Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 166: Follower

Chapter 166: Follower

Ella couldn’t help but burst into laughter. "So that’s it! I thought this was your own yacht!"

Eric leaned in closer, unbuckling her seatbelt while giving her a quick kiss. "Don’t worry, one day I’ll buy you a yacht of your own."

Men and their sweet talk! Even though it might never happen, the thought still brought a smile to Ella’s face.

It was late autumn, and the weather was particularly chilly. As soon as she stepped out of the car, a gentle breeze made Ella sneeze.

Eric quickly grabbed a men’s coat from the car and draped it over her shoulders. "You’re a grown woman; how could you not dress warmly? Especially now, with the temperature dropping so much by the river."

Ella pouted. "How was I supposed to know you were taking me out on the river? I didn’t have time to prepare."

Eric chuckled, kissing her cheek lightly. "Alright then, my fault. I apologize, my dear, I wrongfully blamed you."

He smiled teasingly, and Ella couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something playful, almost mischievous, in his expression.

Eric held her close as they boarded the luxurious yacht. The moment they stepped into the cabin, Ella was struck by how beautifully it was decorated—truly comparable to a dream cruise.

The cabin was lit by soft, amber-colored lights embedded in the walls, casting a golden glow throughout the space.

The first floor featured a small cinema and even a couple’s suite. Clearly, the wealthy knew how to enjoy life, hosting parties here with their friends.

"Boss, you’re here!" A soft voice broke the silence. Ella looked up and saw Michael emerging with a young woman, who caused her to pause in surprise.

It was none other than her classmate, Rachel!

"Eric, you’re here? Oh... Ella, I didn’t expect to see you here too. You and Eric..." Rachel feigned surprise, but to Ella, it seemed utterly fake.

Ella nodded calmly. "Yes, I’m here. I wonder if you’re okay with that, Rachel?"

"Of course! Come on, let’s sit over there!" Rachel responded with a warm smile, but Ella wasn’t particularly fond of her. Fortunately, Eric kept a firm hold on her waist. "Sorry, but tonight she’s watching TV with me."

Ella’s face flushed slightly as Eric’s words hung in the air with a hint of flirtation, drawing curious looks from others.

Rachel forced an awkward smile, and Ella turned to Eric. "Eric, I didn’t know you knew Rachel."

"Rachel is Richard’s cousin, and this yacht belongs to Richard," Eric replied with a mischievous smile. "Let’s head upstairs, have dinner, and then catch a movie afterward."

What a fun itinerary!

Ella’s excitement grew, undeterred by Rachel’s presence. She hadn’t given the girl much thought, so there was no reason to let her mood be spoiled. Besides, the way Rachel looked at Eric made it clear she had a crush on him.

Hmph, this charming man sure knows how to attract admirers!

"Eric, dinner is being prepared upstairs. Now’s the perfect time to head up," Rachel said with a smile, suddenly appearing behind them.

Eric ignored her and led Ella to the second floor.

The second floor was designed for hosting banquets, with a small, elegant bar on the left side.

The entire setting was as luxurious as the rest of the yacht, making it feel like they were inside a grand Grecian palace.

Ella took a deep breath, marveling at the extravagance. Richard’s family must be incredibly wealthy to afford such a lavish yacht.

The world of true nobility was something far beyond Ella’s understanding—she was just a small player in this grand scheme.

"The third floor is the dining area," Eric explained with a caring smile. "There are six chefs on board, so you can order whatever you like, and they’ll make it for you. But don’t worry, I’ve already ordered your favorite dishes."

Ella felt a wave of warmth despite the cool breeze, thanks to the cloak she was wrapped in, making her feel comfortable and at ease.

"Thank you, darling!" Ella said, deliberately softening her voice to sound as sweet as possible.

Rachel, standing nearby, momentarily had a dark expression on her face but quickly composed herself, returning to her usual soft smile.

Ella noticed this shift in Rachel’s expression. That girl was really good at putting on a facade! Rachel was definitely more composed and intelligent than Hannah, with a calm demeanor and sharp mind.

"If you want to thank me, give me a kiss right here!" Eric teased, pointing to his lips with a playful grin.

Ella playfully hit him on the arm and then, catching him off guard, leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips.

Eric smugly touched his lips. "Hmm, this is the first time my dear Ella has kissed me on her own... You’re getting better!"

Hmph! This wasn’t the first time she’d initiated, was it? Ella pouted as she took Eric’s hand, leading him toward the third floor.

Michael and Rachel followed them in silence. Eric, however, was feeling annoyed. Why was Rachel suddenly here? He had specifically arranged with Richard that he would bring Ella, and Richard would bring his girlfriend—no mention of Rachel.

But now, Rachel had appeared out of nowhere, constantly interrupting his conversations with Ella, which was really killing the mood.

On the third floor, the long rectangular dining table in the center was already set with many of Ella’s favorite dishes.

Richard was sitting at the table with a woman, and as soon as Eric and Ella appeared, he greeted them, "Hi, you guys are late."

Eric scoffed lightly. "You just got here early, that’s all!"

Richard chuckled but was surprised when he saw Rachel. "Rachel, what are you doing here? I don’t recall inviting you."

Ella almost burst out laughing. So Rachel had just tagged along? And it seemed Richard wasn’t particularly close to this distant cousin of his.

Rachel awkwardly forced a smile. "I overheard you making the call that day, and I asked if I could come. You said it was okay!"

Richard blinked, trying to recall. "Did I? I don’t really remember that!"

The woman sitting on Richard’s lap chuckled. "Come on, darling, she’s your cousin. Let her stay; she won’t bother you."

That woman must be Richard’s girlfriend, Ella thought.

Rachel looked gratefully at the woman. "Thank you, Amelia!"

Amelia nodded slightly before standing up and turning to Ella with a warm smile. "Hi, I’m Amelia, Richard’s girlfriend."

"Hi, I’m Ella!" Ella introduced herself directly.

Amelia glanced at Eric with a mischievous smile. "Ella, I didn’t expect you to have such unique tastes... You like someone so fierce, huh?"

Eric looked irritated. "I’m not fierce at all. Right, Ella?"

Amelia snorted softly. "Of course, Ella wouldn’t dare take my side."

Ella smiled, feeling that while she didn’t know much about Amelia’s personality yet, she seemed much more genuine and likable compared to Rachel.