A flashy Lamborghini was parked outside the Davis family estate. Charles glanced at the car but, not recognizing it, drove away.
The car window rolled down, revealing a strikingly handsome and slightly wicked face. "That girl, she dared to ignore my words. Very well," Eric muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.
Eric didn’t consider himself a petty person, but seeing Charles being tender with Ella, even briefly, made him furious.
"You won’t take me seriously until I show you what I’m capable of," Eric chuckled to himself, pulling out his phone.
Meanwhile, Ella entered the hall, spotting Brianna watching TV on the sofa.
Her phone rang. It was Eric, saying he was waiting outside. Ella’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t sound pleased.
As Ella turned to head outside, Brianna called after her, "Ella, you’re back? Where’s Hannah?"
Ella turned and smiled softly. "Mom, there was an incident. Hannah stayed over at a friend’s to help out."
Brianna’s heart sank. "What kind of incident? Is Hannah okay?"
"She’s fine, but her friend... It’s not something I can explain easily. She’ll be back soon; you can ask her then. I have to go out for a bit," Ella said calmly, turning to leave.
Brianna felt a pang of unease, watching Ella’s retreating figure. She seemed different, more complicated.
Brianna quickly called Hannah, relieved to find her unharmed.
"That bitch seems fine. Could it be their plan failed? Ella, you never cease to surprise me, always turning the tables," Brianna thought, her eyes filled with a fleeting but intense hatred as she watched Ella disappear.
Ella stepped out of the villa and immediately saw Eric’s conspicuous Lamborghini. She hurried over, opened the door, and saw Eric smoking inside.
She hesitated, carefully climbing into the car. The smoke made her cough, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
"Why did you want to see me?" Ella finally asked, unable to bear the silence any longer.
Eric flicked the cigarette out the window, stepped on the gas, and the car sped forward. Ella had no idea where he was taking her, but it was clear he was not in a good mood.
After twenty minutes of driving, Eric finally stopped the car.
Ella looked around, taken aback. It was an undeveloped area, but the flower trees in full bloom ahead filled the air with a refreshing fragrance.
"Eric, what’s going on?" Ella hesitated, deciding to use his first name instead of "Mr. Nelson."
"It seems you didn’t take my words to heart," Eric said coldly, glancing at her, his lips curling into a faint, icy smile.
Ella stared at him, puzzled, and then it clicked. He must have seen her return with Charles tonight.
"Eric, tonight... I went to a classmate’s birthday party with Hannah. Something unexpected happened, so Hannah didn’t come back. I had the driver wait for her at the classmate’s house, and I just got a ride back with Charles," Ella quickly explained, her wide, innocent eyes pleading with him. Her slightly parted lips made her look irresistibly tempting.
Eric’s eyes grew even darker. "Charles, huh? You call him that so affectionately."
Ella’s heart skipped a beat at the cold, snake-like gaze Eric fixed on her. "Are you... jealous?"
"Jealous? You think you deserve that?" Eric’s voice turned even colder.
Ella stood there, feeling a sudden pang in her heart. Looking at his face—so handsome, so alluring—it stirred her emotions deeply.
She had naively believed this man genuinely cared for her. He had gifted her a painting worth thirty million dollars and talked about wanting to marry her...
She thought he was sincere, but at this moment, Ella felt as if her entire body was encased in ice.
While Ella was still in shock, Eric lifted her chin, his lips brushing against her earlobe. "Ella, let me be honest. I am jealous."
Ella’s face flushed under his hot breath, his teasing lips igniting her skin.
This man, cold one moment and then claiming his jealousy the next—when was he ever truly himself?
Eric toyed with her earlobe for a while, noticing her breath becoming rapid.
His mocking laughter filled the car, "Ella, you’re so amusing!"
Ella pushed Eric away, "Eric! What do you mean by this?"
"Hmm? A moment ago, you looked so guilty, and now you’re acting all high and mighty?"
Eric leaned in, pinning her against the seat.
Their bodies pressed together, exchanging a charged, intimate energy.
Ella was overwhelmed by his scent, her face flushing as she tried to pull away. But Eric gave her no chance to escape, pressing his lips fiercely against hers.
Their breathing became ragged.
Ella tried to resist, but Eric’s hands held her head firmly in place, leaving no room for defiance.
The passionate kiss was long and intense. Eric, restraining his desire for her, felt his blood boiling. At the last moment, he released her.
The car was filled with their heavy breathing.
Eric flipped Ella onto his lap.
The position was highly suggestive, making Ella’s body tremble with a mix of fear and excitement. It reminded her of her past relationship with Brandon.
She would never forget her first night with Brandon—he was so gentle, but lacked the commanding presence that Eric had.
Ella also wouldn’t forget Brandon’s promises of eternal love and loyalty.
The truth was, promises of love were just sweet poison, leading to a deceptive demise.
"What are you thinking about? Ella, I told you not to get too close to other men. I’ll let it slide this time. But if you ever dare to flirt behind my back, don’t blame me for being ruthless!" Eric’s smile was charming, but Ella saw the menace in his eyes.
"Afraid of betrayal? Eric, you really do get jealous!" Realizing he wasn’t truly angry, Ella felt more at ease.
"I’m not just jealous, Ella. I crave you..." Eric’s voice was low and filled with desire. His hand slipped inside her shirt, aiming to undo her bra clasp.
His other hand gripped her waist firmly, preventing any escape!