In truth, Tyler Li's suspicions about Ethan Wu weren't about whether Ethan was genuinely helping him — he had no doubts about that now.
He was sure of it!
Tyler understood the extent of his own troubles all too well; he knew the evidence against him could put him in prison, possibly even lead to his death there. If Ethan intended to harm him, he wouldn't need to do anything — Tyler would already be doomed.
Thus, Tyler believed that Ethan truly intended to help him through this crisis.
But he still harbored doubts about Ethan.
What puzzled him was who Ethan really was. Did he have some larger scheme? Ethan had appeared out of nowhere, and the intelligence he'd provided, along with his remarkable skills, defied understanding.
Ethan had become an enigma to Tyler.
It's natural to feel curiosity and skepticism toward the unknown, so Tyler's suspicions were a sign of a sound mind.
Not questioning him would make him a fool.
Smack!
Tyler felt a sharp pain as he clutched his head, looking both annoyed and a bit hesitant to express his anger.
His sister, Isabella Li, had just smacked him with her dessert spoon.
"'This guy,' 'that guy' — do you have any manners? He's your brother-in-law!" Isabella scowled at him.
In reality, she also had her doubts about Ethan, but the "loving couple" act had to continue.
"Yes, yes, brother-in-law," Tyler corrected quickly. "I was just asking…about my brother-in-law! Sis, who exactly is he? Don't try to fool me — he can't be just an ordinary college student, and he's definitely not a kept man. I'm your brother, so don't hide it from me."
"What are you asking for?" Isabella replied, unable to answer him honestly.
She certainly couldn't admit that she didn't know herself — that would blow the whole act.
"I'm concerned for you! Don't you think there's something really off about him? I don't want you to be deceived; he's definitely no ordinary person."
"Cut it out. You don't need to worry about things between me and your brother-in-law. Just take care of yourself. I've told you a thousand times — stop associating with Hunter Xie. If it weren't for your brother-in-law this time, you'd be in big trouble, you know that?"
"Yes, yes. I fell for that jerk Hunter Xie's tricks; it was my mistake. But Sis, you're sidestepping the question. I'm asking about my brother-in-law."
"He treats me well, and he's been good to you too. What else is there to ask?"
"But he's suspicious!" Tyler's voice rose in frustration, feeling like his sister wasn't getting the point.
"Do you even know what your brother-in-law and I have been through? Don't speak about things you don't understand. His situation is not something I can just explain to you. And I'm warning you, don't meddle — we'll handle our relationship." Isabella was starting to make things up as she went along.
"What have you been through together? Something serious? Why don't I know?"
"Are you still asking?" Isabella glared at him.
In reality, she felt a bit stifled herself. She didn't know anything about Ethan! They'd only met that day. She didn't know the first thing about him and even suspected that the background information she'd found on him was fabricated!
Intimidated by his sister's lifelong dominance over him, Tyler dared not press further.
"Alright, alright, forget I asked. But if he ever dumps you, don't come crying to me." Tyler scoffed, but then quickly jumped up and moved two meters away.
Isabella gave him a cold, unwavering stare, remaining seated.
Tyler had thought she'd jump up and hit him, which was why he'd retreated preemptively.
But Isabella saw right through his little ploy.
"Sit down. Your brother-in-law will be back soon." She shot him a warning glance.
Tyler returned to his seat, giving his sister a scrutinizing look. "Sis, are you really pregnant?"
Isabella gave him a long look and said, "Don't spread any rumors at home. If I hear anything, don't blame me if I come after you!"
She hadn't actually answered whether she was pregnant.
But from her tone, Tyler sensed an admission.
"Of course I wouldn't let Dad know! That'd just cause trouble for you," he assured her.
This was why the two siblings shared such a strong bond.
Isabella constantly worried about her brother.
And Tyler always looked out for his sister.
"Sis, do you think I should give him some money?" Tyler asked.
"What for?" Isabella asked, frowning.
"It's winnings, after all. Besides getting back what was lost, my brother-in-law won 130 million for the casino. Although he gambled with the casino's money, don't you think it'd be stingy of me not to show some appreciation? It wouldn't reflect well on you either."
It was rare for Isabella to agree with her brother, given his often questionable behavior, but this time, she thought he was right.
She also admitted that while she was a businesswoman, her brother was better at interpersonal matters. In terms of relationships and social skills, her brother had the upper hand.
Logically, it didn't matter whether Tyler gave Ethan money. After all, Ethan was technically gambling with casino funds, and any gains or losses were the casino's responsibility. Ethan was Tyler's "brother-in-law," so helping out family didn't warrant any grand reward.
But Ethan's refusal to ask for payment was separate from Tyler's initiative to give.
Tyler understood social etiquette much better than Isabella, thanks to his experiences in the underworld.
"Do as you see fit," Isabella said.
"You know, you're kind of funny," she added with a chuckle. "On one hand, you're suspicious of your brother-in-law, and on the other, you're offering him money. Aren't you a bit contradictory?"
"One thing at a time. If he successfully helps me get through this, I'll give him something big later!" Tyler replied, his tone reminiscent of the underworld. "But…he is indeed a mystery, don't you think? So young, yet so skilled."
Isabella remained noncommittal.
"Sigh!" Tyler sighed at her indifferent response. "Forget it. I'll leave you two be."
…
In the second-floor restroom.
Ethan washed his hands and dried them, then exited. As he walked back to the private room and turned a corner, he suddenly raised an eyebrow.
Pretending to check his phone, he used its black screen as a mirror, catching a glimpse of the reflection behind him.
He'd sensed it — someone was following him!
Or rather, watching him closely!
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