Chapter 150

Lucy White hung up the phone and turned to Ethan Smith in the driver's seat.

"What do you think Director Maurice is scheming this time?" She blinked playfully.

Ethan's slender fingers tapped the steering wheel. "Knowing him, it'd be strange if he wasn't planning something dramatic."

"Though he probably won't dare go abroad again," he chuckled. "Last time's lesson should last him a lifetime."

Lucy burst into laughter. "True enough."

"Let me know if Hunter contacts you."

As she reached for the door handle, Ethan had already circled to the passenger side, opening her door with gentlemanly grace.

Lucy's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Such impeccable service, Mr. Smith."

Ethan's lips quirked upward. "The pleasure is mine."

"See you!" Lucy waved.

"See you." Ethan watched her walk away.

This scene unfolded before Michael Johnson's eyes. His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"Aunt Grace, that Ethan is always hovering around Lucy. He's definitely up to no good," he grumbled.

Grace White watched her daughter's retreating figure with a gentle smile. "Lucy knows how to handle herself."

She actually thought Ethan seemed quite decent. That considerate gesture just now clearly came from genuine care.

Rachel Johnson sighed inwardly. Her son's emotional intelligence was truly hopeless.

"At least he knows to open car doors for ladies," she pointed out bluntly. "You've never been that thoughtful before."

Michael: "..." Was this really his mother?

"He's just putting on an act!" he protested with a pout.

Rachel smacked the back of his head. "Even his act beats your reality. Lucy's single now—it's good she has quality suitors."

Michael: "..." The pain was real.

"How is he better than me?" he muttered. "Just slightly more famous and better at pretending..."

Rachel glared. "Don't be bitter about what you can't match."

"Go home now," she dismissed him with a wave. "Your aunt Grace and I are going upstairs."

Michael panicked. "I'm coming too! I need to talk to Lucy."

"Don't you dare upset her," Rachel warned.

"As if I would..." Michael whined.

These days he'd enshrine Lucy if he could—upsetting her was the last thing on his mind.

Watching Ethan's retreating figure, he suddenly realized how tactless he'd been before.

When parking, he deliberately walked around to open the rear doors for both elders, mimicking Ethan's earlier gesture.

Grace shook her head with a smile. Too little, too late.

Lucy had just changed into pajamas when the doorbell rang.

"Mom, Aunt Rachel, did you have fun?" she greeted them.

Grace's expression softened. "We did. You should join us next time."

Noah White bounded over. "You have to come, sis!"

"Once I'm less busy," Lucy ruffled her brother's hair before turning to Rachel. "You'll join us too, Aunt Rachel?"

Rachel beamed. "Absolutely! Family should spend more time together."

Michael hastily interjected. "I'm coming too! I'll drive and carry bags!"

Lucy gave him a skeptical glance. "Yeah right, Mr. Celebrity."

Michael looked wounded. "I've changed!"

"Your credibility's long gone with me," Lucy said mercilessly.

She addressed the others. "Hungry? I'll make some noodles."

Michael shamelessly followed her into the kitchen. "I'm starving too..."

Lucy sighed. "Fine, I'll make extra."

Michael's eyes lit up as he leaned in. "Knew you'd say yes!"

"Back up. You're in my way," Lucy pushed him aside.

Michael obediently retreated two steps. "I'll just stand here and chat."

After a pause, he ventured: "Lucy, Director Maurice contacted my agent today about auditioning for a Republican-era drama's male lead..."

(Subsequent plot remains unchanged)