LOGINThe next day, both families were meeting for dinner.
Jada had already arranged for a restaurant reservation early that morning and personally went over the menu selections.
Thomas felt a little distressed watching her. “Your health hasn’t been great to begin with. Why are you tiring yourself out? Just let the staff handle it.”
“Other things can be delegated,” Jada said with a smile, “but hosting dinner for my daughter-in-law’s fam
Ella’s hair stood on end. She hadn’t expected this couple to be so utterly shameless.Bound as she was, she could only feign compliance.“This isn’t something we can’t discuss reasonably. Release me first, and we can talk,” Ella said.“Release you? Impossible!” Piper declared. “Nathan, since she’s tied up, take care of it now!”A gleam of desire flashed in Nathan’s eyes.Ella’s allure had never diminished for him.“Nathan, this is rape! This is a crime!” Ella warned.Nathan hesitated.Piper added, “Don’t worry. Later, I’ll tell everyone I saw Ella seduce you. It’s an undeniable fact that she liked you before. No one will doubt it. And even if Tiesto shows up, they’ll blame Ella, not us!”Hearing this, Nathan’s resolve hardened. He crouched in front of Ella.“
Garreth came to ask Ms. Darla for money again.“Mom, give me some more.”“There’s nothing left! Everything’s gone. You know it’s all lost in Christine’s business. Save what you have; I’ll figure something out.”“When will this end?” Garreth grumbled. He was in debt outside, desperately needing money. “The young masters aren’t helping?”“They said what’s lost in Christine’s company has nothing to do with them.”“Damn it!” Garreth cursed. “Rich people have no conscience!”He leaned toward his mother. “Mom, why don’t we just kidnap Christine… then do this and that…”Ms. Darla’s face went pale. “Absolutely not! She’s the daughter of the Pratt family! Remember, no matter what, you cannot lay a hand on her! Understand?”Garreth could only respond, &
Piper and the Miller family’s investment was completely wiped out.On her drive back to the Miller residence, her phone rang nonstop—calls from Mrs. Miller and the sisters-in-law.She answered one.The eldest sister’s voice nearly pierced her eardrum with rage.After that, Piper didn’t dare answer another call.Her heart pounded with fear. She didn’t dare go home.Not only was their money gone—she had also persuaded Nathan to invest heavily.Now there was nothing left.She couldn’t imagine what would be waiting for her when she walked through that door.Her hands trembled on the steering wheel.…Inside Milo’s office.Christine stood in front of him, crying. “Milo, please help me.”“How do you expect me to help?” he asked calmly.“That batch of clothes represents my hard work. Go talk to Ella and Tiesto
The long gown nearly tripped Ella.But Tiesto was quick—he caught her steadily and held her close.“Thank you, my love,” Ella said, her heart overflowing with words she couldn’t fully express.One simple “thank you” felt insufficient, yet it was all she could manage in that moment.Meanwhile, Christine’s live broadcast was still running, appearing on the giant screens here as well.She was losing her temper in front of the reporters: “Stop filming! I said stop filming! Can’t you understand human language?”But the flashes kept going off, creating a chaotic scene.Soon, a group of people approached her.“Go away, all of you!” Christine didn’t want to talk to anyone. She was upset and overwhelmed.The lead person spoke firmly: “I am Ella Hart’s lawyer, representing her. Pratt Corp’s designer
Both Robert and Ella were invited to the stage.Ella smiled at Tiesto, signaling him not to worry.Of course, Tiesto wasn’t concerned. Ella always had a clear sense of control and planning. He just needed to observe and ensure her safety.He nodded encouragingly.Standing on stage, the judges’ eyes bore down on them.Jennie watched anxiously—how could their designs be so similar? She knew exactly what that implied in the fashion world.The judges turned to Robert first. “Your design—any comments?”“My piece features a butterfly motif,” Robert said confidently. “The butterfly represents transformation and freedom. I wanted the design to capture that moment of emerging from a cocoon—becoming something stronger and more beautiful. That’s the philosophy behind my work.”Several heads nodded in approval.Robert continued, “I’v
Ella calculated the time back home and decided not to call directly.Jennie walked over, smiling. “Ella, there seems to be a lively party over there. Want to come take a look with me?”“Sure,” Ella replied without hesitation.The air outside was chilly, and Ella shivered slightly in her coat.Jennie, on the other hand, seemed full of excitement. Ella didn’t want to dampen her mood, so she walked with her toward the source of the commotion.The event was held at a hotel near the beach—Jennie’s suggestion was right.On the beach, stars reflected in the water, twinkling beautifully.A gentle sea breeze blew, carrying a hint of chill.Sand brushed against her high heels, making walking difficult.“Jennie, the scenery here is really nice…” Ella said, but received no response.She turned to look for Jennie, only to find that she had disappeare
That weekend, Ella went to volunteer at the orphanage.Tiesto went with her.When Ellen heard Ella was going, she decided to bring Nina along too.Her husband, Leon, frowned. “The orphanage barely pays you anything. And you’re volunteering extra on weekends?”“I’m taking care of Nina at home anyway
Inside, Lora carefully stored the suitcases away and called Lucas and her two sons to come home for dinner.The three men were equally stunned when they saw the mountain of cash.They had handled sums like this before—But seeing it all laid out in physical bills like this?
Ella ignored her and turned to leave.Christine grabbed her. “Thief! Don’t think you can walk away! How dare you claim Old Madam Sterling gave it to you? I saw you take that bracelet off her wrist!”Her tone was full of self-assured conviction, as if she had caught Ell
Back home, Ella laid a blanket on the floor for Nina to play with her toys.Tiesto fed Bobo and cut fruit, naturally doing some daily chores.He glanced back to see Ella playing with Nina, her face lighting up with a childlike smile.Sunlight spilled across the living room fl







