fool

Chapter 78 

“Ella, are you okay?” 

“I’m fine. I’ve dealt with beasts like Harry before, so why should I be afraid of people like Marcus? The business world is all about competition and scheming, I can handle it. I was too naive before, but that won’t happen again” 

Finn had issues and Marcus was also problematic. 

Instead of relying on others, she might as well rely on herself so that she wasn’t going to collapse without a man 

With Liana’s help, Ella managed a beautiful comeback this time. 

She started undermining Finn’s actual power, giving him some face–saving but empty positions. 

Secretly, she began installing new people she had groomed. 

She paid extra attention to the collaboration with Denison Group, ensuring Marcus had no chance to make a move. 

After this collaboration, she would never work with Marcus again. 

Liana had a car accident and fell ill, so she temporarily had no energy to deal with Ella, allowing Ella to focus entirely on her career. 

There was one piece of news that was both expected and unexpected, which was Grace announcing her pregnancy. 

Just after the check–up, Harry accompanied her to the prenatal examination, and their loving couple image was splashed all over the media. 

In the corner of the photo, Ella noticed Lucy’s twisted expression. 

Ella thought, Just found out she was pregnant? Grace had known for a while, how interesting! 

The Rhys Group’s centennial celebration, coupled with Grace’s pregnancy, was a double joy. 

Harry was planning a grand event, even more elaborate than the previous banquet. 

Ella was also invited and she decided to go because such an occasion was perfect for business talks while avoiding Finn. 

If all went as expected, she would also see Marcus there, and some things needed to be cleared up. 

Harry spent a fortune buying a castle as a gift for Grace, and the banquet was held there. 

Crace was the center of attention, her face beaming with happiness. 

This time, she had truly made it. 

Grace also brought Foster to the event to help him network with the big shots as they were all potential clients. 

As Ella walked in, her gaze met Grace’s from across the room. 

Grace’s smile froze, and she quickly looked away in a panic. 

Ella ignored her and started mingling with the other business moguls. 

She wore an extremely sexy 

red velvet 

gown, with 

an open back and a fishtail hem, every step she took exuding allure. 

“Your dress is stunning. Which brand is it?” 

“I designed it myself. Didn’t you know! I started a design studio. Sering you inspires me to create. You must come by and I’ll design an outfit for you. It’s for free, tailored just for you.” 

“Is it that exaggerated!” 

“Not at all. With your figure, anything I design would look better on you thun on me. 

1. I’ll go 

“Alright, 

“If you don’t come, I’ll go looking for you!” 

1/3 

0 

5:19 PM IP 

Chapter 78 

Ella’s honeyed words left people dizzy as if they had drunk a potion, 

She chatted and subtly promoted her brand. 

After working for free for three years, she was determined to sever ties with Marcus, so this effort was worthwhile. 

She moved gracefully among the guests, socializing adeptly. 

Meanwhile, someone was watching her from above. 

Jaden was also invited because maintaining a facade of amicability was essential to continue developing in Ardbert City. 

In this world, there were no absolute enemies, only absolute interests. 

Marcus wore a mask and didn’t go downstairs, but many people 

e came up to greet him. 

Ella sensed something and looked up, recognizing the familiar figure. 

They hadn’t seen each other for quite some time since escaping the kidnappers. 

She raised her glass to him and her red lips curled into a smile that dazzled many before she lifted her gown and went to look for him. 

As she got closer, a captivating fragrance walled from her 

Jaden wondered if it was the scent of wine or her scent. 

His gaze darkened involuntarily after finding her delectable. 

He didn’t like other men’s greedy gazes on her or her dressing like this. 

He thought that she should only dress like this for him and no one else deserved to see her in this. 

He draped his jacket over her shoulders, covering her exposed back 

“The weather is cold, don’t catch a chill,” he said with the excuse of concern. 

“Mr. White, it’s been a while since we last met. I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly for last time. We must have dinner sometime.” 

“It’s nothing” 

“It may be nothing to you, but it’s significant to me, Ella spoke casually, wondering if Marcus would bring up next quarter’s orders. 

Just as she was thinking. Marcus mentioned and she felt a wave of disappointment but didn’t show it. 

“Let’s discuss it inside,” he suggested. 

They went to a private room, where Marcus presented a contract. 

The increased orders and very favorable prices felt like he was handing Ella money. 

In the past, she would have been grateful, but now it felt like bait to trap her 

“If there are no issues, just sign it and hand it to the legal department. 

Before he could finish, she capped the pen and tore up the contract before tossing it into the trash can 

He narrowed his eyes slightly, not understanding what she meant. 

He wondered if he had offended her when all he did was to give her money. 

“No need, Willow Group has recovered. We don’t need your charity,” she said politely, but she was still unwilling to reveal the truth. 

“This isn’t charity. Willow Croup’s reputation is very good now, and the stock market has been rising. It benefits me too by working with you. 

“If you think the quantity is too small or have other concerns, we can discuss it.” 

“Mr. White, are you in the charity business! Why are you so eager to give me money?” 

Jaden was momentarily speechless because he was just trying to boost his wife’s business after realizing his feelings. 

5:19 PM M 

Chapter 78 

He couldn’t understand why she seemed sou 

so unhappy 

Seeing that he did not answer. Ella Willow decided to be straightforward. 

“Mr. White, let’s stop pretending. Take a look at this” 

She opened her phone and showed him the bankruptcy plan. 

Marcus’s pupils dilated in shock and his first instinct was to tear Hank apart. 

“Where did you get this 

His face turned grim 

“The same way you got my internal data.” 

“You knew about this?” 

“Finn indeed has issues, but at least he wasn’t as ruthless as you, trying to bankrupt me quickly. At least he gave me time to plan. Do I look like a fool to you who is easy to deceive? You helped me repeatedly, and I kept wondering why. Turns out, you were after my family’s company.” 

“Ella, it’s not like that. Let me explain…” 

Marcus panicked, instinctively calling her “Ella” instead of “Ms. Willow, and reaching for her hand. 

However, the moment he touched her, she shook him off mercilessly, giving him a sharp slap. 

This slap left his lip bleeding and his expression dark and heavy. 

“Mr. White, I don’t need you to make the final payment for the last batch of orders. Your orders did save Willow Group, and I have nothing to say about that. I’ll return the money, and we’re even. From now on, we go our separate ways. 

“I thought you were just ugly. I didn’t realize your heart was ugly 100. What did I ever do to you that you want to bankrupt me? You’re ruthless! Don’t ever let me see you again, or I’ll slap you every time I do. No man is worth anything.” 

JA