Eric’s expression turned icy. "Miss Johnson, if my wife didn’t speak up like that, should she have bowed and flattered you instead?"
lissa’s smug deanor faltered under Eric’s cutting remark. While Richard was wealthy, LXL was Eric’s company—a fact she couldn’t afford to overlook.
"That’s not... I didn’t an that," lissa stamred. "I just don’t want Mrs. Nelson to question like this."
Ella chuckled lightly and spoke in an even tone. "But you’re wearing high heels and heavy makeup, showing no signs of being pregnant. I think my questioning is entirely justified." Turning to Richard with a cold glance, she added, "Richard, I hope you don’t end up regretting your choices. Eric, let’s go. I’m hungry; we’ll eat first and then co back to shop for clothes."
At three months along, Ella’s early pregnancy symptoms had subsided, but she found herself constantly hungry, likely because she was carrying twins.
"Alright, let’s get sothing to eat. Richard, we can talk tonight if needed," Eric replied.
Ella cast a final glance at Richard, whose face was tense and troubled. Taking a few steps away, she paused, looking back with a thoughtful expression.
"Richard, Alia has a strong-willed personality, but if you’re sincere, I believe she’ll forgive you. However, if your plan is to provoke her with sothing this foolish, it’s only going to backfire. Just rember—what won despise most is a man cheating and then dragging another woman into the ss with a baby!"
With that, Ella walked away with Eric, leaving no room for further discussion.
Richard’s face darkened like a storm cloud as he stood frozen in place, lost in thought.
anwhile, lissa fud, practically trembling with rage. She’d worked so hard to manipulate her way into Richard’s life. Although nothing intimate had occurred, Richard had been drunk that night and didn’t rember anything clearly.
To secure him, lissa had forged a pregnancy report and claid she was carrying his child.
Richard had believed her—too easily, in her opinion—and now hearing Ella’s words filled her with anger and panic. Had she been nothing more than a pawn to him?
"Richard, don’t listen to her nonsense. She doesn’t like and is trying to sabotage us! Darling, please don’t let other people’s opinions make you doubt !" lissa cooed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.
Richard narrowed his eyes with a cold smile. "Are you really pregnant?"
He turned to his assistant. "Take Miss Johnson to the hospital imdiately for a blood test."
lissa froze, her composure cracking as fury and fear mingled on her face. "Richard, how could you doubt like this?"
"If you are truly pregnant, I’ll take responsibility. But if you’re not, you’ve lied to —and why would you fear another blood test if you’re telling the truth?"
Richard’s voice was cold and sharp. His words made lissa tremble. His assistant stepped forward politely but firmly.
"Miss Johnson, please co with to the hospital."
"Richard..." lissa tried one last ti to plead, but he didn’t look back as he strode off, leaving her standing there, humiliated.
Her hatred for Ella burned hotter than ever.
anwhile, Ella and Eric sat in a cozy Chinese restaurant, flipping through the nu.
Lucas called to inform them that his nephew—Ella’s second older brother—would be joining them for dinner at the Nelson Group Hotel.
Ella agreed imdiately, as they had plenty of ti in the evening.
"Dad says Second Brother is coming to see . He’s such a busy person—it’s great he could finally make ti!" Ella said with a smile.
Ella smiled as she reflected, "Although I’ve been back in Country S for quite so ti now, my second brother, Aiden Anderson, has been tied up with business in Y Country and hasn’t had a chance to return."
"In that case, I’ll have the hotel reserve a private room for us," Eric said with a smile, picking up his phone to make the arrangents.
After placing their food order, Ella added, "Once we finish eating, we can shop for so more baby clothes, rest a bit at the hotel, and then et my second brother at five."
Eric nodded. "Are you feeling tired? Do you want to give you a massage?"
Ella blinked, glancing around the restaurant, which was nearly packed with people. She had been standing for a long ti and didn’t want to go elsewhere to eat, especially since all the upstairs private rooms were already fully booked.
"Isn’t it too crowded—" Before Ella could finish her sentence, Eric had already stood up, walked behind her, and began gently massaging her sore lower back.
A wave of surprise rippled through the diners. Many were stunned to witness such doting attention from a wealthy heir like Eric.
After all, most wealthy sons of influential families held their dignity above all else. Performing such a considerate gesture in public? Unheard of.
Ella felt her cheeks warm in embarrassnt. She quickly grabbed Eric’s hands. "Honey, let’s just eat. If you keep this up, everyone’s going to stare at you, and I feel awkward being the center of attention."
Eric chuckled. "Why should we care what others think? Let them stare—we’re just doing our thing."
Ella sighed in exasperation. "Honey..."
Seeing how considerate Ella was of his reputation, Eric gave a mischievous smile. His expression, equal parts devilish charm and warm sincerity, radiated like golden autumn sunlight, filling Ella with a comforting warmth.
Relenting, Eric returned to his seat but imdiately noticed a few reporters discreetly snapping photos of them.
"Want to have them stop taking pictures?" Eric asked irritably. He wasn’t a celebrity, so he hated being constantly photographed.
Ella shook her head. "It’s fine. As long as it’s not a private setting, they can take their pictures. It doesn’t bother too much."
She truly didn’t mind, as long as it wasn’t intrusive or persistent.
Eric’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his brows furrowing slightly before answering.
"Vivian, what is it?"
Ella raised an eyebrow. The na rang a bell.
It reminded her of their first misunderstanding. Though it had been resolved smoothly and left no emotional scars, the mory still lingered.
"Eric, please help ! I’ve been barred from leaving the country. I... I really want to see you," Vivian’s voice ca through, tearful and pleading.
Eric’s frown deepened.
Ella couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation but could tell from Eric’s reaction that Vivian must have brought up sothing troubleso.
"What happened? Where are you now?" Eric asked, his tone calm but distant.
Although he didn’t particularly like Vivian, she was David’s sister.
During his ti abroad, David had been an invaluable ally. So of Eric’s investnts in Country W had been joint ventures with David.
Moreover, David’s family wielded considerable influence, which helped shield Eric from the likes of Grace’s faction.
It was largely because of David that Donald’s two assassination attempts had failed, and why Donald hadn’t dared to try again.
Having David as a friend had not only allowed Eric to fully utilize his skills and resources but had also played a significant role in shaping the successful, composed man he had beco today.
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