Ella was full of curiosity about Eric. Why was he approaching her? Why did he give her the valuable painting?
She didn’t believe for a second that Eric had fallen for her at first sight, considering he was always surrounded by women.
"Hello, Mr. Nelson." Ella hesitated before picking up the phone, greeting him politely.
"Still awake, little girl?" Eric’s voice, low and enticing, seemed to whisper in the night.
"Not yet. Is there something you need, Mr. Nelson?" Ella maintained a courteous distance, despite the hint of intimacy in Eric’s tone.
"Your formality makes me hesitant to say anything too intimate." Eric chuckled, and Ella could almost see his captivating smile.
Such a man could make any woman’s heart flutter.
"Then don’t say anything intimate." Ella paused, feeling her face flush.
She scolded herself inwardly. It wasn’t her first time dealing with romantic interests, so why was she so flustered? Especially when she and Eric weren’t even dating!
"Heh, little girl, I find myself thinking about you. You’re like a hedgehog, not just intriguing but bristling with spikes."
"So... Mr. Nelson wants to conquer me?" Ella couldn’t help but laugh.
Did Eric have too much free time to be interested in a woman as difficult as her?
"No, it’s because you remind me of myself." Eric’s voice suddenly turned serious, devoid of any humor.
Ella’s hand trembled slightly.
She had made it a point to gather information about Eric over the past few days. From Mrs. Taylor, she learned that Eric’s mother had died when he was eight.
In that regard, losing a mother at a young age, they had something in common.
"I know you want to deal with Brianna and Hannah. How about you give me a few kisses, and I’ll be your backing?" Eric’s teasing laugh returned.
"Boring! Mr. Nelson, stop joking!" Ella’s heart sank.
This man was terrifying; he had seen through her intentions in an instant!
However, Ella didn’t want to rely on a man anymore. Her past with Brandon was her most painful lesson.
"I’ll give you a few days to think about it. Let me know when you’ve decided. Goodnight, my little hedgehog."
With that, Eric hung up.
Ella held her phone, her mind in turmoil. Was this man really interested in her? She was only eighteen!
Her heart raced in confusion, and it took her a long time to fall asleep. When she woke up, it was already eight in the morning.
After freshening up, Ella went to the dining room, where she saw Brianna smiling at her. "Ella, we have a social event today. Would you like to come?"
"Ah... no, I think I’ll stay home and rest." Ella smiled, feeling inexplicably out of sorts, perhaps because of Eric’s phone call last night.
"Sis, there will be plenty of eligible bachelors there. You should come; you might meet your prince charming!" Hannah said with a grin.
Ella suddenly remembered how she met Brandon in her previous life at a similar social event!
She knew Brandon was actually Hannah’s secret boyfriend. They had set her up to fall in love with Brandon, which had changed her fate forever.
"No, I’m a bit tired and want to stay home." Just thinking about Brandon’s gentle face made Ella feel nauseous.
This time, she really didn’t want to see him again.
"Well, alright, make sure to rest well. Oh... isn’t that Mr. Nelson? He’s with a new woman again?"
Hannah exclaimed in surprise as she looked at the newspaper in her hands.
Ella’s heart sank. Eric rarely appeared in the newspapers before because he was busy handling affairs after just returning to the country. Now that he had some free time, women were flocking to him one after another?
How could such a playboy be reliable?
Ella had a moment of clarity. She had nearly been swayed by that man’s seductive voice and almost fallen for his charm.
In that instant, Ella decided not to engage with him any further.
Even if he was genuinely interested in her, falling for him could cost her dearly, if not her life, then certainly her heart.
"Mr. Nelson is indeed one of the most outstanding young men in high society. Women are eager to catch his eye, and there’s no shortage of those wanting to climb into his bed." Brianna said coolly.
"Well said!" Robert’s voice came from upstairs.
Ella quickly stood up, "Good morning, Daddy!"
Robert beamed at his eldest daughter, "Ella, you’re up early."
Ella smiled but said nothing more.
"Eric had over a dozen rumored girlfriends abroad and remains just as flirtatious now that he’s back. However, if any of you could marry him, you’d enjoy a lifetime of luxury. And for Davis Group, it would be a tremendous boost!" Robert’s eyes sparkled with ambition.
A marriage alliance with the Nelson Group would make Davis Group one of the strongest partners, paving the way to the Fortune 500.
Hannah’s face turned red. "Daddy, it’s so embarrassing to talk about this first thing in the morning."
Ella smiled slightly. "Daddy, why would someone like Eric be interested in a plain girl like me?"
Robert laughed heartily, "Ella, you’re beautiful, smart, and well-behaved. How about Daddy helps create some opportunities for you?"
Brianna and Hannah’s faces immediately changed.
"Daddy, you make it sound like I’m no good. How annoying!" Hannah pouted, her face full of feigned innocence.
"Haha, I’ll create opportunities for both of you and see which one Mr. Nelson prefers. Whoever he chooses, Daddy won’t neglect the other." Robert’s heart softened at his youngest daughter’s playful act.
Although Hannah had made a few mistakes recently, she was still the daughter he had doted on for over a decade.
"Sis, don’t dress too extravagantly when you meet Mr. Nelson. He probably doesn’t like women who flaunt their wealth," Ella said with a bright, innocent smile.
Robert’s expression darkened slightly, recalling the unpleasant events of the previous night.
"Your sister is right. Next time, don’t dress so lavishly."
"Yes, I’ll remember that." Hannah shot Ella a cold glance, her heart filled with annoyance.
After breakfast, Robert, Brianna, and the others left. Ella returned to her room and opened her laptop. As soon as she accessed the news site, she saw intimate photos of Eric with a beautiful model.
In the photo, the two were very close, and Eric’s arm was around the model’s waist.
The model was smiling sweetly.
Ella felt a slight pang in her heart, an uncomfortable feeling she couldn’t shake.