Chapter 17
Ella blinked, her eyelashes brushing against something.
Darkness enveloped her instantly. She sensed the man in front of her was tall, with a crisp scent hitting her face, exuding a strong sense of presence. A faint light seeped through the gaps between his fingers, leaving his face blurred and indistinct.
“Why are you covering my eyes!” Ella asked.
1 just took a shower; I’m not dressed. Are you sure you want to see the man asked.
The atmosphere was strangely intimate. Her hand found nowhere to rest but on the man’s solid chest. The crisp scent of his shower gel mixed with
hint of male hormones invaded her senses. Droplets of water from his hair trickled down, feeling cool as they slid from his neckline.
Her checks flushed, slightly indignant. “Tin not interested in seeing, anyway. Who are you, and why did you save me?”
“I’m Marcus My people saw you, and I decided to lend a hand.
“Mr. White?” It was understandable that she didn’t recognize his voice since they hart only met once. “So, helping me doesn’t come with any conditions, right?”
“There is one condition–keep your eyes closed. I’m not fully dressed and need to go to the bathroom. Wait until I’m inside before turning on the light. Soon, my people will come to pick you up.”
He quickly turned off the light, then let go of her and headed toward the bathroom.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she watched his broad and sturdy back, momentarily stunned. He was extending goodwill. She couldn’t quite understand his intentions. Once he entered the bathroom, she turned on the light, and soon there was a knock at the door.
“Ms. Willow, it’s Hank.
She opened the door, feeling relieved.
“Everything has been taken care of outside. I’ll escort you back Hank said respectfully.
Hearing this, she breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to leave but then paused and called towards the bathroom. “Thank you, Mr. White, for your help. If there’s ever anything you need from me, I won’t hesitate to assist
After she left, Jaden came out from hiding, his face unmasked. He thought Ella was foolish. Simply capturing a photo of Troy entering the hotel with another woman would have sufficed, but she had insisted on filming a video to completely expose him. That meant she had seen everything For a young woman to witness such things without disgust or caution, it was out of Jaden’s imagination.
This realization agitated Jaden slightly. He had been in the middle of his shower when Hank called to inform him that Ella had been discovered and security was closing in, forcing her to head upward. He didn’t even have time to put on a mask. At that moment, his only thought was to rescue
her first.
When the door opened, he acted without hesitation. Before she could react, he pinned her against the wall. Her waist was surprisingly slim, soft yet muscular to the touch. He was captivated. In that brief moment, his mind was filled with her.
After Ella departed, Jaden quickly took a shortcut back to the villa
“Time to eat,” he said calmly, sitting on the sofa and looking up at her.
“You go ahead and eat,” she replied hastily before heading upstairs.
She pixelated the video before sending it to Troy. This time, Troy initiated contact. Even over the phone, she could hear him grinding his teeth.
“Ella, you’re setting me up! Do you realize what you’re doing is illegal? I could easily call the police on your Troy said.
She replied. “Troy, isn’t infidelity within marriage also illegal? I bet the police haven’t even come for you yet, and your in–laws are likely already planning to handle you! I’m not asking for much, just the 14 million dollars you owe the company, all of it to be invested in production. I’ll cover any shortfall, and if there’s any profit beft, I won’t quibble over it.
know Harry is making things difficult for you, but I have the full backing of Denison Group. You should have realized by now who helped me tonight, right?”
Troy was seething with anger. He had almost captured Ella that night, but unexpectedly, Marcus from Denison Group intervened. Staying in the penthouse, Marcus had stepped in and arranged for someone to quickly escon Ella away.
“Damn! Alright!”
“So, Troy, when are you free! I’ll come over to si
over to sign the contract
“Okay, come down tomorrow. I’ll meet you at your company.”
With the deal sealed, she joyfully rolled around on her bed, eager to share her excitement. She rushed downstairs and upon seeing Jaden, immediately wrapped him in a tight hug.
“I found a subcontracting factory! Now, no matter how many orders come in, I can handle them! Willow Group can turn things around. I’m not useless anymore! Quick. let me give you a kiss!” she said.
Ella held his face and planted two firm kisses. Jaden’s ears turned red and hot.
She blinked as if she’d discovered something marvelous. “Are you… blushing Her eyes twinkled,
“Do you kiss just me, or… everyone?” Jaden asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he gripped her wrist.
“You’re not too silly, are you? Getting jealous?”
“We’re married, so we’re husband and wife. There are things that should only happen between us. If it happens with others… I’d get very upset, and the consequences would be severe,” he said, each word measured, his voice calm but firm, suppressing a chilling undertone.
“It looks like our little fool isn’t so easy to deceive. Don’t worry, it’s only you”
That’s settled then. I’m hungry, let’s eat”
“Didn’t I tell you not to wait for me?”
He didn’t respond, and Ella took his hand and led him to the dining room.
The next day, she took him with her to meet Troy and sign the contract. She deleted the video in front of him before they parted ways
There was more good news today; she heard through the grapevine that Harry had accidentally caught his index finger in a machine, losing half of it. Ella felt on the mood to enjoy more dishes later.
Today, I’m in a good mood, so I’ll buy you something, Ella said,
They headed to the mall, and Ella shopped without a second thought.
Unexpectedly, they ran into Grace. She was surrounded by a group of girls, looking glamorous and radiant. Indeed, when one person rose to power, their entire circle benefited. Even though she hadn’t inarried into the Rhys family, being acknowledged as kin had lifted her from obscurity
Grace ventured out under the guise of being the Rhys family’s darling daughter, but everyone knew her real stars–she was just Harry’s mistress, Now, many people looking to curry favor with Harry were also targeting Grace and Lucy. And there she was, living a life where everyone fawned over her
Upon seeing Ella, Grace initially paled but quickly straightened her back, buoyed by her elevated status.
“Ella, out shopping as well? It seems you’re quite relaxed, not troubled by order issues! Well, you’ve always been reckless, neglecting the company’s well–being, Grace said with her trademark insincere smile, which seemed almost glued to her face.
Ella didn’t want to engage with her and was about to leave with Jaden.
Seeing this, Grace thought Ella was intimidated and grew even more smug. If Devin saw you still acting so carelessly and aimlessly, it might just worsen his condition, don’t you think?”
Ella stopped in her tracks. Her fists clenched in anger. If it weren’t for the fact that Grace was pregnant, she might have really let her have in
Just then, Jaden tugged at her sleeve. “She’s in league with that bad man, right?”
“Yes, what about it?” Ella asked.
“If that bad man is hurt, why isn’t she taking care of him? Why is she here shopping?”
“Oh, I see.” Ella’s eyes lit up.
Grace probably didn’t yet know about Harry’s accident; he was still unconscious in the hospital. If Grace was out spending lavishly and stirring up