MasukIf it weren’t for the fact that the man’s face was outrageously handsome—so unfairly good-looking it could brighten anyone’s morning just by appearing in the mirror—Ella would’ve seriously considered punching him.
By the time they went downstairs, it was nearly noon.
Grandma Sterling was sipping tea in the living room. She smiled warmly. “Ella’s up? Did you sleep well?”
Ella instantly thought about Tiesto’s&helli
Meanwhile, in the judges’ room, the scoring was underway.Three contestants were currently far ahead in points:Two of them were Jennie and Robert, and the third was another top designer from a professional institute, representing a different company.Christine was thrilled. “Jennie, Robert—I knew you two could do it.”The scores of the other contestants were still coming in, but all lagged far behind the top three.“Who hasn’t been scored yet?” Christine asked.“Twelve or so contestants remain,” said Tina, “including Ella.”“Then there’s nothing to worry about. Notify the company to celebrate Jennie and Robert. And check the finals schedule—we should arrange their travel.”...Back in the judges’ room, Ella’s design was brought forward.She had designed a men’s outfit in pristine white, the fabric perfectly
Ella and her family arrived at the parking lot.Just then, Tiesto’s car stopped.He already knew what had happened inside and hurried toward Ella, worried she might be hurt.Lora smiled. “Tiesto, are you here to pick up Ella?”“Yes,” Tiesto replied, walking up to her. Seeing her calm expression, he felt his heart ache. He knew she was hiding her feelings to protect him from worry.At the same time, another car entered the underground lot.It was Jada. She was on the phone with Mrs. Pratt. “What? You want to adopt Ella as your goddaughter?”Mrs. Pratt laughed. “I just said it casually. Having such a girl would be nice. I don’t have such good fortune otherwise!”“Much better. We’ve been old friends for years, but you can’t steal my girl, can you?”Jada hung up and walked toward Ella.“Mom? What are you doing here?” Ella a
Ella was shocked.She looked at her parents.She knew Piper had always been outrageous, but with this solid, written evidence, there was no way Piper could lie.Everyone else was equally surprised. It turned out that Piper was the only daughter of the Hart family—Ella was not.Nathan looked at Ella with a hint of sympathy. After all, a child who isn’t biological can never quite match up to one who is.The eldest Miller sister finally understood why Piper had been so confident and adamant.She was delighted—if Piper really was the only daughter of the Hart family, her status would be even more prestigious.She looked at Piper with satisfaction, noticing more and more the resemblance between her and Lora.Daniel immediately took Ella’s hand. “I don’t care—Ella is my only little sister anyway.”Henry and Caleb looked at Ella.Caleb said, “Ella, do
Meanwhile, Ella was in the office working on some writing.A colleague called. “Ella, can you help me contact a cameraman? Mine had something come up and can’t make it to the interview site.”“Sure, I’ll find one I’ve worked with before,” Ella replied.“Thanks! I knew asking you would be helpful. This interview is important—I’m worried about messing it up.”“What interview?” Ella asked.“There’s a wedding for someone called Piper Hart. They invited me to cover it—said there’s big news. I came specially to see what’s going on.”Ella frowned. A wedding, big news? Could it be about Piper announcing her parentage at the ceremony?She asked her colleague, “Did you see the family there?”She described the parents and brothers roughly.“Yes. They’re guests of honor on the bride’s side.
Fuming, Nora stormed into the makeup room next door.Piper, already made up and dressed in an elegant gown, walked over.Nora hurried up, grabbing her hand. “Piper, it’s me and your dad who go on stage, right?”“No. My biological parents promised to come, so you don’t need to go on stage,” Piper said calmly.Nora felt like a thunderclap had struck. “Piper, I raised you from childhood, fed and clothed you, taught you to be a proper young lady, picked a prestigious husband for you, and married you into wealth. Even if I don’t have credit for everything, I’ve certainly earned the hardship!”“I appreciate you,” Piper said gently, “but you’re not my biological parents. I’ll pay for Mathew’s tuition, but beyond that, I can’t help.”“Piper!” Nora shouted, “I’ve poured everything I have into you! You
After receiving the invitation, Ella devoted herself fully to preparing for the competition.Kiana, upon hearing the news, said, “Then give me all the interviews you currently have. After the competition, I can give them back to you.”“You’re the best, Kiana!” Ella said. “I’ll give them to you then.”“Let’s have lunch first. I’m starving.”“Sure, it’s on me.”As Ella and Kiana headed out, Kiana couldn’t stop asking excited questions about the competition.Ella didn’t have all the details yet, but promised she’d explain everything afterward.As they chatted, a car sped past them.Kiana wasn’t paying attention and stumbled to the ground.“Ella!” Ella quickly helped her up and saw a bruise forming on her leg. “Come on, let’s go get some medicine.”She looked up and saw the ca
The garden behind the club was expansive.After walking a few hundred meters, they reached a quiet pond.Staff brought over fishing rods and bait.Tiesto picked one up. “I’ll show you how to bait the hook.”Ella leaned closer—And shrieked when she saw the wriggling worms.Orlando immediately frown
In the end, both families agreed to meet at the place where Ella and Tiesto were living and have a meal together.Ella decided she’d cook—it was the best way to show her sincerity.Tiesto agreed. “I’ll help you.”Bright and early, he accompanied her to the supermarket to pick up ingredients.“These
Christine felt heartbroken, hopeless—her dignity ground into the dirt.She had poured her heart out to Tiesto, yet never earned even a second glance from him.And now, barely married, he was already so intimate with another woman!“Tiesto!” Christine called out in a coquettish tone as she walked to
Back home, Ella found a well-ventilated spot and hung up Bobo’s cage.She added water and feed.Suddenly, arms wrapped around her from behind.Her cheeks warmed instantly.He lowered his head, his face close to her ear.A soft kiss landed beside it.“Bobo’s watching,” she whispered.“Then we’ll go







