LOGINBack at home, Ella was still thinking about everything.
She asked Tiesto, “Honey, do you think what Ms. Darla and Christine said is true?”
“She knew about your birthmark and has been pushing Christine to oppose you all along. I’d say the chances of it being true are very high,” Tiesto said as he poured her a glass of warm milk.
Ella held the cup, her mind full of thoughts.
“Don’t think too much about it,
Back at work, Ellen’s assistant hurried in with news.“Miss Wood, I don’t know who did it, but someone actually hired a group of older women to stand outside and spread rumors that you’re seeing older men.”“Huh?” Ellen was surprised.“Just recent events. But don’t worry—Mr. Benitez already arranged for it to be handled before it escalated.”Ellen thought for a moment and guessed it was probably Leon or Lena.Last time, she and Ella had used a similar method to play with Leon.This time, they were smarter, trying to tarnish her reputation.Too bad for them, their claims were half-baked.She had merely linked arms with her father, yet they were trying to smear her.Little did they know, on Wood Group’s turf, their gossip wouldn’t stir even a ripple.That evening, Ellen had a business banquet.After work, she changed and arrived at the venue.
It looked like Michael already knew the situation of the children at the orphanage pretty well.“Pass me the scissors,” Michael said.Ellen set Nina down and handed them to him.When she turned back, Nina was already playing happily with the other kids.So Ellen stayed under the tree, helping Michael pass tools and chatting with him as they worked.Just then, Michael’s parents walked in, carrying bags and boxes.“These kids aren’t lacking food or clothes anymore,” Michael’s mother said, “but these supplementary study materials—they really need them. Especially the seniors in high school and middle school. They need more practice…”Michael’s father sighed. “Do you think bringing all this stuff really helps? All this good karma we’re building up—will it really help Michael settle down and get married?”
Back at home, Nina was still awake, waiting expectantly. “Mom, where’s Dad?”“Silly, that’s Uncle Michael. not your dad,” Ellen said, smiling. “Come on, I’ll tell you a story.”“But Dad… Uncle said he would come play with me today,” Nina pouted.The housekeeper said, “Yes, Mr. Benitez is very good to the little miss—he accompanies her to classes, plays with her, and is very patient.”Ellen pursed her lips, hugging Nina. “Story time! Who wants to listen?”“I do! I do!”…The next day, Ella and Ellen met again at the orphanage.A batch of ninth- and twelfth-grade students were preparing for school advancement, and they had to help advise on school choices.“Let’s give those who can learn more the chance to do so. Education is the key to changing their lives,” Ella said.“B
Ellen quickly scooped her daughter into her arms.Michael walked over. “Sorry. I heard my mom wasn’t feeling well. I was at the mall with Nina and didn’t have time to take her back to the Wood house, so I brought her here instead.”Ellen couldn’t really blame him. “It’s fine.”Michael turned to his mother. “Mom, are you feeling better?”“A little.”“You went to the orphanage to help move things again? Didn’t I tell you not to do manual work?” he scolded gently.“I wasn’t working—I was earning good karma for you! You refuse to date or get married, so your father and I have to build up merit for you! Otherwise, are we just supposed to watch you stay single forever? Look at Tiesto—he’s younger than you and already married! And your Uncle—he’s already a grandfather this year! And there’s al
After eliminating this internal threat, Tiesto celebrated with her.At a hotel, their candlelit dinner was romantic.Ella laughed: “Those who know, know I solved May’s problem. Those who don’t… probably think it’s our wedding anniversary.”“As long as you’re happy, every day is our anniversary.”“Then I’ll be happy every day.” Ella smiled.Tiesto cut her steak.The candlelight flickered, reflecting the radiant joy of their smiles.They left the hotel hand in hand, just as Michael and Mrs. Benitez appeared.“Just look at you—past thirty already. Tiesto’s younger and he’s married, yet you still haven’t made any progress. Are you trying to drive your mother insane?”Michael’s eyes spotted Tiesto, silently pleading for help.“Aunt,” Tiesto greeted.Mrs. Benitez paused, embarrassed, then
Mrs. Pratt made a special trip to Eve Garden.Lora accompanied her.“I actually came today to ask,” Mrs. Pratt said softly, “does Nora still have any of Ella’s childhood belongings? I’d pay whatever it costs to get them back.”“Don’t get your hopes up,” Lora sighed. “I already asked Nora. She said Ella’s things were in the way and threw them all out long ago. Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that she did at least raise Ella, I really would have…”Even now, Lora couldn’t hide her lingering regret.Mrs. Pratt’s heart ached. “Ella has really suffered too much.”“But the good news is, she won’t suffer anymore,” Lora said gently. “Good children are blessed in the end.”Mrs. Pratt nodded. “Back then, Tiesto’s mother and I even talked about arranging a childhood engagement between our fami
Meanwhile, Christine was being strictly managed by her manager on set and felt stifled.Finally, she found an opportunity to sneak out.“Tina, ‘Legends of Valoria’ is adapting a popular game. I submitted my photos for the casting call for the promotional shoot. Can’t I go?”Tina, her manager, thoug
The next morning, she woke still in his arms.No nightmares, no lingering fear—just a deep, uninterrupted sleep.Opening her eyes, she saw him wearing the same pink bathrobe as her, the scent of shower gel matching hers.Lying together on the same bed felt almost… natural.She buried her face in hi
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
On the other side, Kiana hurried over with documents. “Ella, can we leave?”“Let’s go.”Ella grabbed her bag and stood.Her phone rang.Tiesto again.His voice carried a faint trace of alcohol. “Ella… what time will you be home tonight?”He stared at the unmoving delivery status and rubbed his temp







