fool

Chapter 16 

I have other matters to handle, so I’m going to hang up now,” Troy said, eager to end the call 

“You fucking old man! Owe the company several million dollars and have been dodging debts for years. Not only refuse to pay back, but now won’t even help!” Ella fumed, gritting her teeth. 

With no other option, Ella removed Harry from the blacklist. She dialed him. 

“Harry, let’s talk seriously.” 

Jaden was busy dismantling and reassembling computer parts. Upon hearing that name, his cars twitched. 

“Ella, you finally decided to reach out. Are you ready to admit your mistakes! I happen to be right below your company building, Come on out, let’s have dinner.” Harry said. 

“Fine, I’ll come down.” Ella responded briskly. When she arrived downstairs, she was greeted by the smug expression on Harry’s face. 

“Ella, let’s find a restaurant first: Harry said. 

“No, let’s talk here. Ella said firmly, causing Harry’s face to show a hint of annoyance. 

“You weren’t like this before. You’ve changed too much recently, and it’s not good!” 

Her irritation turned into laughter. “How is it any of your business whether I’m doing well or not?” 

“I didn’t marry Grace, said Harry. 

“And How is that relevant to me?” Ella asked. 

“I know you’re temperamental, but you should know when to stop. I’m a man, you should give me some respect! Whatever happened at the wedding. I’m willing to overlook because I’m generous. And I truly care about you, otherwise, I wouldn’t have put up with so much from you,” Harry explained: 

“You care about me? Ella scoffed as if she’d heard the joke of the century. She thought, You care about me by humiliating my true feelings! By embarrassing me and turning me into a laughing stock? That’s your idea of affection I’d rather you stop ‘caring I’d live longer that way! 

“Harry, I didn’t call you here to discuss this. Let’s stick to business,” she said, trying to steer the conversation back on track despite feeling nauseated. “Did you have anything to do with Troy not lending the factory?” 

“Yes, only if you humble yourself and apologize will I ease up. Moving forward, our families can work together. If you support me as a good wife, I will lead Rhys Group to new heights” 

“Wait, what about Willow Group?” 

“Willow Group will simply serve as a stepping stone for Rhys Group” 

Ella trembled with rage, feeling a chill rising from her feet. She thought, “How have I ever gotten involved with such a despicable person and done so many foolish things for him? This seum isn’t even worth another glance–it would only sully my eyes!” 

She stood up to leave, but Harry frowned. He said, “What are you doing now! Still throwing a childish tantrum? Willow Group can’t handle all those orders, and you desperately need more manufacturing capacity. Right now, I’m the only one who can help you. Take a good look–I’m no longer the obscure illegitimate child I once was; I am now the sole legitimate heir of the Rhys family!” 

Before he could finish, Ella struck him ac 

across the face. 

Harry’s eyes reddened, “You—” 

“I would rather starve or live on the streets than bow down to someone like you!” 

“Fine, very well then! I’d like to see how you manage this crisis. I’ve looked into your relationship with Denison Group, and it’s hardly close at all! I’m just waiting for the day you come crawling back to met Ella, do you know how much I despise your haughty attitude! It makes me sick! What do you have to be so proud of? 

Ella didn’t want to exchange another word with him. They had known each other for many years, and she had never been condescending; it had always been Harry’s own insecurities at play. 

He felt she looked down on him. He thought she spoke ill of him behind his back. He was more concerned about his status as an illegitimate child than anyone else. His mindset was twisted–gaining a sense of superiority by belittling her through Grace’s adoration. Ella thought It was pathetic. 

Ella had initially planned to take Jaden shopping, but Harry’s interference had completely ruined her mood. She still needed to find a way to secure a subcontracting factory, and Leland Group was the best option. 

Chapter 16 

She instructed her team, “Keep tabs on Troy’s activities; I want to know everything he does every day!” 

In the days that followed, she was extremely busy. Jaden, having more free time, would sometimes sneak away. 

ough for he 

her, a young woman, running 

“Sir, we do have enough capacity in our factories. Are you sure you don’t want to help Mts, Willow? It’s tough around like this, Hank said. 

“What does it matter to me?” Jaden’s voice was icy, devoid of any fluctuations. 

Hank immediately fell silent, and the office descended into a lense quiet. 

Suddenly, Jaden spoke again. “Doesn’t Troy have a mistress he’s been hiding quite well?” 

“Yes,” Hank responded 

Hank had developed his own network of informants, keeping an eye on various clite families, and he knew many of their secrets. 

“Okay, you may go, he dismissed him abruptly. 

Hank started sweating, puzzled by Jaden’s sudden inquiry about this. He made a bold decision. “Find a way to discreetly let Ms. Willow know about Troy’s mistress.” 

Ella had spent several days digging into Troy’s affairs and finally found something to use against him. 

He was the 

epitome of a man supported by his in–laws. His wife was notoriously strict, a woman who tolerated no deceit, and her formidable father was still very much in control, capable of ruining him at any moment. 

Troy had always portrayed himself as a devoted husband and son–in–law, but it was all a facade; he had been having an affair on the side. 

She didn’t want to be 100 ruthless, but she called again, pleading humbly for his help, reminding him of past favors. 

“Troy, when you were in trouble, my dad treated you like a brother and without hesitation lent you 20 million dollars. Now that he’s gone, Im trying to preserve everything he worked so hard for. I can’t let him down. Troy, please have some compassion for me. If I get through this, Ill ensure our future dealings with Leland Group are more favorable to you.” 

“It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I really don’t have any say in the company. I truly am powerless? Troy answered 

Then, Troy, about the 14 million dollars you still owe our company, could you possibly pay it back! It’s been several years.” 

“Ah, Ella, I really have to go now…” Troy shamelessly ended the call. 

He didn’t want to repay the money nor offend Harry. Ella wouldn’t allow him to have the best of both worlds. If she could find evidence of Troy’s clandestine meetings, she could use it to coerce him into cooperating 

She discovered that Troy had booked a room in a five–star hotel. She had slipped in carly, disguised with a mask and dressed as a cleaning staffer. 

After arriving at the room, she swiped her employee card to unlock the door and entered. She hid in the closet, pulled out a pinhole camera, and found the perfect angle from a crack, aiming it at the large bed. 

5 23 24 2 

Soon, a couple entered the room, and things quickly escalated. Before long, the bed was occupied by two entwined figures, their actions far from discreet. Ella felt nauseous. This was nothing like the sanitized versions she saw in adult videos. 

After their vigorous encounter, the pair went to shower. Seizing the moment, she quietly made her escape, nearly reaching the door when the woman emerged from the bathroom. 

“I brought some bath oils, wait for me. Who are you? What are you doing in my room?” the woman screamed upon seeing Ella. 

Troy, startled, quickly dressed and came out “Who are you! God damn it, trying to catch me in the act?” 

Ella didn’t hesitate, she dashed for the exit. 

He shouted after her, ‘Catch her! Someone, catch her!” 

The commotion alerted the security guards. Just as Ella reached the elevator, several burly men stepped out. 

“There she is, grab her!” 

Ella quickly turned and ran toward the emergency 

Chapter 16 

Voices echoed from below; she was forced to keep running upward. She continued until she reached the rooftop door, only to find it locked. There was nowhere to hide the entire way up 

She had no choice but to leave the stairwell, finding herself on a floor of presidential suites, an area not just anyone could access. 

Just as she was wondering what to do next, a door suddenly opened. A strong hand gripped her waist and pulled her inside. The room was pitch- black, and she was locked in a firm embrace. 

She thought, ‘God, the person is shirtless! His hair was still dripping, indicating he had just taken a shower. She instinctively reached for the wall switch, but a strong hand grabbed her wrist and pinned it against the wall 

“Don’t turn on the light!” the man commanded. 

But it was too late! With a click, the light turned on 

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