The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Noah had not given up on tracking down Ella’s whereabouts, but every path he took was blocked by Jon. All traces of Ella had been wiped clean.

Noah didn’t believe Jon could cover her tracks so perfectly, yet for days his people came back with nothing.

Ella had teamed up with Jon. It seemed that she was determined to stay out of Noah’s reach.

The engagement party was an extravaganza, the kind that made headlines and filled social media feeds with images of opulence and joy. To the outside world, Noah had shown the Minton family great respect and had showered Rebecca with honor and affection, or so it seemed.

Rebecca was radiant that day, her happiness undeniable.

The event was recorded for posterity, sure to garner attention and buzz across the media landscape. Each guest wore a smile, their well-wishes for the couple evident in every handshake and hug.d2

Jon was there, mingling with people he was on good terms with, accepting their congratulations with a practiced grace.

Noah’s gaze, however, kept straying to the entrance of the banquet hall. He was the picture of elegance in a tailored midnight suit, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie – the very image of a gentleman. But the warmth was draining from his striking face, his usually indifferent smile turning cold and sinister.

Ella did not attend. She never showed up.

Suddenly, Noah wondered why he was so desperately searching for someone so determined to escape him. It was self-degradation, plain and simple.

Everyone noticed the change in Noah’s demeanor, but they wisely kept their distance.

Jon kept a watchful eye on his son, relieved when the engagement party finally ended without incident. He breathed a sigh of relief. Deep down, Jon had always knew that Noah wouldn’t do anything rash or make a spectacle of himself. But because of Ella, for the first time in years, Jon doubted his mature, steady, and reliable son.

After the engagement party, life for Noah and Rebecca seemed unchanged. They lived their separate lives, focused on their careers, only now with new titles to their names.

Jon never got to hear Noah ask about Ella again. A few days later, Noah came home early in the morning reeking of alcohol just as Jon was on the phone with Ella. She was settling into school, sorting out many things, and was just updating her grandfather.

Jon hadn’t expected Noah to return at such a moment, and was caught off guard, unsure of what to say.

Noah staggered, his shirt wrinkled, his normally impeccable hair now a tousled mess, looking utterly defeated.

Jon had never seen this side of his son. “What are you doing drinking so much so early in the morning?” Jon asked with a frown.

“Socializing,” Noah replied flatly, his eyes fixed on Jon’s phone.

Suddenly realizing something, Jon tightened his grip on the phone, “You should head up and rest.”

Noah, however, approached him, his gaze still locked on the phone. “Finished talking?”

Ella’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Noah’s voice through the phone.

“If you’re done, then I have a few words.” Before he finished speaking, the phone had switched hands, now held by Noah.

“Noah!” Jon growled in protest, but Noah just let out a cold laugh.

“Don’t worry, I won’t ask where she is.”

Ella didn’t manage to hang up in time before she heard Noah call her name.

“Ella.

“Not talking, huh? Well, you don’t have to. Just listen – you want to leave? Fine. Since you’ve gone, then don’t come back. You think a few years will break our connection? How could that be enough? You’d better stay out of my life forever, you got that?”

Ella felt each word like a demon’s fist, her heart lying bloodied in her chest. The lump in her throat kept her from uttering any syllable for a long time.

“Noah! You’re insane!” The idea of Ella never returning was something Jon could never accept. She’d been sweet, sensible, and had brought him joy for many years.

Jon valued relationships more than anything at his age. How could he agree to never see Ella again?

Noah remained silent, just listening to the breathing on the other end of the line. After a long silence, Noah hung up coldly.

Jon, trembling with rage, stood and slapped Noah across the face. “You’re a disgrace!”

The butler, standing nearby, gasped, “Sir!”

Noah’s face turned to the side from the impact, his eyes darkening.

come back? Why couldn’t Ella return to me?

“She’s nothing but an ungrateful brat. Otherwise,

up!” Jon was seething, his whole body shaking, especially the hand that had just

turned and left the

his condition. He called a driver and insisted

gave him

sake, Sir. Don’t worry Mr.

Noah didn’t resist.

at the downtown villa, the butler returned to report to Jon, who then

before picking up his phone to call Ella again. “Ella, your uncle was drunk. Don’t mind what

forced a smile, “I know, Grandpa. How could I not come back? I’m looking forward to taking care of you. Just look after yourself while I am not around,

Focus on

“Sure, I got it.”

waiting for you at home. Just

“Mhm.”

years passed, and Ella did not return as promised. On that day,

stood alone

a simple button-up suit, a hopeful smile

through Jon. It wasn’t for no reason that he slapped Noah that way in the first place. He wasn’t sure if Ella would be hurt

didn’t she

ago, his features chiseled, matured, carrying himself with an

apologies. She’s not coming back this time. The university really values her, wants her to advance, and has

his eyes reddened instantly. “Not coming back? Why didn’t she

unsure how to break it to you. But don’t worry, she’ll come

himself and nodded. “That’s right,

blamed Noah for Ella’s absence. If only Noah hadn’t spoken those words, Ella might have made a different

well, originally thinking to have a grand reunion with both kids. Now, with Ella absent,

with Paul ensuring that she was hardworking, smart, and well-liked by both professors and peers, which was why the university was

reassured, then asked, “How are things between you

“We’re good, I’m waiting for

hope upon hearing Paul’s answer. “So, in these

slightly embarrassed but still exuding a mature charm, admitted, “After a year there, she finally

that just dating? You’re a catch, Paul. Of course, Ella

with Paul, she would surely come back. She had her own life, and Paul was her future. It wasn’t just about coming back for her old grandpa, but

you choose to stay with Ella? It’s always good to advance

needs Paul to take over eventually. There’s a lot to

“That’s right, stability is most important. I can rest easy knowing Ella is

then, the door swung open, and Noah’s

to Noah’s already composed demeanor. Now, his detached coldness seemed even more pronounced,

not finding the girl who had left

a touch of gloom as he recalled the

his gaze settled on Paul, who met his look without flinching, as the room fell into an awkward

the mood, “Noah,

to lecture Ella?

grip on the

his voice tinged with spite, “As you wanted, she will likely not return. My Ella is exceptional,

was silent for a moment, then chuckled, “That would be best. She’d justify the investment

took a deep breath, his face

Paul, I won’t impose. You guys

firmly behind him, the atmosphere in the

*

calm puzzled the others. They knew how angry he had been when Ella left without a word, and they

they thought he was still holding a grudge after all these years. They couldn’t have

He put pressure on the Reeves family without restraint, brazenly

for a harsh reprimand. “You’d better give

armchair, replying coolly, “I

“Noah!”

continued calmly, “Anything or

angered, began

Ella left, and Noah rarely visited his family home, breaking the once steadfast rule

either exchanged cold stares and silence, or Jon would

was about Ella or Noah’s persistent refusal to set a wedding date, the tension was palpable. Now, it was about Ella