"Ella, why are you being so polite with us? Eric, you must make those nasty won pay!" Chloe said indignantly.
"As long as you’re okay, Ella. If you ever need my help..." Charles began to say.
"That won’t be necessary. From now on, she’s with ." Eric interrupted Charles, his voice calm but firm.
Eric glanced at Charles, noticing his injuries were indeed worse than Ella’s. A smirk curved his lips. "Mr. Carter, you are quite a man. I believe it’s essential for our families to collaborate, as a gesture of gratitude for protecting Ella."
Charles’s expression shifted slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Nelson, but if that’s your only reason, then it’s not necessary. Carter Group is strong on its own. If you want to collaborate, it should be based on our rits."
Charles had his pride. Agreeing might lead others to think he was only approaching Ella because of Eric. He wasn’t a man who relied on won to succeed.
"Very well, I respect that. Let’s hope the board approves my proposal," Eric said with a light chuckle, unfazed as he held Ella’s hand.
"Let’s go. We need to get you changed at the hotel."
Ella’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Chloe. "Chloe, are you really okay? Do you want to co with us?"
"No, I’m heading ho with my brother. I’ll catch up with you later. Mr. Nelson, please take good care of Ella. This trouble is likely due to your admirers, isn’t it?" Chloe snorted, though Eric was handso, he was Ella’s man, and she hoped he would protect her well.
"No need to worry, Miss Carter. And thank you both for today," Eric said sincerely. Ella cast an apologetic glance at Charles before Eric guided her into the car.
"My clothes are dirty. I might ss up your car..." Ella hesitated as she saw the pristine interior.
Eric chuckled, pulling her into the seat. Ella winced, seeing the egg stains sar the upholstery.
"If the seat gets dirty, so be it. Would you rather kneel?" Eric teased, glancing at her as he started the car, heading towards the Nelson Group hotel.
Ella let out a long sigh. "I wonder who I offended to deserve this. I hope Chloe will still want to hang out with after this."
She had her suspicions about who was behind this—likely Avery. Despite being a socialite, Avery had behaved quite uncouthly that day. Only a spoiled heiress like her would do sothing so petty.
"If I find out who did this, they won’t get away with it," Eric said coldly, his handso face dark with anger.
Ella was the first woman to capture his interest, and now soone dared to harm her.
Ella raised an eyebrow, looking at Eric’s handso face. "Is it true what Chloe said? Is this the work of one of your admirers?"
Eric’s expression hardened. "Ella, tell , what is your relationship with Charles?"
Ella pursed her lips. "He’s just Chloe’s brother. What do you think we could possibly have?"
"Don’t you think he’s overprotective? Chloe is more injured than you, yet he ignored his own sister to shield a stranger?" Eric questioned sharply.
"Those people were after ! If he hadn’t protected , I’d probably be trampled to death by that mob of crazy won!" Ella huffed, still furious about the earlier incident.
"Ella, stop letting him hold your hand, or I’ll chop it off!" Eric’s cold voice made Ella freeze in shock.
What kind of statent was that? Charles had just saved her life, and instead of being grateful, Eric was questioning his motives? Even if he liked her, this was too much.
"He’s my savior..."
"Ella, I’m your husband!" Eric’s face darkened. "I don’t mind making it official right now."
Ella was at a loss for words. She was only eighteen, just old enough to get married in Country S. But she was still in her senior year of high school! Getting married now would make Chloe laugh her head off.
"Got it?"
"Fine," Ella muttered reluctantly.
"You don’t sound very willing. Charles may seem upright, but he’s not a simple man," Eric scoffed.
Ella didn’t bother arguing anymore. Soon, they arrived at the parking garage of the Nelson Group hotel. As soon as they got out, several security guards approached them briskly. "Mr. Nelson!"
Eric nodded slightly and led Ella into the VIP elevator.
Ella felt the stench on her clothes and wrinkled her nose. She suddenly realized how foolish she had been. Why hadn’t she asked Eric to take her ho instead? Coming to the hotel with him felt awkward.
"Um... I think I should go ho to change."
"I’ll handle today’s incident. Your spiteful stepmother and scheming sister won’t find out. But if you want them to use this against you, go ahead and try," Eric said, narrowing his eyes in displeasure.
Ella turned away, unwilling to et his angry gaze. Eric reached out, grasping her chin and forcing her to look at him.
Ella had no choice but to face Eric, his starry eyes reflecting her slightly embarrassed face.
"Don’t kiss ... my face slls awful," Ella whispered, afraid he’d try to kiss her right there.
Eric let out a disdainful snort and released her. "You’re overthinking. I have no desire to kiss you. Ella, what on earth goes on in your head?"
Ella’s face turned red. She huffed and turned away in embarrassnt.
The elevator doors opened, and Ella followed Eric, keeping her head low.
This floor was the CEO’s private domain, with only a few staff mbers around.
"Mr. Nelson, welco back." At room 2906, a maid bowed deeply, looking like a subservient servant.
Ella felt disgusted. As soon as the door closed, she asked sullenly, "Was that maid’s bowing a hotel policy?"
"No," Eric replied indifferently, taking off his shoes.
Ella raised an eyebrow. "Looks like she’s trying to get your attention, treating you with utmost respect, and you didn’t even glance at her."
"Are you jealous?" Eric asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Of course not!"
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