Chapter 418: Fixing Things (1st Bonus)
The major manufacturing, development and industrial operations, however, would now take place in Stark City.
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The morning continued for some time, with Ethan and Nathan spending most of it side by side as they observed and assisted with the ongoing operations.
Eventually, Ethan’s attention suddenly stirred.
His senses had picked up the familiar presence approaching from the gate. When he turned towards the entrance, he spotted Hayley walking into the facility, with Bettie beside her.
Hayley noticed him at almost the same moment. She smiled, raised a hand and waved from a distance.
Ethan smiled back and gave her a nod.
He then turned towards his father. "Perhaps you should return to the house, tonight. We can get everything going from there."
Nathan glanced at him before nodding. "Very well."
He looked around the space one last time before taking his leave.
A few minutes later, Hayley and Bettie reached Ethan.
"Hey." Hayley greeted.
"Hey." Ethan replied.
Hayley glanced around before asking, "Is Bella here?"
She knew that the Princess was an employee in the company.
Ethan looked towards the surrounding workers. "I’m not sure if she’s come in yet. But we are moving the company today, so I’m not even sure if she would coming in at all."
"Okay, okay. I’ll check around, and come back here later." Hayley said, giving a quick tap on the shoulder before turning away. She then gave Bettie a light tap too as she passed her and continued on.
Ethan watched her leave before turning towards Bettie. "Hey...Bettie."
Bettie had her gaze averted in embarrassment, unsure of how to begin. "Um...I may have said some really unfair things to you."
"You don’t have to." Ethan tried to reassure her. "It’s fine."
"No, no, no." Bettie quickly shook her head. "Just...let me."
Ethan paused, gave her a nod and waited.
Bettie took a breath before finally speaking a bit more confidently. "I’m really sorry, Ethan. I shouldn’t have said those things to you the way I did."
"The truth is...I’ve been trying so hard to be normal. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that was never really possible... We’re Awakened people. Our lives aren’t going to be like ordinary people’s, no matter how much we might want them to be."
She paused for a second then added. "And I know I made it seem like I was blaming you for the things that happened to me, and I know I’ve done that more than once."
Her expression became more apologetic. "But I think...blaming something was just easier for me. It gave me something to point at when I didn’t know what else to do with everything I was feeling."
She shook her head. "But that doesn’t make it right. I shouldn’t have put that on you... I also shouldn’t have made it seem like knowing you was some kind of burden. Because it isn’t."
A smile appeared on her face. "I really do appreciate knowing you, Ethan... And honestly, I still appreciate the fact that I was once your magic tutor."
She laughed a bit, which made Ethan smile too. "If I were given that choice again, I’d still say yes."
"So when I said being your friend felt like a burden...that’s not really what I meant. I was overwhelmed, and I didn’t know how to deal with everything that was happening. I let all of that frustration come out in the wrong way, and you didn’t deserve that."
"I’m sorry, Ethan. Truly."
She hesitated before adding, "And I promise I won’t do that again. Not to you, not to Isabella, and not to anyone else who’s been there for me."
Ethan then made placating gestures with his hand to get her to slow it down. "It’s fine Bettie, really it is"
Bettie studied his face for a moment before asking hesitantly, "So...we’re cool now?"
Ethan opened his arms slightly.
Bettie smiled, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him as Ethan returned the hug.
"Yeah," he said. "We’re cool."
The two shared one last smile before parting.
The rest of the day was largely consumed by the relocation of Stark Industries. Workers continued moving equipment, machinery, aircraft components and other materials out of the old facility and transporting them to Stark City, with the entire process continuing well into the afternoon.
——
Much later that night, at the Morgenstein Residence...
Beatrice sat across from Olaf inside one of the private lounges of the Morgenstein estate. The room was elegantly furnished, with warm lighting casting a glow over them.
One of the household servants was on standby, ready to attend to the guest who just entered a few minutes ago.
"Would you like something to drink, Mr. Olaf?" Beatrice asked.
Olaf shook his head. "No, thank you."
Beatrice then turned to the servant and gave her the nod to leave. The servant then bowed before leaving the room.
Beatrice crossed one leg over the other, watching him with mild curiosity before starting, "I was told by my servant that you are agent of the coalition and wanted to see me about an urgent matter."
Olaf reached into his coat and retrieved his Arcphone. "I received a message from Norman before he died."
Beatrice’s expression became slightly more attentive.
"I’ve listened to it several times. He mentioned the Morgenstein family and said he was working with you."
He paused, then played the voice text for Beatrice to listen to.
Olaf then continued after the recording passed, "After hearing what he said and seeing the broadcast that came out afterwards, I assume the names Norman mentioned are the same people responsible for what happened."
Beatrice nodded. "They are."
"Then I want to know everything." Olaf’s voice became more serious. "Everything you know about them. What Norman discovered, what happened during the battle, if you witnessed it yourself."
Beatrice smiled. "It seems we’re after the same people..."
"Perhaps." Olaf cut in, " But I’m going after them, and I prefer to work alone."
He seemed determined, revealing no sort of expression on his face.
For a brief moment, Beatrice’s expression twitched. She hated being interrupted like that, and looked as though she wanted to say something really polite.
However, Instead, she took a slow breath and composed herself. Asides the fact that this agent sitting before her possessed very strong mana, she also needed co-operation to her cause.