Chapter 7 Seven

Ella took a deep breath before answering the call. She tried to sound normal, steadying her voice.

"Hi, Mom."

Her mother's soft voice came through the line. "Hey, dearie. Where are you?"

That question pierced straight through Ella's already fragile heart. Her hands began to tremble like aspen leaves in the wind, her breath hitching. She didn't know how to answer. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

"Ella, are you hearing me?" her mother repeated, concern beginning to edge into her voice.

Hearing her mother again, hearing her warmth and innocence, only made Ella break down more. Her body shook with silent sobs as tears ran freely down her flushed cheeks. For a moment, she just cried.

Finally, she forced herself to speak. "Yes, Mom... I hear you. How are you doing?"

Halsey chuckled on the other end, oblivious to her daughter's pain. "Oh, my little bunny. Why ask that when your husband just sent me some money?"

Ella's heart skipped. The word "husband" echoed loudly in her mind. Did she hear that correctly? Or was it some cruel trick her grief was playing on her?

She straightened abruptly. "What did you just say? Which husband?"

Her mother gave a light laugh, as if the question was absurd.

"Ella, don't be silly. Richard just sent another generous donation. I called to thank him, and also to tell you the kids are doing great."

Ella's world seemed to stop spinning. Her face tightened with fury. Her throat felt raw as she snapped.

"Send it back. Don't accept any money from Richard."

There was silence on the line before her mother's confused voice returned. "Ella, what is wrong with you today? You don't sound like yourself-"

A child's voice echoed in the background. "I have to go check on the kids. Bye now!"

The line went dead.

Ella stood still, her phone clutched tightly in her hand, her soul feeling heavier with every breath. A hot storm of betrayal and helplessness brewed within her. She turned and began running, she didn't even remember she was pregnant. Her only thought was to confront Richard.

---

Back at the café, she burst through the doors, breathless, searching.

But the table was empty. They were gone.

Her knees gave out slightly, her body swayed, and she nearly collapsed, if not for the firm, muscular chest that caught her just in time.

A deep, calm voice spoke above her.

"Why are you always so lost in thought?"

Ella blinked, looking up. The man's face was striking, sharp cheekbones, soft but intense eyes, and an air of mystery. She jolted back instantly.

"I'm sorry, and thank you," she murmured, then turned and fled the café.

The man watched her disappear with a faint frown.

"She's always like this," he murmured, almost to himself. Then he walked to the counter and ordered a coffee.

---

At home, Jessica paced the floor, her anxiety growing with every tick of the clock. She kept checking the time, over and over again.

The door creaked open, and Ella stepped in, her head bowed, body shaking.

Jessica rushed to her. "What happened?!"

Ella's legs finally gave out. She dropped to her knees, tears crashing down.

"He tortured me again..."

Jessica knelt beside her, placing Ella's head gently on her chest. "Tell me what happened. We'll fix it. Was it the investor? Did the meeting go badly?"

Ella blinked. That question made her freeze. She had forgotten all about the investor.

"The investor..." she whispered. "I didn't meet him."

Jessica's mouth opened in disbelief. "What? What do you mean?"

With hiccupping breaths, Ella spilled everything from seeing Richard and Sophie at the café, to the insults, the coffee incident, and her mother's shocking phone call. When she finished, Jessica was already standing, fork in hand, her eyes blazing with rage.

"I swear, I'll kill that arrogant bastard. Who the hell does he think he is? Walking around like he's untouchable!"

But seeing Ella's pain only made her angrier, at the world, at Richard, at the situation. She softened and knelt beside her again.

"Okay, baby girl. We're not going to let this break you. We'll figure it out. Together."

They cried in each other's arms, raw, real tears that only true friendship could hold.

---

Meanwhile, outside the café, a tall man finally exited after waiting for five hours.

His presence commanded attention, tall, well-built, dressed in black with tousled dark hair and a sharp jawline. This was Bryan Thomas.

Behind him, his assistant Nathan followed.

"Should we cancel the contract?" Nathan asked quietly as they approached the car.

Bryan didn't respond at first. He tilted his head back against the seat and finally muttered,

"No. I want this company. Even more now."

Nathan glanced at him through the mirror as he started the engine.

"Just thought I should mention - I saw Mr. Eastwood leaving the café a few hours ago."

Bryan's jaw tightened, a flicker of fire dancing behind his dark eyes.

"Next time, keep such pointless observations to yourself. I don't need distractions."

"Yes, Boss." Nathan nodded, stepping on the gas, leaving behind the café where so much had changed.

---

The next day

Ella stood outside Lincoln's mansion, fists clenched tightly by her side, rage and shame boiling in her chest.

She stormed in and was shocked to find her mother, Halsey, sitting comfortably in the living room.

"Mom? What are you doing here?" she demanded, running toward her.

Halsey smiled, surprised by the aggression. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

Ella's voice rose. "No, I'm not! Why are you here? What is going on?"

Before her mother could respond, a cold voice cut in from behind.

"She's here to repay a debt," Julianna, Richard's older sister, descended the stairs, arms crossed smugly.

Ella's face twisted with confusion and anger. Her breathing quickened. The humiliation of the past few days had reached a breaking point, now they were involving her mother?

Her voice cracked but rose with defiance.

"Let. My. Mom. Go!"