"Something happened?"
"Yeah, tomorrow," Adrian said at last. His voice was calm, but his palms were cold. "Tomorrow… there will be a catastrophe in the sky. Jets, planes, everything that flies. They crash. Everyone dies."
Ethan's expression softened. "It's just a dream," he said, trying to sound light. "Don't worry."
But Adrian's grip on his hand tightened, his voice laced with urgency. "Don't go anywhere tomorrow. Promise me. Not even to the store."
Ethan frowned. "Didn't you say the disaster happened in the sky?"
"Yes," Adrian said. "But still… don't go. Not by air, not by car. Just stay."
Ethan studied him quietly. "...Did I die in your dream?"
Adrian shook his head. "No. But the wind was strong that day."
"Alright," Ethan said softly, ruffling Adrian's hair. "Go to sleep, don't think about it. Besides, I don't know anywhere to go to with a plane. I'm so poor, I can't afford to waste money on sky transportation."
Adrian: "…"
Adrian ignored the lies and just nodded, forcing a small smile. He stood up, heading towards the stairs.
He had plan B if Ethan chose not to believe and listen to him.
As he turned to go up, he caught sight of the butler, Ray, standing at the top of the stairs.
Ray seemed to have been woken up by the noise earlier, and he looked relieved to see them all safe.
"Goodnight, Uncle Ray," Adrian said softly, smiling as he ascended the stairs.
Ray bowed slightly. "Goodnight, young master."
Ethan remained sitting where he was, watching Adrian's retreating figure until he disappeared from view.
Then, he turned to Ray. "Did we disturb you?"
Ray shook his head, but his voice was low. "Don't you think the young master... seems a bit off?"
"Off?" Ethan raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"Yes. This afternoon, the master called, and he was supposed to return to the country tomorrow to handle some matters, but the young master insisted that he shouldn't come back. He also said... he had a dream that the 'Bright Sky Airlines' plane would crash, and he even mentioned several other airlines. The master cancelled his trip because of it."
"Earlier this afternoon, he told his father something similar," Ray explained. "The master had called to inform me of his plan to return because of Miss Noelle, his first mistress, but Young Master Liam told him not to. He Said he had a dream about Bright Sky Airlines—that it would crash. Even called few other airlines that crashed in his dream."
Ethan's eyes darkened slightly.
Ray continued, "Because of that, the master canceled his flight. He said he'd let Young Master Liam handle things with Miss Noelle. Though… I think the young master might have some personal reason related to his first aunt. That's just my guess."
Ethan's tone turned serious. "What other airlines did he say?"
"Errr… Safe Fly Airlines. Umm, Over-The-Rainbow Airlines too."
Ethan squinted, his eyes hooded. "He really said that?"
"Yes, Mr. Ethan," Ray replied in a hushed tone. "I thought he just wanted to stop the master from seeing that lady, Miss Noelle, as usual."
Ethan was silent for a few seconds before speaking slowly. "He really had the same dream twice...?"
"What did you say?" Ray didn't quite catch it.
"It's nothing," Ethan waved his hand. "Go to sleep."
After Butler Ray left, Ethan stood up and remained standing for a long time before sitting back down. He was a bit restless. So, he finally taking out his phone.
He dialed a number.
It was Captain J, his right hand man, best friend, and adoptive brother.
When Captain J answered, he sounded half asleep. "You're still awake? What's up?"
"CJ," he said in a low tone, "tell Father I'll be there tomorrow. But I won't be taking the private jet."
The man on the other end chuckled. "Right. I'll come myself then with private jet to pick you up, Ethan. Tsk, always insecure when it isn't me flying the jet."
"No need," Ethan's voice suddenly turned cold. He said firmly. "No jets, no planes. Not for me, not for Father, not for anyone. Especially you Captain! No flying tomorrow. At all."
J: "…"
J chuckled. "What's this about? You're bailing out after promising dad you'd go see Miss Oswald?"
"Of course not. Just bring cars instead. We'll go by road."
"That'll take hours."
"I also need to buy something for the Oswald's… some tea, wine… maybe gifts for Miss Oswald too," Ethan said. "Can a jet stop midair for that?"
J. laughed, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. You win."
"Wait," Ethan said, stopping him before he could hang up. "The deal between Forrest Group and Bright Sky Airlines… how's that going?"
J's tone turned businesslike. "Everything's ready. It's one of the biggest deals in New Bay City. Your father plans to finalize it tomorrow morning and make me president of Bright Sky Airlines since I'm more inclined in the aviation area. The profits are expected to be huge."
Ethan fell silent for a moment. Then he said quietly, "Don't sign it."
The line went dead for a second as J froze. "What?"
"Cancel the deal."
"You're joking."
"I'm not."
J's voice rose. "Ethan, we're about to acquire one of the best airlines in the world! On what grounds….. Ah, don't tell me that airline is involved in some shady business behind the scene? Cause that's the only…"
"No scandal, no corruption. They are clean," Ethan said calmly. "Just… don't."
J exhaled sharply. "Christ."
"Just do what I said." Ethan's tone softened. "If father gets angry, I'll take the blame. Hide the papers. Delay the meeting. Whatever it takes."
J groaned. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"I am."
J was quiet for a long time. Then he said, "Alright. But this better not come back to haunt us."
When the call ended, Ethan let out a long breath.
He wasn't that dumb to just believe and trust in a brat's words when it especially had a big effect on the family's business. His IQ was high enough to know how irrational this was.
But love had a way of twisting logic. If it were anyone else, he'd laugh off their dream. But because it came from him l—from Liam Hayes—he couldn't ignore it.
Even if it cost millions.
Still, Ethan wasn't entirely reckless. He sent one last message to J. It read: "If the deal is canceled, pass it quietly to the Oswalds instead. They've always wanted Bright Sky Airlines. It'll be safer that way."
J replied seconds later: "It's a loss for Forest Group, but since it's going to the Oswalds, it won't be too bad. Good night."
Ethan read the message and smiled faintly. Then he set the phone down, staring into the darkness.
"What a lovesick fool you are Ethan Forrest," he muttered to himself, "but... I'd rather be this fool—a fool in love."
But even as he said it, a quiet smile lingered at the corner of his lips. Because for Liam Hayes…. even being a fool felt right.