"What dia outlet are you from?" Eric asked with a light chuckle, showing not the slightest hint of anger.
The two reporters were montarily stunned, finding it hard to believe. Their plan had been to provoke Eric into a confrontation, hoping to escalate the situation, but he remained completely unfazed.
"We’re from *Today’s Big News*!"
"Very well, then. You can expect a subpoena from soon. I hope your publication will stand by you as you face charges of malicious slander and defamation against Nelson Group," Eric said coldly.
The two reporters’ eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Nelson! What do you an by this? Are we not even allowed to speculate?"
"No, you’re not. This concerns the reputation of Nelson Group. If you disagree, feel free to get a good lawyer and fight it out in court," Eric replied with a faint smile, putting an arm around Ella and casually walking away.
The two reporters stood there trembling with anger, exchanging a look of bewildered fear. While the money they had been promised was tempting, if Eric really sued them, they might lose their jobs, and no one would hire them again. More importantly, since their plan had failed to have the intended impact, the rest of the paynt wouldn’t co through either.
Ruining their reputations for a few thousand dollars was definitely not worth it.
Back at ho, Ella volunteered to give Eric a back rub, playing the perfect role of a caring wife.
"Tomorrow, I’m eting with the mayor of S City and a few other top officials for dinner. Do you want to co along?" Eric asked lazily.
Ella knew that after what happened at Nelson Group, Eric would need to smooth things over with the authorities.
"No, I’m not good at that sort of thing," she replied, not enjoying socializing with those circles.
"Alright then. Just let know if you have any plans, and I’ll work around them," Eric said with a soft laugh, stretching out his arms to enjoy Ella’s attention.
As she thought back to the two reporters and their baseless accusations, she remarked, "Their emotional intelligence is really low. They were trying to provoke you and make things worse, weren’t they?"
"You’re so smart, my love. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure they surrender obediently," Eric said with a cold smile, his eyes flashing with sharp intensity.
Ella pursed her lips, knowing this was typical of Eric. No matter what tricks his opponents tried, he would always find a way to counter them.
While she was lost in thought, a sudden force pulled her down, and she fell onto Eric’s chest. "Mmm, these lips... so sweet!" Eric teased as he stole a playful kiss.
Ella blushed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Eric, can’t you be serious for once?"
"How could I be serious in front of you?" Eric replied with a mischievous grin.
Ella was left speechless. Before she could gather her thoughts, Eric had already taken control, his presence overwhelming her senses. His kiss was soft at first, filling her with a growing anticipation. But soon, his tenderness turned into fiery passion, and Ella found herself completely consud by it...
...
At 6 PM the next evening, Ella arrived at her appointnt.
It was Lauren’s birthday, and she had invited so classmates to dinner at the hotel. Ella couldn’t miss it, and coincidentally, Eric was also at Nelson Group’s hotel for his business.
Since she had nothing better to do, she figured she could wait for Eric after the al and head ho together.
Just as she stepped into the entrance of Nelson Group Hotel, she heard soone call out, "Miss Davis?"
Ella pretended not to hear, maintaining her confident stride.
"Miss Davis!" The voice called louder, forcing Ella to stop and turn around calmly.
It was Leah, arm-in-arm with Julia, walking toward her, followed by Mason and Bella.
So, they were here for dinner too? Were they here to celebrate Nelson Group’s crisis?
Ella narrowed her eyes. Today, Nelson Group’s stock had indeed taken a hit, dropping by five percent. Several headlines had featured the scandal of the company using fake materials.
For Carter Group and Mason, this was definitely sothing worth celebrating.
"Oh, Miss Davis, I rember a well-mannered lady once said that those who ignore others are the ones most lacking in manners. But surely, Miss Davis just didn’t hear, right?" Bella said with a sarcastic smile, her tone dripping with mockery. Mason’s face darkened, clearly displeased.
Even though Bella was the mayor’s daughter, she seed to lack refinent. Her words were clearly a veiled insult, implying that Ella had poor manners.
Ella simply smiled calmly. "Miss Rodriguez, every word of yours hides a barb—quite an elegant form of manners."
Bella’s lips twitched as she was about to respond, but Mason cut her off with a cold snap, "That’s enough. If you don’t want to eat, you can stay right here."
Bella had no choice but to close her mouth and glared at Ella resentfully.
Mason, however, smiled at Ella. "Miss Davis, what a coincidence. We et again."
"Mr. Scott, you’re too kind. You et thousands of won every day, I’m sure you’re quite fated with many of them." Ella’s composed reply put a stop to any further attempt at flirtation.
"Well, we’ll be on our way," Mason said, giving Ella a long, thoughtful look. "I suppose Mr. Nelson must be hiding away, frightened by all the scandals, with no ti to join you for dinner."
Ella scoffed softly, unwilling to disclose anything about Eric’s whereabouts.
Getting no useful response, Mason had no choice but to leave with Bella in tow.
Julia, who had patiently waited for Ella to finish with Mason and Bella, watched the interaction with quiet grace. Her calm deanor earned her the silent admiration of the staff around them.
"Is there sothing Mrs. Carter would like to discuss?" Ella asked coolly, her gaze devoid of any resentnt.
Julia smiled lightly. "Miss Davis, I do have a few things I’d like to say to you. Where can we et after dinner?"
Julia still hadn’t given up.
Ella pondered for a mont. "The balcony on the 18th floor. It has a lovely view."
"Alright, I’ll et you there after dinner," Julia said without further comnt, Leah standing beside her with a smug, confident grin.
"Ella, Nelson Group’s in deep trouble this ti. Aren’t you going to do sothing to help your husband?" Leah said, her tone laced with faux concern.
"Miss Carter, surely you’re joking. My husband is smart and capable—there’s no need for to step in. Only those who are outwardly arrogant but lack real ability would need soone else’s advice, wouldn’t you say? Mr. Scott must have quite the mind on him," Ella replied, raising her eyebrows.
Her words were sharp, and Leah’s expression quickly shifted.
Indeed, it was Mason who had co up with the idea to swap out the cent at the construction site. Now that the scandal had been exposed and Nelson Group was taking a hit, Leah was convinced Carter Group had won, and Nelson Group’s chances of recovery were slim.
With Mason involved, Leah thought that a playboy like Eric was no match for him.
But Ella’s comnt implied she had figured it all out.
"Enough. This isn’t the place for such talk. Let’s go eat, and we can have a proper conversation with Miss Davis later," Julia said with a light laugh, taking Leah by the arm and leaving.
Ella pressed her lips together, her thoughts swirling. What was this old woman scheming now?
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