The bodyguard who had been trailing Ella and her group rushed back imdiately, shielding Mason from further attacks.
Eric and Ella exchanged a knowing smile, linked arms, and strolled away leisurely.
Alia and Richard were laughing so hard they could barely keep their jaws from dropping. Mason, that jerk, had finally gotten what he deserved.
So people hate having their sexual orientation mocked, and Mason, who despised the idea of being associated with homosexuality, couldn’t stand being hit on by n. His arrogant personality ensured that he’d have a nasty reaction to such encounters.
A man like that? Well, getting a beating was just karma catching up!
The group made their way to the edge of Silver Creek Valley, where smooth pebbles lined the banks and the water was crystal clear, with small fish swimming lazily beneath the surface.
"Eric, you’re unbelievably crafty! Mason won’t be catching up to us anyti soon after that," Richard laughed, pulling Alia into a kiss. Ella, smiling contentedly, waved over a boatman, and the four of them boarded a boat together.
"He deserved it. I honestly have no idea what I did to make him hate so much!" Ella said, her mood lifting. Mason and Rachel’s sudden appearance had dampened her spirits, but seeing those two troublemakers get what they deserved was imnsely satisfying, leaving her feeling more relaxed and content.
At last, she could enjoy a carefree, happy trip down Silver Creek Valley with the people she loved.
Silver Creek Valley, true to its na, curved like a crescent moon, splitting the surrounding mountains in two. The scenery on both sides was breathtaking, and the boat occasionally slipped through water caves, where the illuminated cave walls featured grand carvings.
Laughter echoed down the valley as Eric and the group enjoyed their ti together.
"Up ahead is Crystal Ridge Cave. Would you like to check it out? But I have to warn you, the tickets are a bit pricey—300 per person!" the boatman turned and asked with a grin.
"Of course we do! Crystal Ridge Cave is one of the top sights in Silver Creek Valley!" Alia responded excitedly.
Three hundred yuan for a ticket might be steep for regular visitors, but for them, even taking their four bodyguards along was no issue at all.
Hearing their agreent, the boatman pulled up to a stone platform, letting them disembark.
The group bought tickets, bringing their bodyguards along as well.
Since it wasn’t peak season, the place wasn’t crowded at all.
The cave was filled with srizing sights, enhanced by the artificial lighting that made the natural rock formations even more enchanting. Alia didn’t forget to snap a few photos of Ella and Eric together, making sure they had plenty of mories to look back on. Everyone was having a blast.
Since Alia wasn’t used to much physical activity, she had to take frequent breaks. After their third rest, Ella and Alia sat down on a stone bench, going through the photos they had just taken.
"Heh, fancy running into you all again!" ca Mason’s infuriatingly familiar voice from behind them.
Ella’s face darkened as she turned to see Mason, now sporting a large red bump on his forehead—likely from the earlier tussle with the n.
Eric chuckled. "Mr. Scott, you’ve caught up already? Impressive."
"Ha! Must’ve lost two of your bodyguards along the way, huh?" Alia quipped sarcastically.
The group exchanged amused glances, barely holding back their laughter. If Mason had lost two bodyguards, that ant if they wanted to make a move, it’d be much easier than before!
Rachel finally caught up with them, clearly out of breath and showing her lack of physical stamina.
"Wait... wait for !" Rachel called out loudly, leaning against the cave wall for support. But she was imdiately scolded by an unfamiliar staff mber.
"Miss, be careful! You’re not allowed to touch the cave walls. Are you blind? Didn’t you read the rules before entering the cave?"
The cave walls were engraved with inscriptions left by important figures, as well as so calligraphic works and carvings from famous artists, making them extrely valuable.
Embarrassed, Rachel quickly withdrew her hand and cast a pleading look at Mason.
Mason didn’t even bother to glance at her.
Ella couldn’t help but smirk—Rachel was really going all out, trying to latch onto Eric, practically exhausting herself in the process.
"Eric, you’ve really got guts. If you’re so capable, face in the business world!" Mason sneered, his eyes cold with anger. Eric’s little stunt had made the tourists around Silver Creek Valley believe Mason was gay, and the whole ordeal with the young man earlier had forced him to have his bodyguards deal with the three n while he and Rachel escaped.
Mason had rarely been in such a humiliating position, but his obsession drove him to continue with his plans, despite already suffering a setback.
At that mont, a young woman approached with two plainclothes bodyguards, her eyes lighting up when she saw Eric.
"Mr. Nelson, is that really you?"
Her eyes sparkled with excitent, but when she noticed Ella by his side, her expression darkened slightly.
Eric remained calm and flashed a mischievous smile. "Well, well. Long ti no see."
The young woman looked about twenty-two or twenty-three, slightly older than Ella. Her makeup was impeccable, and though her features were delicate, there was an air of arrogance and superiority about her that made her instantly unlikeable.
"And this is..." Bella glanced at Ella.
"This is my wife, Ella. Ella, this is Bella Rodriguez, the mayor’s daughter here in Y City," Eric said with a soft smile, not hesitating to reveal Ella’s status.
Bella’s expression dimd, and the look she gave Ella was full of distaste.
"So, Miss Davis, which school do you attend? I thought the rumors were just gossip, but it seems Mr. Nelson really is married!" Bella had t Eric at an event once, and from that mont on, she had set her sights on him.
Ella rolled her eyes internally. One Rachel wasn’t enough, now a "peacock princess" Bella was joining in too. Eric really had a knack for attracting trouble!
Still, Ella smiled politely. "I’m a freshman at Egerton University."
"I see... I’ve heard that Miss Davis cos from a complicated family background. Honestly, I think marriage should be between equals, don’t you agree, Mr. Nelson?" Bella’s words clearly implied that Ella was unworthy of Eric.
Ella smiled faintly. This Bella really was a classic "peacock princess"—thinking herself high and mighty, assuming she was highly sought after. What a pity...
"My marriage doesn’t need outside opinions," Eric said coldly.
Bella’s forced smile faltered, and she wisely chose not to push the matter further.
Mason, however, smiled elegantly. "Miss Rodriguez makes a valid point. We should definitely have a deeper conversation soti."
Eric stood up, pulling Ella with him, while Alia gave an annoyed huff. Richard, who had been taking pictures from a distance, finally put his cara away and joined them with a cheerful grin.
Bella and her group naturally followed along.
After passing through Crystal Ridge Cave, they found a mountain ahead. It was said that the temple on top was known for its highly effective blessings, and there was even a small inn nearby.
Mason, thinking about his plan, couldn’t help but smile subtly to himself.
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