Today just happened to be Saturday, and Ella planned to visit Amelia to discuss potential investment, as Amelia was also interested in buying shares.
The Ten Nights Bar had been taken over by Eric, but the official owner was listed as Ella.
Ella knew he had selflessly shared his assets with her!
Such happiness wasn’t something every woman could have!
Amelia had a good understanding of the bar industry, and with her family’s longstanding bureaucratic background, having her as a shareholder would definitely help pull in Richard as support.
With Amelia involved, Ella wouldn’t have to worry about the bar; she could completely leave its management to her.
At Amelia’s house, the two women brainstormed ideas for the bar and also discussed the fashion company Ella hadn’t fully launched yet.
"Aren’t you supposed to be starting a fashion line? Has Eric not found you a location yet?"
Amelia elegantly sipped her red wine and raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
"He showed me a few places, and I was quite satisfied, but finding the right designer is tough. I want a cutting-edge designer who understands market demands, since our target audience is young people," Ella said, lounging at the Nan household while enjoying breakfast.
"Well, Richard has several friends who are emerging designers, but they’re pretty lazy because their families are wealthy. I can take you to meet them!"
With Amelia’s help, Ella successfully met two emerging designers, but the thought of Benjamin brought a wave of regret.
After a day spent at Amelia’s, they all had dinner together in the evening. With Eric out of town, Ella didn’t mind where she ate.
Just as they finished dinner, Ella received a call from Chloe, who excitedly informed her, "Ella, Mason is back and even attended the party hosted by our company!"
Ella froze, her expression darkening. "What did you say? Where are you right now?"
But Eric had just gone to Country W—what were the odds?
Feeling uneasy, she asked for the party’s address and hurried over, wearing casual clothes and not bothering to change into a formal dress.
However, upon learning this, Amelia generously offered Ella a dress that didn’t quite fit her anymore.
Amelia had gained some weight, but surprisingly, the dress fit Ella perfectly.
When Ella arrived at the party, it was exactly seven in the evening.
As soon as she stepped into the hall, she spotted Chloe and Mason chatting animatedly together!
Her expression darkened; the charming Mason looked as handsome as ever. In his black suit, he practically shone, causing many wealthy women at the party to subtly glance his way.
"Ella, you’re here! Come sit over here!"
Chloe beamed at her as soon as she saw her.
Ella wore the purple evening gown from Amelia, which flattered her figure, and even though she was only a freshman, she looked better than before.
Mason hadn’t seen Ella in over a year. He lifted his gaze, a faint smile gracing his lips.
Inside, he felt an inexplicable flutter! But he reminded himself that this woman was not meant to be loved, but rather tormented!
Ella walked over, asking, "Chloe, is your company hosting this party?"
"Yes! We’re celebrating our new product launch, so we invited everyone to drink and celebrate!" Chloe replied with a smile. "Ella, you haven’t forgotten Mason, have you?"
Ella’s heart sank further. Chloe had referred to Mason as someone she had met, which clearly indicated how deeply she was falling for him. What she truly feared was that this man would turn against her!
Ella finally turned her gaze toward Mason, shaking her head slightly. "Sorry, I’ve had so much going on lately that I barely remember."
Chloe’s eyes widened in surprise. How could such a handsome guy be forgotten?
Mason chuckled, "Miss Davis, you really know how to joke."
"I’m serious!" Ella said apologetically, looking at Mason. "If Chloe hadn’t called me, I would have completely forgotten what you looked like."
Mason’s expression darkened a bit; her words made it seem like he was just a bystander.
For other women, he was the kind of man you couldn’t forget with just one glance!
"Then let me reintroduce myself. I’m Mason. Miss Davis, it’s good to see you again!"
Mason smiled. "I distinctly remember that you almost kissed me on the Dreamboat. If it weren’t for your boyfriend showing up, I might have lost my virginity to you!"
Ella felt a wave of nausea; did this guy really have to be so self-absorbed? Eric never mentioned that incident, so she had no idea what had happened at the time.
"Ella... Leah is here!" Chloe suddenly whispered. Ella looked up to see Leah entering with her father, Frank, chatting amiably with Charles and Uncle Carter.
Ella was already used to the presence of annoying people and smiled faintly. "It’s fine; if she’s here, she’s here. That’s her business!"
"Should we move to another spot to chat?" Chloe suggested, knowing Ella didn’t like Leah.
"No need; Leah isn’t a tiger. Why should I be afraid of her?" Ella laughed lightly, picking a glass of red wine from a passing server.
Mason raised an eyebrow at this, a deep smile creeping onto his lips.
Chloe looked momentarily stunned, her adorably clueless expression amusing Ella. Chloe always felt insecure about her looks, but she had a doll-like face that was quite cute.
"Yeah, why should we be afraid of her? My thought process really is a bit off," Chloe said with a laugh.
Tonight, the Carter Group was the host.
Leah and Frank were just guests; although they shared the same surname, they had no blood relation. As part of the host family, why would Ella avoid Leah?
Just then, Leah gracefully approached them, wearing a gold and silver mermaid-style evening gown, her long hair elegantly swept up, with two small strands framing her face, giving her a regal yet gentle look.
"Ella, Chloe, I didn’t expect to see you here... Mr. Scott, it’s been a while!"
Leah smiled at Mason, her eyes sparkling but also slightly unfocused.
Ella nodded, while Chloe leaned in to whisper, "Didn’t Jenny tell us... that Leah dated a man in Country W and got pregnant and had an abortion?"
"That man... was supposedly Mason’s cousin."
Ella was utterly shocked; who would have thought Leah and Mason were connected like that!