---- Chapter 26 No.26 The moment Ava walked in, her father went over, took her from Julian, and introduced her to everyone. He whispered in her ear, "Ethan is here. He's looking to expand his business overseas." Ava followed her father's gaze and saw Ethan in the crowd. The moment their eyes met, Ethan's darkened. He used to be able to find her in a crowd with just a glance. Now, he had been standing here for a long time, and she had only just noticed him He gripped his wine glass tightly, a gentle smile on his face. Ava simply nodded and looked away. His presence was irrelevant to her. She just hoped he wouldn't come over and bother her. But Ethan did not grant her wish. He slowly walked towards her. Seeing him approach, Ava excused herself and went out to the terrace. Her father watched her go, a puzzled look on his face. Then he ---- saw Ethan's intense gaze fixed on her, and he understood. He stepped forward and blocked Ethan's path. "I don't think you're here just for business." His face was unusually cold. He led Ethan to a quieter corner. He didn't know what had happened between them, but he knew there was a conflict, and he would definitely protect Ava. The usually composed Ethan now looked a little constrained. We had a misunderstanding, Ethan said. "There are some things | don't know how to explain. Please let me talk to her again, and then | will explain everything to you." Ava's father pondered for a moment, then patted Ethan's shoulder but didn't let him go. Ava told me how much you took care of her, he said. "I'm grateful. But now | can take care of her. You can rest assured." He didn't mention their problems, but every word he said sounded to Ethan like "Leave Ava alone, she doesn't need you." A lump formed in Ethan's throat. He knew he wouldn't get past her father without explaining everything, so he told him everything. He said that he was only a few years older than Ava, that he had taken care of her as a child and could take care of her in the future, that he loved her, that he wanted her forgiveness, and that he wanted to be with her. & ---- After hearing the whole story, Ava's father had a complicated look in his eyes. On the one hand, he could feel Ethan's sincerity and knew that Ava had feelings for him. On the other hand, Ethan had hurt her. After a moment, he made up his mind. Ava doesn't want to see you right now, he said. "I won't go against my daughter's wishes." Thank you again for everything you've done, he continued. "But | will repay the financial costs on my daughter's behalf." As you said, you were afraid she would be blamed. Now you've thought it through, but those problems still exist. | don't want my daughter to get hurt. He warned Ethan, "Don't bother her until she contacts you herself. Otherwise, | can't guarantee what I'll do." ---- After hearing the whole story, Ava's father had a complicated look in his eyes. On the one hand, he could feel Ethan's sincerity and knew that Ava had feelings for him. On the other hand, Ethan had hurt her. After a moment, he made up his mind. Ava doesn't want to see you right now, he said. "I won't go against my daughter's wishes." Thank you again for everything you've done, he continued. "But | will repay the financial costs on my daughter's behalf." As you said, you were afraid she would be blamed. Now you've thought it through, but those problems still exist. | don't want my daughter to get hurt. He warned Ethan, "Don't bother her until she contacts you herself. Otherwise, | can't guarantee what I'll do."