Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers! -
Chapter 449: Advice
Chapter 449: Advice
Eric’s expression turned icy. "Miss Johnson, if my wife didn’t speak up like that, should she have bowed and flattered you instead?"
Melissa’s smug demeanor faltered under Eric’s cutting remark. While Richard was wealthy, LXL was Eric’s company—a fact she couldn’t afford to overlook.
"That’s not... I didn’t mean that," Melissa stammered. "I just don’t want Mrs. Nelson to question me like this."
Ella chuckled lightly and spoke in an even tone. "But you’re wearing high heels and heavy makeup, showing no signs of being pregnant. I think my questioning is entirely justified." Turning to Richard with a cold glance, she added, "Richard, I hope you don’t end up regretting your choices. Eric, let’s go. I’m hungry; we’ll eat first and then come back to shop for clothes."
At three months along, Ella’s early pregnancy symptoms had subsided, but she found herself constantly hungry, likely because she was carrying twins.
"Alright, let’s get something to eat. Richard, we can talk tonight if needed," Eric replied.
Ella cast a final glance at Richard, whose face was tense and troubled. Taking a few steps away, she paused, looking back with a thoughtful expression.
"Richard, Amelia has a strong-willed personality, but if you’re sincere, I believe she’ll forgive you. However, if your plan is to provoke her with something this foolish, it’s only going to backfire. Just remember—what women despise most is a man cheating and then dragging another woman into the mess with a baby!"
With that, Ella walked away with Eric, leaving no room for further discussion.
Richard’s face darkened like a storm cloud as he stood frozen in place, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Melissa fumed, practically trembling with rage. She’d worked so hard to manipulate her way into Richard’s life. Although nothing intimate had occurred, Richard had been drunk that night and didn’t remember anything clearly.
To secure him, Melissa had forged a pregnancy report and claimed she was carrying his child.
Richard had believed her—too easily, in her opinion—and now hearing Ella’s words filled her with anger and panic. Had she been nothing more than a pawn to him?
"Richard, don’t listen to her nonsense. She doesn’t like me and is trying to sabotage us! Darling, please don’t let other people’s opinions make you doubt me!" Melissa cooed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.
Richard narrowed his eyes with a cold smile. "Are you really pregnant?"
He turned to his assistant. "Take Miss Johnson to the hospital immediately for a blood test."
Melissa froze, her composure cracking as fury and fear mingled on her face. "Richard, how could you doubt me like this?"
"If you are truly pregnant, I’ll take responsibility. But if you’re not, you’ve lied to me—and why would you fear another blood test if you’re telling the truth?"
Richard’s voice was cold and sharp. His words made Melissa tremble. His assistant stepped forward politely but firmly.
"Miss Johnson, please come with me to the hospital."
"Richard..." Melissa tried one last time to plead, but he didn’t look back as he strode off, leaving her standing there, humiliated.
Her hatred for Ella burned hotter than ever.
Meanwhile, Ella and Eric sat in a cozy Chinese restaurant, flipping through the menu.
Lucas called to inform them that his nephew—Ella’s second older brother—would be joining them for dinner at the Nelson Group Hotel.
Ella agreed immediately, as they had plenty of time in the evening.
"Dad says Second Brother is coming to see me. He’s such a busy person—it’s great he could finally make time!" Ella said with a smile.
Ella smiled as she reflected, "Although I’ve been back in Country S for quite some time now, my second brother, Aiden Anderson, has been tied up with business in Y Country and hasn’t had a chance to return."
"In that case, I’ll have the hotel reserve a private room for us," Eric said with a smile, picking up his phone to make the arrangements.
After placing their food order, Ella added, "Once we finish eating, we can shop for some more baby clothes, rest a bit at the hotel, and then meet my second brother at five."
Eric nodded. "Are you feeling tired? Do you want me to give you a massage?"
Ella blinked, glancing around the restaurant, which was nearly packed with people. She had been standing for a long time and didn’t want to go elsewhere to eat, especially since all the upstairs private rooms were already fully booked.
"Isn’t it too crowded—" Before Ella could finish her sentence, Eric had already stood up, walked behind her, and began gently massaging her sore lower back.
A wave of surprise rippled through the diners. Many were stunned to witness such doting attention from a wealthy heir like Eric.
After all, most wealthy sons of influential families held their dignity above all else. Performing such a considerate gesture in public? Unheard of.
Ella felt her cheeks warm in embarrassment. She quickly grabbed Eric’s hands. "Honey, let’s just eat. If you keep this up, everyone’s going to stare at you, and I feel awkward being the center of attention."
Eric chuckled. "Why should we care what others think? Let them stare—we’re just doing our thing."
Ella sighed in exasperation. "Honey..."
Seeing how considerate Ella was of his reputation, Eric gave a mischievous smile. His expression, equal parts devilish charm and warm sincerity, radiated like golden autumn sunlight, filling Ella with a comforting warmth.
Relenting, Eric returned to his seat but immediately noticed a few reporters discreetly snapping photos of them.
"Want me to have them stop taking pictures?" Eric asked irritably. He wasn’t a celebrity, so he hated being constantly photographed.
Ella shook her head. "It’s fine. As long as it’s not a private setting, they can take their pictures. It doesn’t bother me too much."
She truly didn’t mind, as long as it wasn’t intrusive or persistent.
Eric’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his brows furrowing slightly before answering.
"Vivian, what is it?"
Ella raised an eyebrow. The name rang a bell.
It reminded her of their first misunderstanding. Though it had been resolved smoothly and left no emotional scars, the memory still lingered.
"Eric, please help me! I’ve been barred from leaving the country. I... I really want to see you," Vivian’s voice came through, tearful and pleading.
Eric’s frown deepened.
Ella couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation but could tell from Eric’s reaction that Vivian must have brought up something troublesome.
"What happened? Where are you now?" Eric asked, his tone calm but distant.
Although he didn’t particularly like Vivian, she was David’s sister.
During his time abroad, David had been an invaluable ally. Some of Eric’s investments in Country W had been joint ventures with David.
Moreover, David’s family wielded considerable influence, which helped shield Eric from the likes of Grace’s faction.
It was largely because of David that Donald’s two assassination attempts had failed, and why Donald hadn’t dared to try again.
Having David as a friend had not only allowed Eric to fully utilize his skills and resources but had also played a significant role in shaping the successful, composed man he had become today.
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