Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 133: Unwelcome Guests

Chapter 133: Unwelcome Guests

Eric carefully explained everything, and Ella was momentarily taken aback. It was rare to see him so gentle and serious, and she couldn’t help but nod emphatically.

He immediately planted a kiss on her cheek, causing her face to flush. "Eric, if I really have a baby and end up gaining a lot of weight, would you still like me?"

Ella blinked and asked with a soft smile.

Eric continued eating while considering Ella’s question.

"Hmm, then I’ll join you in losing weight!"

"Eric! Does that mean you’re already thinking I’m too much?"

"Sweetheart, everyone loves beauty. I think by then, you wouldn’t be so much upset with me but with yourself," Eric replied with a warm smile, cleverly avoiding admitting he wasn’t fond of extra weight.

Ella huffed, feeling a bit annoyed inside.

But after thinking about it, she realized Eric was right. If he became a 300-pound man, she probably wouldn’t want to look at him either.

If she really did gain that much weight, she might not even like herself anymore.

"So, have you come to terms with it? Here, try this Silken Tofu, it’s one of Sapphire Shores Tavern’s signature dishes!"

Eric gently lifted a piece of tofu to Ella’s lips.

She opened her mouth and took it in, her delicate lips causing Eric to feel a surge of desire, making him want to take her right there and then.

Just as he gazed at Ella with deep affection, his hand not yet reaching her, there was a knock at the door, and someone entered the room!

Eric’s expression darkened. He had reserved this private room, yet someone dared to interrupt?

The manager, trembling with fear, led three people in. "Mr. Nelson, here’s the situation— all the other private rooms are full, and Old Mr. Nelson said since you’re here, we should all dine together!"

It was James and his family. Ella’s heart sank, realizing that their private moment was now ruined.

Eric raised an eyebrow. "Couldn’t Old Mr. Nelson find somewhere else to dine? Did he really have to disturb us here?"

James’ face immediately darkened, and tension filled the room. The manager winced; he had always heard that Eric and his father were like oil and water, and now he was witnessing it firsthand. It put him in a difficult position since he couldn’t afford to offend either side.

"What’s wrong? Are we not welcome? Eric, how long has it been since you last had a meal at home? Is it really so hard to eat with us, or are you afraid of me?"

James coldly remarked, while Ella stood quietly. If Eric decided to leave, she wouldn’t mind.

After all, she didn’t want him to feel forced.

"How about we go somewhere else to eat?" Grace suggested softly. "Eric’s dining with his girlfriend, and it’s not really polite of us to interrupt."

The wicked stepmother was once again playing the role of the gentle lady, making Ella feel nauseated, while Henry, standing to the side, looked equally displeased.

But his attention was entirely on Ella.

Today, Ella was dressed very simply—a white T-shirt and cropped jeans—yet she looked even more refreshing and adorable.

"I’m eating here tonight!" James was stubborn, and before Eric could even agree, he had already sat down.

The manager wiped the sweat from his forehead, forcing a smile as he looked at Eric.

Eric curled his lips slightly, glancing at the composed Ella. "In that case, let’s go somewhere else to eat."

"This young lady looks like a high schooler. Eric, if you don’t want her to get into trouble, you’d better sit down!" James sneered, his tone full of displeasure.

Eric narrowed his eyes, cold light flickering in them.

"Eric, there are reporters outside. You can’t exactly go out and expose the lady beside you, can you? Why don’t you just sit down, finish the meal, and we’ll have someone lead the reporters away?" Grace quickly added in a low voice.

Eric’s face darkened. He really didn’t want to dine with this hypocritical woman, but seeing the old man hogging his wine, he couldn’t help but snort in displeasure.

He eventually sat down, and Ella quietly followed suit.

After Grace ordered the dishes, the manager and the waiter finally left the room.

"Let’s eat quickly. Wasting food is never a good habit. Even if you can’t finish it, at least make it look like you’re eating," Eric said to Ella in a detached tone.

James’ face was grim, and the atmosphere in the room was far from pleasant.

Ella nodded awkwardly, while Grace, surprisingly warm, smiled and asked, "Young lady, what’s your name? Eric has a girlfriend now; why hasn’t he brought you home to meet us?"

"My name is Ella. Thank you for your concern, Auntie." Despite her dislike for Grace, Ella responded politely but with a hint of distance.

"You’re still a student, aren’t you?" James asked coldly, his expression showing displeasure.

He didn’t approve of Eric being involved with a woman of no status or influence, as it brought no benefit to the Nelson Group.

"What does that have to do with you? Stay out of it!" Eric interrupted their conversation sharply.

James’ face grew even more stern. "Eric, is that how you speak to your father?"

"Father? When have you ever treated me like a son?" Eric’s eyes were filled with disdain, his usually vibrant gaze now showing nothing but disgust.

"Oh, come on, let’s just have a peaceful meal without fighting!" Grace interjected with her usual act of the caring mother, casting a coquettish glance at James. "You, always so impulsive. Our son is grown up now; let him handle his own relationships."

"I don’t recall ever having you as a mother! Auntie, know your place—a mistress will never be the rightful wife!" Eric scoffed, and Henry suddenly stood up, his eyes full of intense anger.

"Enough, sit down!" James barked, not wanting the dinner to turn into a complete farce.

Eric sneered and turned to Ella. "Don’t mind us. Every time we meet, it’s like a powder keg ready to explode. I just really can’t stand sitting with such hypocritical people. Darling, we’ll go out for a proper meal later."

He chuckled softly, his strikingly beautiful face becoming even more captivating. Ella didn’t know what to say. No matter how good the food was, it tasted like nothing to her now.

Ella scooped a bowl of herbal soup and placed it in front of Eric. "Drink this, it’ll help calm you down."

Ella’s voice was clear and ethereal, making Henry frown slightly.

Such a beautiful voice, and it was meant only for him. Something dark stirred within him.

Eric raised an eyebrow, understanding Ella’s intention.

"By the way, since you don’t stay at home much, you might as well move your things out. The fortune teller said it would be better for Henry to stay in your room," James said indifferently.

Ella’s heart tightened at his words, feeling a pang of sorrow for Eric.

Eric was his son, after all. Even if life isn’t always fair, this level of favoritism was too much to bear.

A cold gleam flashed in Eric’s eyes, and Grace quickly shook her head. "James, how can you make such a decision? That room belongs to Eric. Forcing him to move out is like kicking him out!"

James glanced at Eric with indifference. "He can stay in the guest room. Also, on Saturdays and Sundays, you should return to the company headquarters. Stop spending time with such a young girl. I’m sending Henry to intern at the company, and he’ll be there on weekends."

His intention was for Eric to mentor Henry.

Eric nearly spat out his soup in disbelief. His eyes, now burning with rage, glared at James, while his smile turned even more frigid.

Ella’s heart chilled as well. James was being too unreasonable, expecting Eric to sacrifice his personal time just to give Henry a learning opportunity?

From start to finish, Henry merely sat there, cold and distant.

At that moment, the waiter returned with the dishes Grace had ordered. The table was soon filled with a variety of enticing foods, but Ella had lost her appetite entirely.