Chapter 89
Chapter 89
Just as they were at a standstill, an abrupt ringtone broke the tension between them. Alex let go of Ellie to answer the call, and she hurriedly slid the door shut behind her.
“Even if you’re not feeling well, don’t just take any meds!” Alex’s voice was full of urgency and concern. “I’ll be back soon!”
Seeing the worry on Alex’s face and the evident concern in his tone, Ellie turned her back on him.
After hanging up, Alex looked at Ellie, who was quietly standing by the door with her back to him, her slender figure rigid and distant.
Even from behind, he could sense her icy demeanor.
His heart tightened as if something was lodged in his throat, making it difficult to speak. Just then, his phone buzzed again, prompting him to turn and leave.
*****
A few days later, with just three days left until the family banquet organized by the Warrens, Ellie askes for leave to prepare.
After trying on dresses with Nancy that morning, Ellie encountered Mark.
At a Western restaurant near the city center, Mark extended his hand to Ellie.
“Don’t rush to say no just yet. Although the initial setup for the hospital is mostly done, it will still take two to three years before it’s fully operational. You have plenty of time to think it over.”
“Thanks, Mark, but I can work for you, just not as an investor. I really don’t have the capital,” Ellie replied, projecting an air of confidence, even though she felt terribly awkward inside.
Mark had already earned his PhD during her college years and held a prestigious position in plastic surgery.
People from all over, including elites from various countries, sought him out, but he was quite laid–back, performing only one surgery a week for a hefty fee.
The private hospital he was setting up was located on the busiest commercial street in Jaslands, and rumors had it that the land was a gift from his grandfather. The initial investment was no less than a billion dollars.
Everyone wanted to make money, but she had no idea to yield the funds needed for investing.
Mark seemed to sense her hesitation, smiling as he said, “If you’re worried about losing money, you can take a technical stake. If it flops, it’s on me, but if it makes a profit, you’ll get a share.”
Dressed in a stylish yet understated ensemble perfect for the season, Mark smiled, his warmth and charm almost healing.
Ellie grasped her juice cup tightly, feeling a sense of panic. No matter how desperate she was for money, she couldn’t exploit someone else’s hard work without putting in her own effort.
“Let’s eat first, and you can think about it later,” Mark said, serving her delicately with shared utensils.
“Thanks, Mark,” Ellie smiled for a rare moment, taking the snack he offered. But just as she took a bite, she spotted Alex.
Mark stood up politely to greet Alex.
Alex was holding a small pink handbag with the logo of a smartphone brand on it, his gaze subtly falling on Ellie,
“I won’t interrupt you two,” Alex said, sliding into the nearest booth next to Ellie.
He didn’t order anything or join the conversation but leaned back in his chair, deliberately staring at Ellie as she ate.
After about ten minutes, Mark sensed the tension and stood up. “I have some things to take care of. You two chat,” he said.
The Grant family had already received the invitation for the banquet. Moreover, Mark’s sister was engaged to Alex, and everyone in the Grant family knew Ellie had lived with the Warrens for over a decade, growing up alongside Alex.
Alex was clearly waiting for Ellie; Mark could tell.
Once Mark left, Ellie ignored Alex and went to the restroom before making a beeline for the exit.
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“Here, take your phone,” Alex said, handing over the pink handbag to Ellie by the edge of the road in front of the restaurant.
Seeing Ellie accept the phone, the tension in his brow slowly eased. “Get in, I’ll drive you home.”
Ellie glanced at the flashy silver sports car parked not far away and calmly declined, “No, thanks.”
She understood he hadn’t merely waited here just to return her phone; his intentions were much clearer than that.
As Alex reached out to grab her arm, Ellie instinctively pulled away. His temper flared, “Are you scared you’ll die if you sit in my car?”
Ellie met Alex’s gaze, her expression calm and her tone distant. “Dying isn’t the issue. It’s more about my dignity. I just don’t want to get kicked out.”
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Alex’s heart skipped a beat. The complex emotions swirling in his gaze softened as he said, “Ellie, there won’t be a next time.”
Ellie smirked faintly but didn’t say a word. Of course, there wouldn’t be a next time. She’d never give him that chance again. Without a second thought, she turned and walked away.
Behind her, Alex’s eyes narrowed, concealing the whirlwind of feelings inside him. A few minutes passed, and before Ellie could gather her bearings, Alex forcibly shoved her into the passenger seat of his sports car.
An hour later, at the Warren family’s private airport, he dragged her onto a helicopter against her will.
As the sun began to set, the helicopter descended onto a secluded island surrounded by water. Noticing the pallor of Ellie’s face, Alex crouched down to help her unbuckle the seatbelt.
“I got my helicopter license when I was seventeen. With all this experience, what are you afraid of?” he said, his tone a bit harsh, but the concern behind his eyes was hard to miss.
He grasped Ellie’s hand and felt the cold sweat pooling in her palm. Rubbing her hand against his sleeve to wipe off the moisture, he hoisted her out of the helicopter.
The moist sea breeze greeted them, and only when Ellie’s feet touched the ground did she feel like she could breathe again.
Her legs wobbled as she crouched on the sandy beach, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings, a wave of anxiety crashing over her.
She had known for a long time that Alex had been flying planes, driving sports cars, and sailing yachts since his school days. He practiced martial arts, played e–sports, and would even go to Libliccosia to gamble.
In his senior year, his parents pushed him to study abroad, which he loathed. So he pulled out his double degree from a top university in Ameria that he had earned through self–study.
Not only that, but he was also fluent in several languages and had won various competition trophies. As he put it, he pursued his degree just for the sake of betting and not wanting to lose.
He learned several languages purely for the convenience of traveling abroad.
He spent every day either playing or on his way to play, epitomizing a carefree attitude. He was the kind of person who, much like flying a helicopter, engaged in thrilling and reckless maneuvers but somehow always managed to land safely.
Living a luxurious, colorful life, he constantly chased excitement. But she couldn’t afford that. What if something happened to her? What would her parents do?
As twilight draped the sky in hues of orange and purple, Ellie glanced at Alex. His jacket lay carelessly on the sand, and he leaned back on his hands, casually observing her.
Feeling the panic welling up inside, she struggled to keep it at bay. Lowering her voice, she said, “Let’s talk about this later. Just get me out of here..
Alex raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re willing to talk to me now?”
Ellie tugged at the corner of her mouth.
“If you refuse to acknowledge this kinship, I’ll take you back right away!” Seeing Ellie silent, Alex spoke bluntly.
Ellie replied, “What if I don’t agree?”
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