Chapter 463

William Langley had cooked himself a bowl of plain noodles before leaving home. The steaming hot meal left a comforting warmth in his stomach. He pulled out a copy of The Ming Dynasty Stories from his briefcase and became engrossed in reading.

Twenty minutes later, the boarding announcement echoed through the station.

Victoria Langley and Evelyn Langley carried only small handbags, breezing through the ticket gates with ease. They stood in the waiting area, scanning the bustling platform.

William dragged his suitcase behind him, Victoria's tote bag slung over his shoulder. Just as he reached for his ID, his expression darkened.

He remembered the man in a baseball cap who had shoved him hard in the back while he was in line.

"Dad, hurry up!" Evelyn called from inside the gate.

Beads of sweat formed on William's forehead. "My wallet's gone. My ID was inside."

"Use your digital ID," Evelyn said, pulling out her phone.

William gave a strained smile. "My phone... was in the wallet too."

Then he spotted the familiar baseball cap weaving through the crowd.

"Stop!" William abandoned his luggage and gave chase.

Evelyn and Victoria tried to turn back but were blocked by a station attendant. "Ma'am, regulations prohibit re-entering through the gates."

"My husband is chasing a thief!" Victoria stamped her foot in frustration.

The attendant shook his head. "You'll need to exit and re-enter through the proper channels."

Evelyn had an idea. "Can you call the police?"

"Officers have already been notified."

......

At the far end of the platform, William leaned forward, hands on his knees, panting. "Thank you so much, young man."

"Just doing what anyone would." The young man handed back the wallet.

"May I have your name?"

"Ethan Winston."

......

"Dad!" Evelyn jogged over, strands of hair clinging to her damp cheeks.

William waved the retrieved wallet triumphantly. "All thanks to Mr. Winston here!"

Victoria inspected her husband anxiously. "Are you hurt?"

"Just winded from running." William rubbed his side.

After sorting out their rebooked tickets, the three returned to the waiting area.

"Ethan!" William suddenly called out, waving toward the distance.

Ethan was reviewing a financial report and only looked up at the third call.

His gaze slid past William, locking onto the slender figure beside him.

"You know each other?" Evelyn blinked in surprise as the man approached.

A glimmer of amusement flickered in Ethan's eyes. He'd come to Linshi for a merger negotiation—this unexpected encounter was an unforeseen delight.