Chapter 297 - Go Home

In the superior single ward, Italy.

Ethen was peeling an apple, juggling a Swiss Army knife in his hand. The peel was evenly cut into one piece. The bottom of it had fallen steadily into the trash can. He asked without looking up, "Vincent, you didn't intentionally get hurt just to hand all those businesses to me, did you?"

Seemingly in a casual manner, he actually slowed down slightly in peeling.

In less than a day, the Scavos had knew Vincent was shot in Italy. Knowing that Vincent's injury was so serious to attend to his official duties, they handed over all matters in Italy to Ethen by Vincent's request.

More than a decade ago, when Ethen was still a child, Vincent had become the head of the family. Although Ethen was unconvinced, he had an instinctive fear and dread towards Vincent. One could see no innocence and harmlessness of young men in Vincent. When he stared at someone with his dark eyes, he was like a vulture that was aiming at carrion, arousing one's fear and panic.

After Ethen had grew up, he never dared to think about becoming the head of the family. He knew how much blood had been shed fighting for this position. He did not want to see his siblings kill each other a second time.

Therefore, he had always been obedient to the arrangements of the family and done his part of the work. Since he studied abroad, Vincent directly ordered him to go to Italy to take over the family business bit by bit. He had been in charge of cooperation in Italy for three years. It seemed that he was more popular than Vincent with his Italian partners. However, he knew that as long as Vincent existed, the business in Italy would return to him at any time, while Ethen was at best a handyman for him, in danger of losing his job at any time.

It could not be said that their relation was not so close because his kindness to Vincent was self-sentimental from the beginning. Occasionally, he would act cute to enliven the atmosphere. Vincent was indifferent to anyone that Ethen could not see through him.

He didn't understand. Wasn't Vincent afraid that he would have the rebellious mind of killing him if left in Italy?

Even his parents had subtly mentioned a few times.

"Ethen, since you have the ability, I will support you. If you want ... your father and I will get prepared."

Prepare for what?

Kill Vincent?

Just for the position of patriarch?

Having been in Italy for so many years, he had been a distinguished guest for his Italian partners. He knew that only status and power could bring one the greatest benefit in the world. During these years, he had met many bosses, both explicitly and implicitly, in many business venues in Italy. Some of them were family businesses. For the sake of profit, they had suffered countless casualties. It was as if everyone had a knife hanging around their necks, waiting for the moment it fell.

He even wondered if Vincent had left him here for several years just to train him...

"Have nothing to do?" Vincent looked up.

Ethen came to his senses. The peel in his hand was broken by the force of the blade. He looked down at the remaining piece of red peel, feeling it was an eyesore. He quickly peeled it off before looking up and smiling. "No, I haven't seen you get hurt for years. I'm a little scared that you are injured right after your arrival. In case the family thinks more..."

He paused in due course and winked at Vincent. He was somewhat fawning, for he was worried that the family would blame him for Vincent's injury.

Vincent looked up at him and didn't speak for a long time.

Ethen also looked at him, but he was naturally inferior to Vincent. After a while, Ethen stopped smiling.

Then Vincent said calmly, "You've done well in Italy these three years. Even if I don't come this time, you'll still handle it well." He paused, taking the Swiss Army knife in Ethen's hand and played with it. His voice was deep, "There's no need to play those tricks in front of me. You know I don't like it."

Ethen sighed, "If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have played tricks to get you here."

Every year, in order to show his loyalty, he would pretend to make great efforts to complete the tasks. He would even find a reason for Vincent to come here every year, so that Vincent could witness in person his control over Italy, including Ethen himself.

Recognizing his self-accusation, Vincent tossed the Swiss Army knife back to him and said calmly, "Go pack up and get ready to go home."

Ethen looked at his watch and said, "It's still early."

Vincent smiled slightly and said, "I asked Rex to book you a flight."

Ethen looked at Vincent in surprise. "You mean to go home? Go back to ... my own home?"

Vincent nodded.

"Wow! I'm going home!" Ethen laughed loudly. Although exaggerated, he was truly excited. He bent down to hug Vincent on the bed. Perhaps it was impossible for them to hug in such an awkward position, so he only lowered his head to rub Vincent's cheek with his hair slightly. Then, he stood up and said, "Thank you, Vincent."

Other boys of the same age in the Scavos had left for other countries as early as their teens, either studying or chosen to learn unpopular subjects by the family there. Due to the distance, many of them in the side branches were sent away at a young age, and they weren't able to return until grown up.

Ethen was undoubtedly lucky. He stayed in Italy after studying abroad, so he didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Although Vincent was reticent, he would solve problems for him and comfort him. The other siblings naturally couldn't enjoy such treatment and had to make their own way out.

Although other main-branch children of the Scavos were also studying abroad, they weren't highly valued by Vincent, having an insignificant status in the family. In fact, their parents were too embarrassed to attend the family meeting.

Every time Ethen's parents participated in the family meeting, they would call Ethen.

"As soon as Vincent came in today, he first greeted us before he finally greeted your uncles..."

"He still remembers our favorite tea. His assistant is quite sensible. Ethen, you can also nurture one."

"One of your uncle beat his child yesterday and was left alone by the Patriarch today. I don't know what they said, but he seemed to be happy when he came out..."

"I always thought he was still young, but now, even your father and I can't see through him. He's only in his twenties, but he's as fierce as a wolf. When will you be like him, Ethen?"

"Although indifferent, he is very similar to the old patriarch in every aspect. He is as ruthless and decisive as the old patriarch, but too scary and not gentle enough. If only you were the patriarch..."

Ethen knew without thinking that Vincent knew what his parents were thinking. Not only did he know, he also took good care of them, giving them enough respect at the family meeting.

Vincent was not easy-going. Only Ethen, among dozens of young men in the Scavos, dare to approach him. Not to mention approach him, they would only greet him with nods during the New Year holidays and escape hastily, leaving their embarrassed parents to ease the situation, "He ... something happened..."

However, Vincent remained indifferent for twenty years. With his cold expression, he almost scared everyone away before anyone could approach him.

Fortunately, knowing him for so many years, Ethen had more or less figured out his personality. And that was why he dared to occasionally make jokes and act cute.

After staying in Italy for a few years, he did feel homesick, but he did not dare to go back. He was worried that Vincent would misunderstand and hand over the work in Italy to someone else, so he did not dare to go back.

Now that Vincent had officially handed over all matters in Italy to him and allowed him to return home, Ethen calmed down after a brief period of excitement.