Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 177: Tough to Handle

Chapter 177: Tough to Handle

"Ella, it’s your uncle! It’s been so many years, and you’ve grown so beautiful. If it weren’t for your cousin bringing me here, I might not have recognized you!" Frank said with a warm smile.

Ella glanced at Leah with a calm expression and gave a slight nod. "So, you’re Carter Miss’s family. A pleasure to meet you."

Eric, with his signature devilish smile, wrapped an arm around Ella’s slender waist, causing Leah’s heart to race. She couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be if she were the one standing by his side instead.

Leah smiled confidently, her eyes full of determination. Someday, she was sure, she would be the woman beside him.

"Yes, Ella, this is my dad and mom, and this is my brother. We’ve been waiting here just for you!" Leah said quickly, trying to keep the mood light.

Evelyn also smiled warmly. "Ella, because of your grandmother’s wishes, we haven’t come to see you before. But now that she’s passed on, the grievances of the previous generation shouldn’t be carried on to yours. We’d love to invite you to dinner."

Frank nodded eagerly, their family’s humble attitude clearly on display. However, Max stood coldly off to the side, maintaining his aloof demeanor despite Eric’s presence, as if no one could impress him.

"Carter Mr. and Mrs., I’m sorry—I’m a person who sticks to my principles. Ms. Ava Perez (Ella’s Grandma Carter) cut ties with my mother a long time ago, so I can’t call you uncle and aunt." Ella’s tone was frosty, her words as sharp as ice.

Frank paused, his heart sinking. He hadn’t expected this young woman to be so firm and unyielding.

No wonder Leah had spent months trying every possible tactic, yet had failed to win Ella over!

Leah had eventually confessed to Frank that Ella was not easily tamed, which led to Frank’s decision to bring the entire family to meet her in person. But now, seeing Ella in front of him—composed and serene, far beyond her eighteen or nineteen years—Frank realized she was not someone easily swayed.

"Ella, we’ve already said that the past grievances should be left in the past..." Frank quickly waved his hand, his face plastered with an overly friendly smile. "Let’s just have a meal together. Mr. Nelson, we’d be honored if you’d join us too."

"Sorry, we’ve just eaten," Eric replied, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

Ella glanced at Leah. "I believe I’ve told Carter Miss many times before—I have the utmost respect for those who have passed, especially my late Grandma Carter. She gave life to my mother and was the elder I respected most in my life, so I won’t go against her wishes. Mr. Carter, please don’t make me uncomfortable by insisting I call you ’uncle’ again."

Frank’s face began to darken. He had initially assumed his role as an elder would give him authority, and he hadn’t felt the need to meet Ella before. Confident in Leah’s abilities, he had held back from taking action.

But with Leah’s failure, he was forced to swallow his pride and come in person, only to be met with a brick wall.

"Ella! Your Grandma Carter really did care for you and your mother. It was only because your mother upset her that my mom acted the way she did..." Frank started, attempting to justify his actions.

"No need to continue. She wasn’t your mom. The mother of Mr. Carter is still enjoying her life of luxury at Carter Group," Ella cut in, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Ella raised an eyebrow sarcastically and turned on her heel, pulling Eric with her as they walked away.

Frank’s anger flared at her dismissive attitude, but he knew he had to keep his composure in such a public place. He realized that Ella had a point—she was honoring the wishes of her deceased elders. If he lost his temper over that, it would only make him look petty and suspicious in the eyes of others.

"That bitch..." Max muttered, about to charge after her, but Evelyn quickly grabbed his arm.

"Max, you’re not a child anymore. Calm down!" Evelyn scolded him sharply. "Let’s go eat and discuss this over dinner."

Leah had remained silent throughout the entire exchange. She wanted her parents to see for themselves just how difficult Ella was to deal with.

The family moved into a private dining room, and after they ordered, the waiter left them alone.

Leah furrowed her brows, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. "Dad, you saw for yourself. That Ella is not an ordinary person. She’s only so arrogant and bold because she has Eric backing her."

Frank remained silent, deep in thought, while Max scoffed. "Mr. Nelson rarely has women around him, but I didn’t expect his taste to be so questionable."

"Max is right. Mr. Nelson’s tastes are rather unique, but he’s probably just infatuated with Ella’s youthful charm. Give it a few years—when she loses her current allure, he’ll leave her. That’s when we can make our move," Evelyn said, trying to reassure Frank. "So, don’t worry, darling. We have plenty of time. When Ella is abandoned by Eric and others start to turn on her, we can step in as the concerned relatives, and she’ll naturally lean towards us."

Leah nodded in agreement. "Mom’s right. That’s what I was thinking too. Right now, she’s too stubborn and self-assured."

Frank’s tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed a little. "For now, that’s our best course of action."

"Don’t worry, Dad. Rich young men like Eric only play with women because they’re new and exciting. After a while, maybe less than a year, Eric will definitely drop Ella," Max added dismissively.

Frank shot him a stern look, his face darkening. "I’ve heard you’re not doing well in school either, always messing around with women! How do you expect to take over Carter Group in the future? What makes you think you have what it takes to run the company?"

Max smirked arrogantly. "Dad, that’s what subordinates are for. I’m the one in charge, and all I need is vision. Why bother working so hard on studies?"

"You fool! Look at other companies—every future successor graduates from a prestigious university and has real skills. If you were up against someone like Mr. Nelson, you’d be dead in the water!" Frank barked, his business acumen surfacing despite his otherwise greedy nature.

"Dad, that’s my business. Don’t compare me to Mr. Nelson. When I take over Carter Group, I’ll outperform Eric a hundred times over!" Max retorted with a self-assured grin.

Evelyn and Leah exchanged glances, both shaking their heads involuntarily.

This son of theirs had been spoiled rotten. Evelyn had gone back to work shortly after Max was born, leaving him at home because she was worried Frank might get too cozy with one of the secretaries at the office.

Frank sighed in resignation, but he thought to himself... If the son is no good, there’s still the daughter. And when the time comes, she could always bring in a suitable son-in-law to carry on the family business.