Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 500: A Warning Unveiled

Chapter 500: A Warning Unveiled

Something felt off, but Eric brushed aside his suspicions. Perhaps it was the confidence that he and Lucas had instilled in Ella, explaining why she no longer seemed as worried.

"Are you hiding something from me?" Eric asked softly.

Ella shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "What could I possibly be hiding from you?"

With a soft laugh, she leaned in and kissed Eric’s lips. "Eric, I’m sorry for lashing out at you before... it was uncalled for."

She knew this might be her last chance to apologize.

Eric gently pinched her cheek and draped his jacket over her shoulders. "Silly girl, how could I blame you? This happened because I didn’t do a better job of protecting and paying attention to our child. The weather’s chilly—even indoors, you should wear a coat or jacket, okay?"

"The wind outside is strong, but it’s warm in here," Ella murmured, biting her lip as a wave of sadness and pain surged in her chest.

Tonight, in the dead of night, she would leave this man behind.

She had already slipped a small dose of sleeping pills into the milk that Eric and Lucas had earlier.

If everything went as planned, her departure would go unnoticed. The bodyguards had already been sent outside.

After all, the villa was secure, and Eric didn’t want spies among the bodyguards, so he had them all stationed elsewhere.

Even with trust, they were not family.

"Just take care of yourself, okay? I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t been around much for you." The dark circles under Eric’s eyes were hard to miss, his exhaustion evident.

Both their eyes were bloodshot, the strain of the past days taking its toll.

Ella reached out, gently brushing her fingers over Eric’s rough stubble. He hadn’t shaved in days.

"What? Does it feel nice?" Eric chuckled lightly, noticing her weary face. Though he looked at her with love, he was too drained for anything more.

He was utterly exhausted, having spent the entire day hunting for flaws, strategizing, and working with the detective Warren had recommended to piece together clues.

Ella gave a soft hum. Eric paused, surprised she didn’t take the opportunity to tease him like she usually would. This wasn’t like her at all.

What felt off?

Today, she seemed unusually affectionate, talking to him more and initiating closeness.

Usually, Ella was much quieter.

Especially on the day Elias was taken—her eyes were filled with resentment and coldness.

"Ella, don’t overthink things. I don’t want you doing anything behind my back... promise me, if you need to do something, talk to me first, okay?"

Eric ran his fingers gently through her silky hair, which carried the faint scent of her shampoo.

He leaned in, inhaling her scent as he held her close, his arm wrapped protectively around her. His fingers softly stroked hers as they sat quietly by the headboard.

"I know... you’ve worked so hard these past few days," Ella said, her voice soft and docile like a kitten. Then, with a tinge of worry, she added, "Elias... he’s really going to be okay, right? I’m so worried, honey."

"Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. Do you want some milk? I got thirsty downstairs earlier, and Mrs. Harris mentioned you hadn’t had much of an appetite. Or... would you like something spicy?" Eric suggested, knowing Ella loved spicy food but could only indulge a few times a month due to her sensitive stomach.

Ella shook her head. "No, thanks. Who could have much of an appetite right now anyway?"

"Speaking of which... you know how much you dislike Vivian? Funny thing—I didn’t care much for her either. But this time, she went all the way back to Country W to ask Carl to get involved for Elias’s sake," Eric said softly.

Ella stared at him in surprise. "Did you hint for her to do that?"

"Of course not. Why would I? Besides, David is more than capable on his own."

Ella pursed her lips slightly. "Vivian’s methods have always been childish, Mrs. Nelson-esque. I figured long ago she wasn’t much of a threat. I suppose, after all these years, she’s finally grown up a bit."

Eric shook his head slowly. "I’ve been wondering... could Vivian have had any involvement in this?"

Ella gasped. "How is that possible?"

Vivian could be arrogant and domineering at times, and Ella had disliked her quite a bit when they first met.

However, since Vivian hadn’t stirred up any trouble afterward, Ella had assumed she had moved on.

"It’s just a theory. Anyone who’s even remotely suspicious can’t be overlooked. But... Vivian does have someone she likes now—our company’s newly signed superstar."

Ella, aware of the rumors surrounding Vivian and Ning Ji, wasn’t particularly surprised to hear this. "Do you think he likes her back?"

Eric shook his head. "Not at the moment."

"So you’re keeping an eye on Vivian as well?"

"Yeah."

Ella fell silent. Eric was incredibly cautious, which wasn’t surprising given his nature. Vivian, after all, was David’s sister. Although she had a bad temper, Ella doubted she was capable of orchestrating something so heinous.

She hoped it wasn’t Vivian. If it were, who knows how David might react? Would he turn against Eric because of her?

Friendships built over years could be ruined in an instant. Ella couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

"Vivian may be bossy sometimes, but she’s never bullied women younger than her. So, while she’s a suspect, it’s unlikely. I’m just taking precautions to avoid any surprises," Eric explained.

Ella nodded. "I agree. It’s hard to imagine her being involved in something like this. She may have a bad temper, but she’s well-educated and the president’s niece. Now that she’s infatuated with someone else, it’s unlikely she’d target Elias because of you."

Encouraging or orchestrating a kidnapping was a serious crime. If it turned out to be true, even the president’s reputation would be tarnished.

"Don’t overthink it. Get some rest. I’ll take a shower and be right back," Eric said, kissing her forehead and forcing a smile.

Ella nodded, her beautiful eyes filled with concern. As the sound of running water came from the bathroom, she sat in silence, her heart filled with conflict and hesitation.

The message had already been sent to the mysterious man, with the meeting time set for 1 a.m.

At one o’clock, she would arrive at the dock, where someone would meet her and take her aboard a boat to leave.

Backing out wasn’t an option now. If she did, Elias would be in danger.

Ella bit her lip, her eyes gradually reddening as she thought of Eric’s bloodshot eyes and his furrowed brows.

If she left, she couldn’t imagine how furious and distraught Eric and Lucas would become.

But staying wasn’t an option. She had to leave.

Ella walked over to her vanity, opened a drawer, and pulled out a small, square box, tucking it into the clothes she planned to wear.

She was still in her pajamas to avoid raising Eric’s suspicion.

She gathered a few other items, her heart growing heavier with every move.

Eric might hate her for this. He might even go mad. But for Elias... she had no other choice.

Ella lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling with wide, sleepless eyes.

Eric emerged from the bathroom, drying his wet hair. When he saw Ella lying there with her eyes open, it felt like something pierced his heart, causing a sharp pain.

He had thought he was strong enough, believing the mysterious letters he’d received years ago were just desperate attempts by some unknown party.

But tonight, he finally understood—those letters were a warning.