
Ethan said to Tim, “You may leave.”
Tim was somewhat puzzled but left anyway. As soon as Tim left, Ethan turned his head away, looking uneasy.
Seeing that Tim had left, Grace immediately surfaced and gasped for air. She wished she could disappear as she heard his breathing become rapid.
She quickly grabbed the edge of the spring, trying to get out. But she was too nervous and embarrassed, and coupled with her fever, her hand slipped.
Ethan grabbed her by her waist, and they both fell back into the water, creating a loud splash.
His voice rang in her ears. “Why are you in such a hurry?”
She was wearing his bathrobe, and with them being so close, it was hard for her not to have improper thoughts. She quickly pushed him away, trying to keep a distance from him.
But when her hand touched his hot skin, it felt like she was taking advantage of him.
Ethan’s eyes darkened when he saw her hand resting on his chest. The space was instantly filled with pheromones.
Ethan was very tall, and now with his arms around her waist, she looked very petite.
At this moment, Grace suddenly understood that no matter how sexually abstinent Ethan was, he was still a man with normal physiological needs.
If he was not responsive in such a situation, he would be impotent. But it turned out that he was quite a healthy man.
She had a feeling that if she kept moving, she couldn’t be sure what would happen next. Thus, she instantly stayed still and stopped acting recklessly.
Ethan gently tightened his grip on her waist, slowly leaned forward, and rested his chin on her shoulder. He said in a much softer tone, “Stop moving around.”
Hearing that, Grace froze and felt as if her entire body was enveloped by his breath. At this moment, he was dominant, gentle, aloof, and forceful-all at the same time.
His breath seemed to weave into a cage that firmly trapped her.