A Matrilocal Husband's Counterattack

Chapter 39: The Check Is Fake

Although Ethan only asked Emily to serve as a maid for one year, Andrew still insisted on giving Ethan a one-billion-dollar check as a reward.

Aurora Group's current success was largely due to Andrew's expertise, contributing at least 80% of its achievements.
His sharp eye not only prevented counterfeit goods but also elevated the company's reputation. His life or death was crucial to the group.

By saving Andrew, Ethan essentially saved Aurora Group. Thus, Andrew was determined to reward him.
Despite Ethan's initial refusals, he eventually accepted the check.

In addition, Dr. Sun offered Ethan fifty million as a token of gratitude for accepting him as a student.
Dr. Sun even threatened to kneel if Ethan refused, leaving Ethan no choice but to accept.

Afterward, Ethan and Ms. Scarlet left the Brooks' estate.
On the way, Ethan asked Scarlet to drop him off at Bohai Bank to exchange the checks and settle his high-interest debts.

As they drove, Ethan looked gratefully at the woman in the driver's seat:
"Thank you for today, Scarlet."
"An income of 1.5 billion in just half a day—if I hadn't slapped myself twice, I would've thought I was dreaming."
"Let me split half of the fee with you as a referral commission," Ethan said, pulling out a five-million-dollar check.

"You're insulting me by saying that." Scarlet swatted his hand away. "It's me who should be thanking you for helping out. With Andrew alive, it means a lot to me."
"I won't take the five million, and I owe you another favor."

With a radiant smile tinged with mischief, she added, "You can ask for anything—even if it's me."
"Let's not get too formal then," Ethan said quickly, deflecting the flirtation. "Just let me know if you ever need help. I'll do my best."

Scarlet lightly brushed her fingers under his chin. "That's my good little brother."
"By the way, Scarlet, I'm thinking of finding a job. Do you have any advice?" Ethan asked, changing the subject.

"A job?" Scarlet looked at him in surprise.
"With your wealth, you could enjoy life every day. Why bother working?"
"And with your medical skills, treating a few patients a year would make you more money than most people earn in a lifetime."

Ethan coughed lightly. "I just want to keep myself busy."
"It's her, isn't it?" Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Your wife wants you to get a job to feel less useless?"

Ethan remained silent, embarrassed.

As they stopped at a red light, Scarlet leaned closer, her breath brushing against Ethan's ear:
"How about working for me as my personal doctor? Name your salary."

"I mainly want my mom to feel reassured," Ethan explained, scratching his head. "She's been worried since I haven't held a proper job since graduating."

Scarlet smirked but didn't press further.
"Getting a job is easy. The Five Lakes Group has dozens of companies—pick one. But honestly, I think it'd be a waste of your time."
"Your skills surpass even Dr. Sun's. Your energy should be focused on medicine."

She suggested, "Why not open your own clinic? It'll be a legitimate career, help you hone your expertise, and earn you a fortune. Four birds, one stone."

Ethan slapped his thigh in realization:
"You're right! Opening a clinic is a proper job."
"But... Sophia doesn't like me practicing medicine. It might upset her," he murmured.
"Also, I don't have a medical license."

Scarlet playfully flicked his forehead:
"With your skills and connections, getting a license will be a piece of cake."
"And as for Sophia... seriously, live your life for yourself. Why let her dictate your choices?"
"If she wants you gone, would you just vanish?"

"I've decided for you: you're opening a clinic. I'll handle the license and setup."
"If Sophia has a problem, divorce her. Worst case, I'll take care of you."

Scarlet parked the car outside Bohai Bank and said firmly, "We're here. Out you go."

As Scarlet drove away, Ethan chuckled at her bossy yet caring demeanor. It warmed his heart.
But his thoughts quickly returned to Sophia.

Ethan walked into the bank with three checks totaling 1.6 billion.
He wanted to exchange them, pay off debts, buy a house for his mom, set aside some savings, and invest the rest in a small business.

Approaching a bank clerk, he asked, "Hello, where can I cash these checks?"

"Ethan? What are you doing here?"

A familiar voice interrupted him. Turning around, Ethan saw a tall, elegant woman—Luna Bright, Sophia's cousin.

"Strutting into the bank to cash checks, huh? Have you ever seen a check before?" she sneered, her voice loud enough to draw attention.

Luna saw Ethan as a disgrace, unworthy of Sophia, and loved taking every chance to humiliate him.

"I'm a customer here to cash my checks, not to be insulted," Ethan replied calmly.

"You? A customer?" Luna crossed her arms, scoffing. "Is that Sophia's allowance?"

As whispers spread among the onlookers, Luna grabbed one of the checks.
"Let me see this."

"Ten million?" she exclaimed. "Sophia gave you this much? Impossible! It must be fake!"