Chapter 81

The men looked scary. Most of them had beards as long as the horsetail maidservants used to dust furniture. Their lips disappeared beneath these beards as they spoke. Even though Ethan was just thirteen, he wondered why Americans would keep such hideous beards; it was for the Arabs!

It was a business meeting, he was told by his mother. She had sounded so urgent in his room.

"Listen very carefully, baby," she said with zero hint of tenderness. "This is your first ever sitting with the board members. I don't know why your father's doing this. But it's no problem. I just want you to outsmart your brother, Liam. Mm? If they pose any questions, rack your brain and answer it, quick!"

Her eyes were fiery, and Ethan knew she wasn't here for jokes. She had chosen for him a white tuxedo, and a gold wristwatch. His hair was permed, and the scent of his perfume could be perceived from miles away. There was no way anything could go wrong with his looks, for he was a charmer. The only problem was h