"Well, let me first introduce myself," the old man said, his tone calm yet commanding. "I'm Walter Marclaire. Rhea's grandfather."
Ethan's eyes didn't show it, but his thoughts immediately stirred.
"I know. In the original story, you and your wife were the only family Rhea had after her parents died."
He stood up and bowed politely. "Hello, sir. What did you want to talk about?"
Walter waved his hand. "Before that… let me thank you. For saving my family."
The old man made a small gesture, half-bowing.
"Sir, please don't. You're an elder," Ethan said quickly. "I just did what anyone else would've done."
Walter let out a hearty laugh. "Kid, you're too humble."
He took a seat across from Ethan and leaned forward slightly.
"Let me ask you something. What do you want to do in life?"
Ethan blinked. "Sorry?"
"What do you want to do, Ethan?"
The question caught him off guard. He stayed silent for a moment, then replied honestly.
