Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 548: The Inside Story

Chapter 548: The Inside Story

However, considering that Nicholas was Samantha’s brother, Eric had decided to spare him. Instead, he had all the photos that the journalist had saved completely destroyed.

Yet, no matter how thoroughly those photos were erased, Eric had already seen them. They were now seared into his memory, impossible to forget.

Frustrated, he put down his phone, his hand instinctively reaching for the cigarette pack beside him.

Ella didn’t like him smoking. Thinking of that, Eric resisted the urge and pulled his hand back.

He took a deep breath, trying to refocus his mind and get through his work for the day.

But as soon as he opened the files in front of him, his interest quickly faded. He set them down weakly, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. The moment he did, the haunting image from years ago resurfaced—

that shocking, vivid splash of red...

He massaged his temples as a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. John walked in.

"Boss, we’ve secured an appointment with Dr, one of the top psychologists in Country S. We can head to his office in an hour."

To avoid any unnecessary speculation, Eric had specifically requested to see a male doctor.

There weren’t many renowned male psychologists in Country S, just a select few.

"Good. I’ll get ready," Eric said, standing up and straightening his collar.

He tried his best to push the disturbing images from his mind, but it was useless. If he could erase them so easily, he wouldn’t have needed to go to therapy in the first place.

When he was seven, he had developed autism. It was James who tirelessly sought out doctors to help cure him. But after he recovered, Eric began to resent James.

James had learned about Eric’s depression from the newspapers. It pained him deeply. He tried calling Eric, but his calls went unanswered.

Left with no other option, James personally went to Ella’s home to ask about Eric’s condition.

When he learned that everything stemmed from a set of photos, he was overwhelmed with regret.

If only he had been more cautious back then—if he had made sure those photos were completely destroyed—none of this would be happening now.

The truth was, he had been careless. He had assumed that journalist wouldn’t go back on his word.

But in the end... things had spiraled into this mess.

He let out a bitter laugh. "It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me... Victoria wouldn’t have died. And Eric wouldn’t have turned out like this."

Ella remained silent, unsure of how to console him.

James had been foolish back then. Leaving behind those photos was a ticking time bomb. If they had ever been published, the damage to the Nelson Group would have been catastrophic.

After all, he had been the one in charge at the time. A scandal like that could have destroyed everything.

"Ella, please... try to help Eric through this. If he doesn’t improve... I’d even be willing to let him beat me up if it helps relieve some of his anger. Maybe that’ll help him get better," James said, his voice filled with remorse.

Eric’s pent-up emotions—James knew he was partly responsible for them.

Ella shook her head. "Eric won’t lay a hand on you."

Because he wouldn’t even bother to.

James’ eyes turned red at those words.

"When will he be home?" he asked.

"I don’t know. Right now... I don’t think he wants to see you. You should go back for now. Give him some time to process everything," Ella said calmly.

Eric was already struggling with his emotions. Seeing the very person who had been the catalyst for his pain would only make things worse.

James sighed heavily. In the end, he simply asked Ella to keep him updated on Eric’s condition before quietly leaving.

Ella gently rubbed her rounded belly, trying to lift her own spirits.

After all, she was still pregnant.

"Little princess, you have to cheer for Daddy, okay? Let’s help him get through this together..."

Eric completed his first round of therapy. The weight on his heart had lightened slightly.

Ella, too, secretly let out a breath of relief.

The next afternoon, when Ella went to pick up the children, she spotted Liam standing by the entrance of Little Prince Kindergarten. The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up with hope.

"Miss Davis, I know... using you as a model without permission was wrong. It’s a bad habit of mine. But please, I beg you, could you ask your husband to return my painting?"

Ella froze. If Liam hadn’t shown up, she might have completely forgotten about this. When she had asked John whether Liam was willing to sell the painting, John had told her he was.

But now, looking at Liam’s bloodshot eyes and exhausted expression, she instantly knew that John had lied.

"What’s going on? John told me... you willingly sold the painting to my husband," Ella said, raising an eyebrow in confusion as she looked at Liam.

"No... they forcibly took my painting and threw a card at me. But... I don’t care about the money. That painting was my first-ever award-winning piece, Miss Davis. It means everything to me. Please... could you return it to me?"

Liam pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.

Ella remained silent.

She understood that for an artist, a winning piece held great significance.

But right now, Eric was in a fragile state. If she returned the painting to Liam, who knew what he would think?

"I’m sorry, Liam," Ella said softly. "My husband is going through a very difficult time, almost to the point of depression. If I return the painting to you now... I’m afraid it might affect his emotions. So, can we put this on hold for now?"

Disappointment flickered in Liam’s eyes, but after thinking for a moment, he nodded slightly.

"That’s fine... Could you give me your phone number?"

Liam’s voice was quiet, and a slight flush crept onto his face.

Ella cast him a cold glance. "Alright, but unless it’s something important, I hope you don’t call me. My phone is always kept by my bodyguards."

Liam quickly took out his phone and handed it to Ella. She entered her number, and he carefully took it back, staring at the unfamiliar digits before dialing.

Sure enough, the ringtone sounded from the bodyguard standing next to Ella.

After saving her number, Liam looked at her with hopeful yet cautious eyes. "Miss Davis... I really hope to get my painting back. I don’t want this card. Please return it to Mr. Nelson."

With that, he placed the bank card into the hands of the nearby bodyguard.

There was still a seven or eight-step distance between him and Ella, and if he moved any closer, the bodyguards wouldn’t allow it.

The bodyguard turned to Ella for confirmation. She nodded, signaling him to accept it.

A flicker of hope appeared on Liam’s determined face.

Ella knew that this boy wasn’t driven by money.

Fifty thousand dollars could have given him a comfortable life for years.

Yet, he had refused the card and instead chose to fight for his artwork. It was clear that what he sought was emotional fulfillment, not material comfort.

"I’ll do my best to help you. Don’t let this affect your studies," Ella said, noticing that the boy’s eyes were slightly red.

Even though she wasn’t particularly fond of male artists, she still offered him a few words of comfort.

Liam gave a shy smile. "Thank you, Miss Davis. I know... you’ve been the one funding my education since middle school."

Ella was taken aback.

Liam quickly explained, "I accidentally saw the sponsorship records from my teacher, and that’s how I found out... Thank you. Once I graduate and start working, I’ll repay every cent you donated over the years."

Ella nodded slightly. "Alright, I’ll be waiting."

Liam’s willingness to return the money meant he didn’t want to be indebted to her.

She had no intention of forcing anything on him.

So, without giving it too much thought, she agreed.