Chapter 316: Carts in Disarray

Easton was being evasive, and Zion wasn’t pleased. “If it happens once, it’ll happen again. If we don’t clear this up now, it could easily put us in an awkward position down the line. Come clean now.”

Might as well get ahead of it and give Zion a heads-up.

Once Morty made up his mind, he spoke up immediately. “I like Ellis, and Easton knows.”

Zion’s pupils dilated. “You like Easton’s ex-wife?”

Yes, Morty nodded.

“Ridiculous!” Zion slammed his hand on the table. “You and Easton grew up together, and you fall for his ex-wife just months after their divorce? Have you no shame?”

Zion’s furious reaction was expected, but Morty wasn’t phased. He calmly responded, “This has nothing to do with shame; I can’t control who I fall for.”

“I think you’re just confused by your hormones, mistaking desire for genuine affection.” Annoyed, Morty stood up, almost pointing a finger at Easton. “You could like anyone, just not Ellis. You’re shameless, but the Unity family still needs to maintain its dignity.”

If Ellis hadn’t been married to Easton, it would be one thing for him to like her, even consider marrying her. After all, Ellis was Emma’s adopted daughter and passed muster status-wise. Mainly, the Unity family didn’t need Easton to make a strategic marriage; choosing a wife could be left to his own devices.

But Ellis being Easton’s ex-wife changed everything! It wasn’t just about whether Ellis was a suitable match for Easton in a second marriage. The fact that Easton might marry his childhood friend’s ex-wife would turn the Unity family into a laughingstock, unable to show their faces for a good while.

Any inappropriate thoughts Easton had needed to be nipped in the bud.

Morty blurted out, frustrated by Zion’s remark that his affection for Ellis was shameless, “By that logic, you’re single in name only, having no woman, but keeping one on the side. Isn’t that a bit shameless too?”

“You!” Angered, Zion grabbed a report Easton had just read and threw it at Easton’s face with some force. “This is different! You can keep Ellis on the side if you want, but you can’t publicly declare your feelings for her.”

Fresh from an injury, the report hit him, causing a twinge of pain on his face, eliciting a hiss from Morty.

“I’ll handle this with Easton. And you, get rid of those inappropriate thoughts!” Zion probably guessed the reasons behind Easton’s actions concerning their company—mainly, Easton being with Ellis didn’t look good on him either.

“I can’t help it.” With that, Morty turned and left. Zion was so angry he almost couldn’t catch his breath.

He cursed, feeling let down, then flipped through his contacts to Easton’s number.

The call connected, and Zion’s anger had completely dissipated, replaced by a light smile. “Mr. Hudson.”

Morty’s uncle, also a key figure in the Nexus Group, Zion calling himself at this time meant that Easton didn’t have to guess the reason.

Easton’s lips parted slightly. “Is there something you need, Mr. Morty?”

“It’s been a while, Mr. Hudson! Do you have time to meet up soon?” Zion’s inner fire might have died down, but that didn’t mean he’d let Easton act dishonorably. As an elder, this mess was still his to clean up.

“No need for a meeting; just tell me over the phone.”

“Well, I’ve already spoken to Morty. He realizes his mistake, so please don’t hold it against him.”

Easton didn’t believe a word Zion said. Taking their encounter at the hospital as an example, Morty’s deliberate provocation was clear, and a few days hadn’t changed him, obviously.

Easton pressed his lips together. “You must be joking, Mr. Morty. Morty’s a fully capable adult, and verbal reprimands from an elder are unlikely to influence him much.”

Zion wasn’t embarrassed by Easton exposing his lies. You can’t get anywhere without a thick skin.

Zion pretended to sigh. “Mr. Hudson, rest assured! I don’t approve of Morty causing a scene shamelessly. I’ll keep him in line!”

The Unity family and the Hudson family might seem to be on the same level, but even among equals, there are differences. Due to Easton’s antics, leaving bad blood with the Hudson family was not good for the Unity family. No matter what, he had to control Easton, ensuring he didn’t act rashly, jeopardizing the overall interests of the Unity family.

Having used a bit of a trick, Zion’s proactive approach was somewhat satisfying to Easton. Between Ellis and Morty, she despised Morty, with no interest in him. It was Morty’s unrequited feelings. As long as someone kept Morty in check, preventing him from approaching Ellis, it would save Easton his next move and a lot of trouble.

“Then I appreciate it, Mr. Morty.” With that, he hung up.

Smart people don’t need to spell things out. After their exchange, Zion understood Easton’s intent.

Redialing Easton’s number, he commanded, “Come to my office.”