Bob Weinstein's intentions soon became clear.
After another glass of red wine, a new guest arrived at the estate.
"Hello, everyone!"
The newcomer was a middle-aged white man with curly hair, an average build, and a friendly smile. The moment he saw the group, he greeted them warmly.
But upon seeing him, Ethan frowned slightly.
He was all too familiar with this man's face—to the point that he could recall every single detail about him, including his deeds and crimes.
That's right, it was none other than the infamous island owner who later committed suicide in prison—Epstein.
Seeing him, Ethan immediately realized why he had felt something was off about this gathering. After all, both Kevin Spacey and Leonardo had appeared on Epstein's list before.
While there was no concrete evidence proving they had ever set foot on that island, there was also no evidence proving they hadn't.
Now it seemed that Ethan was Epstein's next invitee.
"Ethan!"
Just as that thought crossed his mind, Epstein enthusiastically walked over and embraced Ethan. "What a stroke of luck to meet you here!"
"Hello, you are…?" Ethan deliberately pretended not to recognize him.
"This is Jeffrey Epstein. He's a billionaire from Wall Street, Ethan," Bob Weinstein introduced him before adding, "It's truly an honor to have you at my gathering."
Though Weinstein's company held significant sway in Hollywood, it was nothing compared to Wall Street titans. Epstein, in particular, was deeply embedded in both politics and business, with an extensive network of connections.
For Bob Weinstein, whatever his true motives were, forging ties with Epstein could be the lifeline his struggling PR firm needed. A few words from Epstein could potentially breathe new life into the company.
As for why Ethan had been invited, it was simply because Epstein wanted to meet Hollywood's rising star director.
"I see…" Ethan shook Epstein's hand, smiling as they sat down together.
After exchanging pleasantries with Bob, Epstein turned to Ethan. "I watched your Lucy. So sexy. You made Scarlett look incredibly sensual. I loved the film, and I've wanted to meet you ever since."
"Thank you for your appreciation," Ethan responded with a calm expression, keeping the conversation polite but distant.
After chatting for a while, Epstein suddenly suggested, "How about a round of golf?"
Behind the estate was a private golf course. The group moved there and began taking turns showing off their skills.
Ethan wasn't particularly enthusiastic about golf and wasn't the most skilled player. However, his sharp eyes and precise control over his strength ensured that he didn't lag behind the others.
After a few rounds, Epstein, perhaps feeling the game was becoming monotonous, proposed, "Why don't we place a bet on this?"
"What kind of bet?" Among the group, Kevin Spacey was the most familiar with Epstein and had the closest relationship with him.
"Let's bet on a cruise," Epstein said, causing everyone's expressions to shift slightly.
Losing a golf game and having to buy a cruise ship? That wasn't just a yacht.
Fortunately, Epstein quickly clarified, "A cruise trip. I know of a very exclusive route. Whoever wins will pay for the others to take the trip. I promise the scenery is breathtaking."
"I can vouch for that. That route is incredible," Kevin Spacey chimed in, grinning. If Ethan didn't already know what they were really referring to, he might have believed their nonsense.
However, he showed no outward suspicion, simply slipping a hand into his pocket and discreetly sending a text message.
"Competing to see who wins? That does sound fun." Leonardo was eager to play. Money wasn't an issue for any of them, so a game where the winner got to pay made things more interesting.
Besides, he had won more than he had lost in previous matches. He was feeling confident.
Bob Weinstein saw no reason to refuse and picked up his club.
"Then let's begin," Epstein announced with a smile, seeing everyone's enthusiasm.
Twenty minutes later, the golf game concluded, and the winner was Epstein. From the sidelines, Ethan had observed the entire game and could tell that Epstein had deliberately hidden his skills earlier.
"Alright, I won. I'll call for transportation right now," Epstein said, pulling out his phone and dialing the captain of his cruise ship.
"We're going now?" Leonardo asked. "How long will it take?"
"Don't worry, not long," Epstein reassured him with a smile. "My cruise ship is always docked at the port, ready to set sail at any time."
"Wow, so what's this exclusive route?" Bob Weinstein asked.
Epstein explained, "It's near Mexico—a very mysterious canyon. Every time I go, the scenery is completely different."
"Is it dangerous?" Ethan asked curiously.
"Of course… it's possible. But the only risks come from the weather. If there's any trouble, my people will notify me immediately."
"Alright then."
After waiting for a while, a Rolls-Royce pulled up at the entrance.
Just as they were about to get in, Ethan's phone suddenly rang.
"Hello?" Ethan exchanged a glance with the others, and they immediately shared a knowing smile, staying silent.
"Jessica, what's wrong? I'm about to go out for a drink with some friends…" Ethan started off cheerful, but then his expression froze, and he suddenly looked anxious.
"What? Elena is sick? A fever? Has the doctor come? Did she take any medicine?"
"She did, but there's no improvement yet?"
Ethan hung up the phone and spread his hands apologetically. "I'm really sorry. My daughter suddenly fell ill, and her mom is extremely worried. I have to go home."
"It's just a minor illness; it shouldn't be a big deal, right?" Bob Weinstein said with the air of someone experienced. "What she needs now is rest."
"Elena is sick? Has she seen a doctor?" Leonardo was more concerned since he had met Ethan's daughter before and was very fond of the little angel.
"Yes, she has. She took medicine, but she's still crying nonstop. Jessica said she keeps calling my name. Sorry, I have to go back. Leonardo, you know Elena is my angel, my everything."
Ethan's expression was firm, as if there was no room for discussion.
"Then go back quickly. I understand a father's concern. I was the same when my child was born." Epstein, on the other hand, was very understanding and didn't make things difficult for Ethan, allowing him to leave immediately.
When Ethan returned to the estate and pulled his car out of the garage, he saw the Rolls-Royce already driving away. He didn't leave right away but called Tom instead. "Tom, follow them. Be careful, don't take any risks."
"Understood," Tom responded without hesitation.
Then Ethan drove back to New York City.
Although he hadn't expected Epstein to be at the party, he had already arranged a set of coded messages with Tom. Depending on the different messages he sent, Tom would call at specific times.
He had no interest in ending up on that list, nor in Epstein and his group's twisted hobbies.
But Bob Weinstein being on that ship… was this the result of his butterfly effect?
When Ethan arrived at Jessica's place and stepped inside, he immediately saw his little princess, Elena.
The little girl was sitting at the table in the living room, playing with building blocks. Her face was full of joy, with no sign of illness at all.
"Elena, look who's here!" Jessica guided their daughter to look at the doorway.
Elena turned her head, and when she saw Ethan, she immediately shouted, "Daddy, hug!"
She stretched out her chubby little arms, reaching for Ethan.
Ethan rushed over, scooping his daughter up and spinning her around. "Baby, did you have fun at home today?"
"Yes! Titi and Raffi played with me!" Elena answered in her slightly clumsy English.
Titi was a Devon Rex cat, and Raffi was a French Bulldog.
Ethan had personally chosen them as companions for Elena. Since getting them, she played with them every day.
However, for health reasons, Jessica only allowed her to play with them for two hours a day. The rest of the time, Titi and Raffi were kept in another living room.
"And are you even happier now that you see Daddy?" Ethan gently rubbed his cheek against his daughter's, feeling her smooth, cool skin, like a fine piece of jade.
"Yes!" Elena smacked a kiss on Ethan's face and then clung to him tightly.
"Look at you, so smug." Jessica rolled her eyes. Every time Elena saw her father, she completely forgot about her mother, which made Jessica very jealous.
"Haha, don't be so petty." Ethan pulled Jessica into an embrace, passing Elena's kiss to her.
The family played in the living room for a while.
"Ethan, Camila said she's coming over soon," Jessica suddenly said after checking a text message.
"Alright. What's the occasion?" Ethan hadn't been to his Mother's place much recently, but Jessica kept in touch with her often.
"She wants to celebrate Luis's 15th birthday."
"His birthday… right, I completely forgot." Ethan shrugged and called Tom, asking him to prepare gifts for his younger brothers.
"Time flies." He realized it had already been eight years since he arrived in this world.
His two younger brothers had grown from little kids into teenagers, catching him off guard.
When he finally saw them, the passage of time felt even more real.
The once tiny boys had shot up.
Luis was now 5'8" (173 cm), and Regias was 5'6" (168 cm).
Ethan had no doubt that in a few years, these two would surpass him in height.
"Hi, brother," Regias greeted politely. He was still the well-behaved one, but now wore glasses—evidently nearsighted.
"Hey, big bro," Luis, on the other hand, maintained his usual playful attitude, his brown curly hair and smirking face suggesting he was popular with girls at school.
"Long time no see." Ethan led them into the living room. In his arms, Elena blinked in confusion at her two uncles before waving and saying, "Hello!"
"So polite." Regias reached out and playfully teased Elena, while Luis simply nodded without much reaction.
"Come, have a seat."
Once they sat down, Camila and Jessica headed to the kitchen with a Michelin-star chef, while Ethan stayed in the living room with his daughter and brothers.
"I heard you started a band?" Ethan first looked at Regias. He was only 13 but had already formed a band at school.
"Yeah, it's called 'Weird Bird.'" Regias seemed a bit shy, but Camila had mentioned he played the bass.
"That name sucks, Regias." Luis didn't hesitate to mock him. "Big bro, what do you think?"
"It's definitely… unique." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So, what kind of music do you play?"
"Funk and rock, mostly."
"Planning to release an album?"
"Huh?" Regias was surprised. "I never thought about it."
"Would you like to?" Ethan gently poked his daughter's chubby cheek. "I can't promise the best producers, but if you're interested, I can have my company make an album for you in three or four months."
"Really? That's amazing!" Regias's face turned red with excitement. "The band will go crazy when they hear this!"
"It's nothing, consider it a gift from me." Ethan casually made the decision.
But Luis was immediately unhappy.
"Big bro, it's my birthday!" he protested, determined to get an even better gift.
"But I heard you've been busy chasing girls. What should I even get you? A stack of those?" To avoid Elena picking up the word, Ethan left it vague.
"Hey, who told you that? It must've been Mom." Luis grumbled. "I've only dated three girls."
"Three isn't enough?" Ethan clicked his tongue. "Be careful, if you get someone pregnant, don't expect Camila and me to raise your kid."
"Relax, I know what I'm doing!" Luis waved it off. "Besides, I'm not just dating. I've been working hard too!"
"Oh? Tell me more." Ethan was intrigued.
"I've been shooting videos, into photography." Luis defended himself.
Ethan was surprised. "You? Photography?"
"Of course! Why? You think I can't?"
"I'm just a little surprised." Ethan never expected his energetic brother to settle down and take up photography. No matter the reason, it was unexpected.
"I've been filming videos. I realized I prefer video over photos. So, big bro, buy me a camera!" Luis made his request without hesitation.
"Sure, what kind do you want? I'll have Tom buy it for you."
"Awesome! I'm going to shoot my own movie!"
"You sure it won't be an adult movie?"
"What's an adult movie, Daddy?" Elena asked curiously.
"Uh… it's a type of film with deep philosophical themes. You're too young for it now, Elena. You'll understand when you're older." Afraid she would keep asking, Ethan quickly handed her to Jessica.
With Elena gone, Ethan and his brothers started chatting more openly.
By the time dinner was ready, their bond had deepened even more.
....
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