Ella’s lips curled in a cold smirk. These women were truly fearless, but... she wasn’t about to swallow this insult without a fight.
She stepped out, washed her hands at the sink, and then casually took out her phone, her smile laced with icy indifference.
"You shouldn’t say that about me—someone might overhear," one woman cautioned.
"You’re Bella’s cousin. Whoever dares to spread these words is asking for trouble!" another woman retorted fiercely.
Bella giggled, her voice as sweet as a songbird’s. "Mr. Nelson is a good man, but unfortunately, there’s no fate between us. Miss Davis, though... she’s careless. I really don’t think their personalities match well, but let’s hope their relationship lasts."
Bella’s manipulative nature was on full display. Her words sounded polite on the surface, but subtly hinted that Ella would eventually be discarded by Eric.
This kind of woman knew how to use her words carefully, so even if the gossip spread, it wouldn’t do too much damage.
"That tramp Ella only knows how to seduce men! Mr. Nelson will drop her eventually. Once I make my move, I’ll be the one in his bed!" came a sharp voice. If Ella remembered correctly, it was that woman named Quinn.
"Quinn, don’t get too cocky. You’re an actress under OA!" someone warned her.
Quinn snorted, full of disdain. "Mentioning that wretch dirties my mouth!"
Wow, how bold, as if she were the purest and cleanest woman on earth.
Ella raised an eyebrow, unfazed. She was smart—she had been recording ever since these women started gossiping about her.
Recordings and videos—evidence that captured scandal in the most direct and believable way. A foolproof method, and the best weapon in situations !
So, Ella had been extra cautious. These women thought they could climb into Eric’s bed? Well, she wasn’t some kind-hearted saint who’d show mercy to such trash.
With Bella around, Quinn was sure to cause trouble again in the future. Ella decided it was better to deal with it now—she had the recording in hand, and that would put an end to it!
A woman has to protect herself!
Just then, the three women walked out and froze when they saw Ella leaning against the door.
Bella was the quickest to react. She gracefully walked over to the sink, washed her hands, and smiled as she said, "What a coincidence, running into Miss Davis here. Such a small world!"
Ella raised an eyebrow, "Oh, definitely a small world. So small, in fact, that some people still think they can sneak into my husband’s bed!"
One of the women turned red, glaring at Ella with a haughty expression. "So, you’re Ella? Ugh, what an eyesore!"
This woman was Quinn Rodriguez, an actress signed with OA Entertainment. She wasn’t very famous yet, but her good looks and curvy figure had already earned her a following among male fans.
Bella let out an awkward laugh. "We were just joking, Miss Davis. Don’t take it to heart. My cousin Quinn is still young and doesn’t know how to hold her tongue."
Quinn shot Ella a disgusted look. "Sis, why are you even defending her? How does someone like her deserve Mr. Nelson? Hmph!"
The Rodriguez family was known for raising spoiled daughters, and Quinn was no exception. Although she was Bella’s cousin, her father was just a businessman, not as influential as Bella’s father, the mayor.
But Quinn was always arrogant, relying on her uncle’s position to act high and mighty. As an only child and a premature baby, Quinn’s mother had lost the ability to have more children after giving birth to her.
As a result, Quinn became the precious heir of the Rodriguez family and was doted on endlessly. Even Bella’s father adored her, being his only niece and his younger brother’s daughter.
Quinn’s spoiled nature was a result of her family’s doting. After more than two years in the industry, she was used to pushing people around—no one dared stand up to her. Most entertainers would do anything for opportunities to act or sing, so naturally, they wouldn’t risk offending her.
"Miss Bella’s upbringing must have been great, but your cousin..." Ella remarked with a mocking smile, her eyes full of sarcasm.
"What... what did you say? How dare you mock me?" Quinn, enraged, stormed up to Ella, her cold arrogance on full display.
"I don’t care who you are, or even if Mr. Nelson spoils you rotten. I won’t hold back," Quinn spat out coldly, stepping closer.
Ella tapped her phone with a smirk. "Oh, Miss Rodriguez, you’re so fierce. Now, what do you think would happen to your elegant public image if this recording got out?"
"Ella, don’t you dare!" Quinn’s temper flared. "If you dare, I’ll smash your phone, and your head along with it!"
"Quinn, calm down! She’s Mr. Nelson’s wife..." Bella interjected, a glint of excitement in her eyes. This was a perfect opportunity—if Ella provoked Quinn enough, she might end up seriously injured today.
Bella’s words only infuriated Quinn further. She violently shook off Bella’s hand. "So what if she’s his wife? I’m not afraid of her!"
With that, Quinn reached out aggressively to snatch Ella’s phone.
Ella swiftly dodged, "Quinn, if you’re this reckless, I’ll post this recording online!"
Quinn’s face twisted with rage. As a rising actress and a member of a prominent family, if Ella leaked the recording, it would damage not just her reputation, but also the Rodriguez family’s.
Ella raised an eyebrow fearlessly. "Oh, I would!"
Enraged, Quinn lunged at her, but Ella turned and sprinted away!
Bella was stunned. She had studied Ella for quite some time and knew that whenever Carter Group was attacked or Ella was framed, she never backed down. But now, here she was, running—without any concern for appearances. It was completely out of character!
Ella, wearing boots, ran swiftly while shouting in panic, "Help! Someone’s trying to steal my phone! Miss Rodriguez is trying to take my phone!"
The two bodyguards waiting outside heard the commotion and immediately rushed in, holding Quinn back as she tried to chase Ella.
By then, Ella had already made it to the main lobby, where several female guests curiously watched the scene unfold.
"Ella, delete that recording right now, or I’ll smash your face!" Quinn screamed.
"Oh, I’m so scared, I’m so scared...! Hold her back, don’t let her get to me!" Ella cried out dramatically, drawing even more attention from onlookers.
Quinn, already somewhat of a rising star, had attracted some paparazzi lately due to her recent association with a famous actor. The paparazzi, sensing a scene, rushed in to snap pictures of the screaming Quinn.
Ella smirked to herself—thinking you could steal her husband? Ha, she’d ruin you without hesitation!
As for Bella, if she dared to act against her again, Ella would make sure she was crushed completely.
Just then, a man suddenly darted in front of her, startling Ella.