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,”

a gesture of frustration I had come to recognize in his mannerisms. “You think I wanted this? For everyone to see us like

“Of course I do! But

“But it’s not just about us, Ella,” he said. “It’s about the entire pack. Politics, alliances, traditions-they’re all

into a corner. And I won’t be painted as the villain

that,” I declared, “was for that impromptu kiss in front of everyone.” I could feel the heat in my

eyes. “Judging from your

no heat in my words. He leaned in, his voice low, sending shivers

I smacked him again, harder this time. He

fiercely, “this mess is the doing of your family. You’d

Ella. I won’t let

the handle to the patio, shooting one last glance at

to the bar, the soft clinking of glasses provided a soothing backdrop to the conversations bubbling around the room. Leonard and Harry were nowhere to be found, which was a

ingredients, ending with a twist of lemon. The cool glass felt good in my

announcement, Ella,” a sultry voice remarked

red gown hugging her slender frame.

Marina,” I began, taking a sip of my drink to buy a moment’s reprieve.

“You know me. Always looking for the right moment to steal the spotlight.” Her gaze traveled to my finger, upon which I wore no engagement ring, but she didn’t mention it. “And

on me. “Of course. Wouldn’t dream of having it without you,” I replied,

party even happens,” she