The officials accompanying Eric were all influential figures. If they had overheard the conversation, both Carter Group’s reputation and Julia’s personal standing were completely shattered.
"Madam Carter, I appreciate your concern for Nelson Group," Eric said with a calm smile. "I was just worrying about how to obtain evidence, and here you are with it already in hand. However, my wife’s shares are far more valuable, so I’m afraid I won’t be allowing any deal between her and you."
Mayor Perez smiled lightly at Julia. "Madam Carter, we were just discussing the issues around adulterated building materials. Based on what you’ve said, Nelson Group seems to be in the clear, which is a relief. After all, this is a government project, and while I trust Mr. Nelson, it’s important to provide transparency for the public. Madam Carter, the evidence you have—is it all legitimate?"
Julia’s face went pale, and Leah looked as though she wanted to disappear into a hole.
Leah’s poised image was utterly shattered by Ella’s scheme; her recent behavior had been anything but graceful.
Julia forced a dry laugh. "This evidence... it’s genuine, of course. Since the mayor wants it, we’ll gladly provide it."
With the mayor making the request, Julia couldn’t refuse, even if Carter Group’s reputation had been suffering scandal after scandal since Ella and Eric appeared on the scene. By offering Mayor Perez the evidence, she could perhaps salvage something, but she dreaded that the identities behind those voices might be uncovered.
Hiding her shame and fury, Julia looked to Leah and forced herself to stay calm. "Leah, hand over the recording."
"Grandmother..." Leah hesitated, visibly frustrated, but she didn’t dare act out in front of the mayor.
Suddenly, Julia began gasping and clutched her chest.
"Grandma, what’s wrong? Oh no, it’s your heart condition again!" Leah’s face changed as she supported Julia, who then closed her eyes and "fainted."
Ella watched with astonishment at Julia’s tactic. Clever move or not, the officials had already heard everything, so at least suspicions about Eric should now be laid to rest.
Bodyguards rushed in, carefully escorting Julia away, with Leah following without a word, using Julia’s "hospital trip" as a convenient escape.
"Ms. Davis, you’re as wise as you are clever; I’m impressed," Mayor Perez commented, finally softening his previously disdainful gaze.
"Mayor Perez, you’re too kind. I’m just an ordinary woman, nowhere near as capable as you in managing City S so smoothly," Ella replied politely, prompting chuckles from those around.
"Assistant Moore," the mayor instructed, "please stop by the hospital later and retrieve the recording from Ms. Carter. Mr. Nelson, with that recording, I trust you’ll have no further issues?"
Eric smiled humbly. "I couldn’t have resolved this without your support, Mayor Perez."
Everyone shared a hearty laugh. Eric’s comment left Mayor Perez even more pleased, and after a few polite exchanges, the group dispersed.
Once Mayor Perez and his entourage left, Eric turned to Ella with a grin. "You little fox, so you remembered what I mentioned last night."
Ella raised an eyebrow. "Of course. They thought they could set me up, but it backfired spectacularly! I doubt they’ll try anything against me again so easily."
The night before, after an intimate evening, Eric had told her about the unique setup on the eighteenth floor. Designed with only two spacious, luxurious private suites, the area was reserved for Eric’s meetings with high-ranking officials. One wall appeared to be just that—a wall—on the outside. Inside, however, it was a one-way mirror, allowing anyone inside to observe without being seen. The open window also allowed sounds from outside to drift in naturally, as no air conditioning was needed on that cool evening.
No one typically dared linger in the hallway when Eric was meeting his powerful contacts, but Ella’s situation was unique. With Eric’s instructions, the staff had even served tea to Julia and Leah as they waited.
When Ella met with Julia, she recalled Eric’s description of the eighteenth floor and chose it as their meeting spot. Once they arrived, Julia and Leah were cautious, forbidding Ella from recording and even questioning the staff to ensure both suites were empty.
The staff, of course, had been tipped off by Ella and offered no indication that the other suite was occupied. With that false sense of security, Julia and Leah dropped their masks entirely, revealing their true intentions—and inadvertently spilling the evidence.
Inside the suite, Mayor Perez and the others had initially found Eric’s request difficult to accept without solid proof. But after overhearing Julia’s conversation, they became fully convinced that Nelson Group was indeed being framed.
Julia’s attempt to trick Ella had completely backfired, leaving her with nothing but humiliation. Despite faking a heart attack, she still couldn’t escape the demand for the incriminating recording.
As they settled into the car, Eric chuckled, a glint of affection in his eyes. "My dear wife has done us proud. So, what do you want to do tonight? Your husband is at your service."
Ella’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Alright then, Mr. Nelson, I expect you to keep your word!"
"Of course. Tell me, what mischief do you have in mind?"
"Well, I heard there’s a fashion show next month. Eric, I’d like to attend. Could you get me a few tickets?" Ella mused, a bold idea forming in her mind. With LX’s launch around the corner, Eric’s support would help, but they’d need something more for publicity—a runway show to draw attention.
If LX could host its own fashion show every two weeks, featuring celebrities and LXL’s artists, they could save a substantial amount on promotion. Ella shared the outline of her idea with Eric, who grinned wickedly.
"Perfect! But, my love, you might turn into LXL’s biggest vampire. Those artists will curse your name when they realize this was your idea."
Ella scoffed. "Just wait. Once LX’s reputation skyrockets, they’ll be fighting each other for a spot on the runway!"
Her eyes sparkled with confidence and pride. Eric’s heart swelled. It was this mix of intelligence and self-assurance that made him love her so fiercely.
He gently tilted her chin up and kissed her deeply, his heart pounding with emotion.