"You don’t want to? Have you ever thought that he might not even be your big brother at all?"
James slammed the table in anger. "It doesn’t matter what you’re studying, after you graduate, you’ll come and work at the company!"
Henry pressed his lips together. Though he had feelings for Ella, he really had no interest in business. Being introverted and not fond of socializing, he felt that he simply wasn’t cut out for that world.
Grace grew anxious. If her son truly didn’t inherit Nelson Group, wouldn’t all her efforts be wasted? She blamed herself for being too good at pretending—she had even influenced her son into being overly righteous!
"Your father has worked so hard. Please don’t go against him, Henry. Listen to him and don’t make him upset, okay? After all, you are his only son!"
Grace urged him softly.
James remained cold-faced as a waiter came in to clean up the broken cup that Eric had smashed.
"None of you give me any peace! If he..."
James stopped short, realizing there were others present. He bit his tongue and finished, "No matter what, after you graduate, you will work at the company! Otherwise, don’t bother acknowledging me as your father!"
Henry’s eyes flickered with frustration. He ate his meal in silence, his mind troubled.
Eric sat in the car, his face clouded with gloom. Ella placed her hand gently on his shoulder.
She silently massaged his shoulders. "Relax, don’t be angry anymore."
Eric gave a bloodthirsty smile. "James is such an idiot. Let’s go eat at Serenity Pavilion."
Ella didn’t say anything. She knew he was in a bad mood and let him make all the decisions.
Before they set off, Eric held her face and kissed her deeply for a long time, almost igniting their passion in the car. Thankfully, he stopped before things got too heated.
At the seaside Serenity Pavilion...
Sitting in a traditionally styled room, facing the ocean, with a full moon rising, Ella ladled a bowl of soup for Eric. "Do you really believe what James said?"
Eric chuckled, pulling Ella onto his lap and wrapping his arm around her waist.
He leaned close to her ear and said, "Many years ago, I came back to the country secretly and took a sample of his hair to do a DNA test. He treated me so badly that I desperately hoped... I wasn’t his child, that maybe my mother had adopted me."
"Unfortunately, when the DNA results came back, I was disappointed. He really is my father! As for why James insists I’m not his son, it’s based entirely on that doctor’s word! That same doctor was hit by a car and killed later that fall. I looked into it thoroughly! James never even did a DNA test—he just assumed I wasn’t his biological son!"
Eric’s tone was icy, and the chilling aura around him made it clear that he was in a foul mood.
"But I kept quiet on purpose, because I believe... that foolish James will eventually give me a reason to strike back."
Ella was speechless. So Eric had calmed down so quickly because he already knew he was undoubtedly James’ son.
"Did they catch the person who hit the doctor?"
"The guy was driving drunk. My people have been tracking him, but he’s been living an ordinary life since. Still, I’m convinced it was intentional."
Eric let out a cold laugh.
Ella frowned. There were so many things Eric hadn’t uncovered, which proved that Grace’s methods were impressive—or perhaps... she had help?
Recalling Henry’s words, Ella decided not to keep anything from Eric and told him in detail what had happened that afternoon.
Eric’s expression grew darker and darker. Once the server finished bringing in all the dishes and shut the door, he finally let out a cold laugh.
Ella nestled against him, her hand gently combing through his short, rugged hair. "Do you think Henry and Grace have someone else behind them?"
"Yeah, Grace definitely has someone backing her. Otherwise, they couldn’t have been so thorough, covering everything up so seamlessly. After all these years of digging, it was only during the last assassination attempt that we finally found a small clue," Eric said with a sneer.
Ella furrowed her brow. "Should I... try to probe Henry for information?"
Eric’s tone turned icy. His plan was progressing smoothly, and there was no need for Ella to get involved at this point.
But Henry—being the one who leaked the quality report to Brianna—meant that whoever was backing him had considerable power and influence.
Eric sent a text to John, instructing him to have someone discreetly monitor Henry and Grace, ensuring that no one would notice. It was crucial not to tip them off.
Ella propped her chin in her hand, forgetting to eat as she watched Eric typing on his phone. He looked so incredibly handsome when he was focused, didn’t he?
Once he was done, Eric looked up and saw Ella staring at him absentmindedly. He gave a mischievous smile, his vanity kicking in. "So, what do you think? Your husband is pretty handsome, right?"
So full of himself... Ella quickly lowered her head. "I’m hungry, don’t talk to me."
Eric chuckled wickedly. This girl, so shy, was really just afraid of him teasing her again.
"If Henry keeps bothering you, I’ll make sure he regrets it," Eric said lazily, narrowing his eyes as he gazed at Ella’s delicate face.
"Good, he’s been annoying me too." Ella pursed her lips, still feeling uncomfortable about Henry’s unsettling gaze.
"But... he has someone powerful behind him. If you hurt Henry, I’m afraid..."
Ella paused. Whoever had helped Henry get something so difficult to obtain had to be a formidable person—someone who clearly valued Henry highly. Ella was worried that if Eric made a move, it could lead to even greater trouble.
"Don’t worry, I know my limits. Just for now, if any classmates invite you to any events or parties, try to avoid them. If they target you, two bodyguards might not be enough," Eric said, his voice serious.
Ella nodded, feeling a subtle pressure building in her chest, making her uneasy.
It was as if an invisible hand was slowly reaching out toward her.
"There’s a press conference tomorrow. But I think you should skip it," Eric said casually.
Ella blinked, knowing Eric was trying to protect her. But tomorrow was Saturday.
"But tomorrow... can I at least go shopping with Chloe and the others?"
Eric narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "Wait until I’ve dealt with this situation first. For now, don’t go. I can have Chloe come over to keep you company instead."