Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 75

Ethan blinked at the tiny girl.

Even furious, her little face was so incredibly adorable.

Amused, he reached out to tug gently on her sleeve.

"I actually am your cousin. I'm Ethan Foster. It's really nice to meet you, Stella."

Stella shot him a dirty look. "Don't hit on her, or I'll make my daddy beat you up."

Completely dismissing him, she pivoted back to Ivy, flashing a brilliant grin and chattering away.

Ethan naturally didn't take a five-year-old's threat seriously.

He just couldn't get over how stunningly precious Alaric's kid was.

Yanking out his phone, he prepared to record a quick video to show his grandmother back home.

But the second the phone appeared, Alaric's gaze hit him like a barrage of ice picks.

"What do you think you're doing?" Alaric demanded.

Ethan froze, his hand hovering awkwardly in the air as he scrambled for an excuse.

It finally dawned on him—the entire reason Alaric never brought Stella around was to keep the family from finding out about her.

He wanted to protect her peace, shielding her from the relentless pressure of their elite circle.

Snapping a photo was an absolute death wish.

Ethan awkwardly checked the lock screen and let out a forced chuckle.

"Nothing! Just checking the time."

He sheepishly shoved the phone back into his pocket, his eyes wandering back to Ivy.

He had really wanted to chat with her a bit more.

But the kid's vicious little warning made him hold his tongue.

Honestly, not a single person here wanted him around. Why was he even staying?

Pushing himself off the ground, Ethan looked at Alaric.

"Well, you guys have fun. I've got some stuff to take care of, so I'm gonna head out."

Alaric didn't even acknowledge him.

Ethan cast one last lingering look at Ivy.

She refused to even glance in his direction, acting as if he didn't exist.

Swallowing the bitter knot in his chest, he turned and walked away in silence.

Did he really think she was some shameless flirt who was secretly pining for his nephew?

A profound sense of injustice washed over her.

But she didn't even have the energy to defend herself anymore.

Let him think whatever he wanted.

She just needed to focus on her job and do what she was paid for.

"Daddy, you are so mean! You're making Mommy cry again!"

Catching the devastated look in Ivy's eyes, Stella glared daggers at her father's back and yelled.

Snapping out of her daze, Ivy quickly forced a bright smile.

"I'm not crying! Don't be silly. Come here, let me take some pretty pictures of you."

Stella instantly lit up and agreed.

She completely forgot about her sulking father by the water.

Hearing his daughter's accusation, Alaric had almost turned around to check on Ivy.

But he quickly caught himself. Why the hell should he care?