His Nanny Mate By Eve Above Story

Chapter 341 What Has To Be Done

Ella

Leonard’s face was a tapestry of smug delight, every wrinkle and crease accentuating his satisfaction.

“Well, well, Miss Ella. I must say, I’m delighted,” he drawled, leaning casually against the tall table behind him. “I look forward to the grand occasion of meeting my soon-to-be in-laws.”

Maintaining a poker face, I met his gaze with defiant determination. “And I am sure,” I said, my voice steady, “it’ll be a meeting to remember. And, of course, the formal engagement party will be… an event everyone will talk about for ages.”

Regaining my composure, I turned and made my way back through the maze of astonished guests. Whispers filled the air, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter. Logan was in the. eye of this storm, a solitary figure surrounded by murmurs and sidelong glances.

Harry sidled up next to me, his smirk almost as wide as his father’s. “Quite the theatrical flair, Ella,” he remarked, lifting a glass of champagne to his lips. “This promises to be an eventful evening.”

A brief glance around confirmed his statement. Marina was a few paces away, sipping her drink with casual grace, Our eyes met, and she raised her glass slightly -a subtle nod of solidarity. I took a moment to appreciate her elegant gown, which sparkled under the light of the afternoon sun, her posture radiating confidence. I couldn’t help but wonder if she had seen this twist coming.

Logan, no longer able to play the detached observer, closed the distance between us in swift strides. He gripped my arm, guiding me away from the throng of the patio and towards a set of double doors that led to a quieter, dimly lit corridor inside the restaurant. The sound’s of the party became muted as the door clicked shut behind us.

“Ella,” Logan began, his voice a mix of disbelief and irritation. “What on Earth possessed you to do that?”

The corridor was lined with rich, dark wood paneling and thick maroon drapes that cushioned the windows. Every few steps, an ornate table held vases of fresh roses, their scent intoxicating. Under any other circumstance, it would’ve been romantic. Now, it felt like a battleground.

“I had to take control of the narrative,” I shot back, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart. “Your father was cornering us. And, might I add, you weren’t exactly stepping up. No offense,”

had come to recognize in his mannerisms. “You think I wanted this? For everyone to see

his frustration. “Of course I do! But we’ll find a

not just about us, Ella,” he said.

know, Logan. But we were backed into a corner. And I won’t be painted

his chest. “And that,” I declared, “was for that impromptu

glint of mischief in his eyes. “Judging from your reaction, I’d

your dreams, Logan,” I retorted, but there was no heat in my words. He leaned in, his voice low, sending shivers down my spine. “Oh, Ella.

I smacked him again, harder this time.

doing of your family. You’d better

understandingly. “Of course, Ella. I won’t let you deal with this

down the front of my dress and grasped the handle to the patio, shooting one last glance at Logan before I left. “I need another drink. I swear, all of this nonsense is going to turn me into an

soft clinking of glasses provided a soothing backdrop to the conversations bubbling around the room. Leonard

and tonic, I watched as the bartender expertly combined the ingredients, ending with a twist of lemon. The cool glass felt good in my hand, a momentary distraction

the announcement, Ella,” a sultry

hugging her slender frame. Her lips,

my drink to buy a moment’s reprieve. “It’s not a party until

Always looking for the right moment to steal the spotlight.” Her gaze traveled to my finger, upon which I wore no engagement ring,

“Of course. Wouldn’t dream of having

engagement party even happens,” she said, her tone dripping with insinuation.