Chubby Mommy: Scheming Daddy, Surrender Now!-Chapter 411: By My Side

Ethan Sterling only found out about the breach of contract after several suppliers colluded. All three companies were established names in the industry, and they had coordinated their breach beforehand.

Previously, they were willing to work with Nirvana, even going out of their way to meet Ruby Sullivan’s demands for raw material quality and purity, all because of The Sterling Group. Ethan had indeed compensated them with varying degrees of resources privately. However, none of them anticipated the sudden divorce of what seemed to be a loving couple.

For someone at Ethan Sterling’s level, there are only a few genuinely happy married lives, but sudden divorces are rare. One must understand that such marriages usually involve deep-seated interest entanglements. Once divorce becomes inevitable, the outcome is often a mutual cutoff.

First and foremost, the three suppliers did not want to offend The Sterling Group over Nirvana, so none dared to inquire about Ethan Sterling’s stance during their discussion—who would want to stir that pot? Additionally, the profit from Nirvana’s orders was too marginal for them. After the price hike collapsed, they could only resort to this aggressive method to protect their interests.

Ruby Sullivan couldn’t foresee any of this. The reason Howard couldn’t find anything definitive was that there was no actual conspiracy at play. The issue was simply Nirvana’s insufficient clout and inadequate pay.

The biggest form of suppression Ethan implemented was tacitly allowing these events, and he also meticulously drafted an acquisition plan. If Ruby Sullivan had taken a serious look at the proposal, she would have realized that Ethan didn’t intend a hostile takeover; he only wanted to be her legitimate support.

The subsequent events proved that Ruby Sullivan didn’t appreciate such a method, so Ethan Sterling no longer mentioned the acquisition. He wanted to help, but instead, she suspected him of trying to take over both her company and child. Nathan Sterling felt bitter, sensing life’s difficulties.

All these matters can’t be clarified in a sentence or two; even if explained, she wouldn’t necessarily believe it. Ethan Sterling might as well remain silent.

As for Ruby Sullivan successfully negotiating with Veridia’s suppliers, that was within Ethan’s expectations. Veridia’s craftsmanship isn’t on the same level as domestic standards. Ruby’s demands are unquestionably stringent, but their routinely produced fragrances can easily meet this standard. Furthermore, she was not collaborating with major suppliers. As long as there are no supply agreements with large companies, the shipment volumes are relatively flexible – sell when there is stock, and no sales pressure when there isn’t.

However, large contract-bound suppliers must reserve to fulfilling their long-time patrons, thus raising prices when dealing with smaller companies like Nirvana with average demand and endless requirements is a given. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be feasible.

Currently, Nirvana simply cannot afford higher costs. It’s not that the selling price isn’t steep enough; it’s that Ruby Sullivan needs more money, wishing to earn substantially more.

Checking the time after entering the concourse, Ruby Sullivan was just in time for the security check she immediately proceeded to check-in with her luggage and move toward the security area.

Ethan Sterling said he’d head to the restroom after entering the concourse, leading the pair to momentarily part ways. Ruby only realized while queuing for security that he hadn’t told her about his next destination.

Thinking of his arrogant figure, she smirked, internally scoffing, she didn’t care for the knowledge anyway.

Ms. Sullivan was undoubtedly oblivious to the inherent immaturity of her inner dialogue and how it utterly exposed her true nature, all of which Mr. Sterling keenly observed.

In the lounge, having nibbled lightly on dinner, the thought of tomorrow’s planned form-fitting dress curbed her appetite to eat more. She took a sip of water, reclined on the couch for some mindful relaxation, and when a broadcast sounded, hastily grabbed her luggage to board the flight.

The flight from Nissa to Caelus was quite convenient, with a short route of approximately two hours to her destination.

Given that this trip was at a friend’s invitation, no local guide was necessary, as someone was arranged to pick her up upon landing.

Her friend Luna, a vigorous member of the Perfume Association, was someone Ruby Sullivan met at a private banquet. As fate would have it, both were in Bellaza on business at the time, striking an immediate camaraderie. Ruby gave Luna a grand tour of Bellaza, and subsequently when Luna returned to Caelus, they continued as online friends, yet due to work commitments, managed to meet around ten times annually until Ruby returned home, only then becoming true pen pals requiring VPN services to communicate.

This time, Ruby aimed to gather information concerning Alex from Luna. After hearing Ruby’s needs, Luna instantly invited her to the gala. Luna was close friends with the party’s host, an outsider to their circle, who greatly admired Ruby’s work and thus issued the invitation cheerfully.

Ruby Sullivan, while waiting at the airport, picked up a German comic book on intestines, humorous in language, intending to read it on the plane. After stowing her luggage, she tied her long hair back into a ponytail, nestled into a comfortable posture, and started her reading.

With over forty minutes before take-off, her sole hope was that the passenger beside her wouldn’t have smelly feet.

While the odds of encountering passengers with body odor in business class were slim, one couldn’t rule out foot odors. Her sensitivity to smell meant she could still suffer torture in-flight, regardless of the shoes.

However, the book was too engrossing, and soon Ruby found herself thoroughly entertained, occasionally smiling, although aware of a passenger’s arrival beside her, she refrained from direct glance.

It wasn’t until she felt an intense gaze that she turned to see, startled, "What are you doing here?"

After sitting down, Ethan Sterling attentively observed her engrossed reading for a good fifteen minutes before she even turned her head, indicating it really was a fascinating read.

"I... Am I not allowed here?"

Ruby Sullivan stared at him blankly, suddenly recalling her sinking feeling from that morning, breaking into involuntary laughter. At that moment, it felt as if spring had returned with flowers blooming everywhere.

Watching her giggle, Ethan Sterling frowned slightly, "Am I such a delight to see?"

Ruby withdrew some laughter, "A little."

Subsequently, Mr. Sterling put on headphones to watch a movie, while she returned to her book, and the pair did not speak further. Yet as the plane started its ascent, Ruby noticed Ethan gripping the armrest in a tension resembling suffocation, reminiscent of their flights post-treatment from Caelus back home.

Ruby was aware of it as a trauma-triggered stress disorder. Reflecting on his solo business trips necessitating personal breaks, she felt a pang of empathy, leaning slightly to palm his hand on the seat.

Startled, Ethan reversed his hand, though there was absent eye contact or dialogue, he found himself remarkably calmer.

This was why she was indispensable to him.

Once the plane stabilized, Ruby intended to withdraw her hand but found his grip steadfast. Resignedly, "Mr. Sterling, this posture is honestly uncomfortable."

Only then did Ethan glance her way, noticing her awkward positioning just to hold onto him, "I’m sorry." In his haste to release her, much of his tension dissipated, though beads of cold sweat still formed on his forehead.

Ruby smiled, adopting his habit of patting the head, lifted her arm to lightly tap his, "Good boy." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lines creased Ethan’s forehead, feeling somewhat akin to how Seth Sterling would have been treated, yet this gentle warmth and contentment left him bewildered.