Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 396: A Shy Kiss

Chapter 396: A Shy Kiss

Ella sat down next to Eric. "What’s wrong? You seem upset," she asked softly.

Eric shot a cold glance at Luke, who sat across from him. "Nothing. You’re out now?"

"Yeah. There’s something I need to talk to you about," Ella said in a gentle tone. Eric took her hand and replied, "Let’s talk over there."

From his expression, it was clear he didn’t want Luke to overhear their conversation.

Watching the two walk away together, Luke furrowed his brow in displeasure. Standing up, he sneered coldly. "Some people just can’t handle the truth. The moment they hear it, they lose their cool. What good is a man like that?"

With an air of arrogance, Luke turned and pushed open the door to Lucas’s hospital room.

...

Ella and Eric walked to the corridor near the window. The VIP area was relatively quiet, making it a good spot for private conversations. Most people used the elevators, and at six stories high, few bothered with the stairs.

"Your expression is so serious. Did he try to scare you?" Eric asked, his hand gently rubbing her tense face, a playful smile softening his tone.

Ella raised her eyes to meet his. The starlight-like sparkle in his alluring almond-shaped eyes was mesmerizing, even in daylight.

His striking features, coupled with his mischievous smile, were enough to make any woman’s heart race.

She loved this man deeply and couldn’t bear the thought of him being in danger. If acknowledging her connection to Lucas could deter those who sought to harm Eric, wouldn’t that be a good thing?

"The Miller family... Have they made any moves lately? Are you sure they won’t harm you?" Ella asked cautiously.

Eric arched an eyebrow. "No, nothing noticeable. But the Miller family is indeed troublesome. I’ve been wanting to take them down for a while. Unfortunately, dismantling a powerful noble family isn’t easy. Don’t worry—I’m working with Brian and a few friends in Country W to gather evidence against them."

Ella frowned. Although the Miller family’s reputation had taken a hit after their scandal was exposed, it hadn’t significantly shaken their standing.

If Mia had truly been taken by them, it was clear they weren’t done targeting Eric.

"I think Mia might’ve been taken by someone from their group."

"I know," Eric said with a wry smile, his tone carrying a hint of defiance. "Mia’s safe for now. Don’t worry."

Ella paused, her eyes widening in surprise. "You know?"

"Yes. Have I ever lied to you? Let me guess—Anderson wants you to agree to publicly acknowledge your relationship with him? He thinks that’ll keep the Millers from targeting me?"

Ella nodded, marveling at his intuition. "Eric, how are you so sharp? You guessed it perfectly."

Eric smirked faintly. "He’s not wrong. Publicly announcing your connection to the Anderson family would make the Millers tread more carefully. But it wouldn’t completely stop them from coming after me."

"Are you sure you’ll be okay?" Ella asked hesitantly. Her confidence wavered—Eric was just one man, while the Millers were a massive, powerful family.

"You think I spent all those years in Country W fighting for nothing?" Eric chuckled softly, his hand caressing her cheek. "Don’t worry so much. Country W is a land of laws. They won’t dare act too openly."

While Eric’s words were reassuring, Ella couldn’t shake her unease. She’d done some research on the Miller family back when Hannah was taken and knew enough to be wary.

The Miller family had ascended to nobility a century ago through ties with royalty. While their wealth and power were undeniable, there were plenty of dark rumors surrounding them. With no concrete evidence, it was hard to tell fact from fiction.

But one thing was certain—crossing them meant they wouldn’t hesitate to use any means necessary.

"You don’t need to rush into reconciling with Lucas just because of me," Eric said with a light chuckle. "That would make it seem like I’m incapable, wouldn’t it? No matter what happens, you have to trust me. Promise?"

His confidence was so overwhelming that Ella couldn’t help but be completely captivated. She nodded. "Alright, I trust you. Since you don’t want me to hurry into reconciling with Lucas, I’ll take my time."

Eric bent slightly, pressing a soft kiss to her rosy lips. "Good girl. I won’t be defeated so easily."

Ella smiled, though thoughts of Mia still tugged at her heart.

...

After leaving the hospital, Ella and Eric went to visit Lauren’s house, where Henry’s condition was noticeably improving.

He could now understand Ella and Eric’s words.

"Henry, how do you feel? If you feel good, blink once. If not, blink twice," Ella asked, her voice tinged with nervous excitement as she watched him intently.

Henry blinked once.

Eric and Ella exchanged a look, both breaking into uncontrollable smiles.

Eric, in particular, felt a wave of emotion. He had once harbored deep resentment toward Henry, but now, those feelings had completely dissipated.

Lauren chimed in with a cheerful tone, "Yesterday, he even started moving his eyes around. He’s getting better every day!"

Ella took a deep breath, relief washing over her. "That’s wonderful. Hopefully, it won’t be long before he’s fully back to normal."

Henry blinked again, as if to express his determination.

That day, Ella’s mood was especially bright.

Eric pushed Henry’s wheelchair around the garden for a stroll. "James mentioned...he’s flying in tomorrow to visit you."

Henry blinked once, showing his delight, though his face remained expressionless due to his condition.

Ella looked at Eric in surprise. "You’re taking James’s calls now?"

"Why wouldn’t I? Do you think I’m afraid of him?" Eric scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.

Ella’s lips curved into a small smile. After so many years of tension and conflict between the father and son, wasn’t it time they made amends?

"No reason. I was just curious, that’s all."

Lauren appeared with a tray of juice. "It’s autumn now, and the wind’s picking up. Have some pear juice to soothe your throats."

The group sat together, chatting and laughing as they sipped their drinks and engaged Henry in conversation.

This kind of harmony had never existed back when Henry was in perfect health.

Perhaps this accident was a blessing in disguise, as it had allowed old wounds and grudges to finally heal.

...

After Ella and Eric left, Lauren carefully brought the pear juice to Henry and helped him drink.

Henry opened his mouth and managed to sip it down, though a bit of juice lingered on his lips.

Lauren stared at his sharply defined lips. For some reason, over the past few days, she had been feeling a strong urge to kiss him.

Blushing at the thought, she glanced around nervously. The housekeeper was busy cleaning indoors.

"Henry, I...I still like you so much," she whispered.

Biting her lip, Lauren suddenly leaned in and planted a quick, fleeting kiss on Henry’s lips. Her face turned crimson as she bolted away, too shy to stay.