The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Grandpa was truly content with Ella’s life over the years. Paul had confirmed it too. She was doing well, leading a healthy lifestyle, studying hard, and maintaining a clean and wholesome social circle.

“Finally, you’re back. I was scared I might never see you again!”

“Grandpa.” Ella gripped Jon’s hand tightly. “You’re going to live to be a hundred.”

Jon chuckled, “If only it were that simple.”

“It is,” Ella insisted. “You deserve it, even if I had to give you some of my own years.”

“You silly girl, coming back all educated and still talking nonsense.” Though he pretended not to enjoy her words, Grandpa couldn’t block the wave of affection that washed over him. “I heard from Paul that you’re planning to stay abroad to teach. Does that mean you won’t be settling back home?”d2

Ella shook her head with a smile, “I’ll be staying here for now. They’ve made a special arrangement for me; I’ll be a visiting professor there and partake in a faculty exchange with Summit Ridge University here.”

Grandpa asked, puzzled, “What does that mean?”

“It means that while a professor from Summit Ridge University goes to Y Country, I’ll take up a position at Summit Ridge University back home.”

This explanation delighted Grandpa. “That’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Now you can stay close to me.”

“Grandpa, I’ll spend holidays with you, but once I start working, I might need to live on my own for convenience.”

Grandpa paused, not entirely supportive, “Why live alone?”

“Because it’ll be easier for work. But don’t worry, Grandpa, I’ll come to visit whenever I can.”

At that moment, the butler called in a maid to bring some refreshments. Noticing Grandpa’s slightly displeased expression, he chuckled: “The youngsters need their space, sir. Besides making work easier, it also makes dating more convenient.”

Grandpa’s gaze immediately landed on Paul.

Caught off guard by this direct look, Paul felt a bit awkward but still managed a smile, “Of course, selfishly, I support Ella’s decision.”

Grandpa instantly brightened up, “Well then, that’s settled.”

With Grandpa cheered up, the butler coughed softly and cautiously broached another subject, “Should we ask Mr. Noah to join us for dinner tonight?”

Grandpa’s smile instantly faded, and the atmosphere in the living room tensed. Everyone turned to look at Ella.

Ella appeared unfazed and inquired, “What’s wrong with him?”

Jon pursed his lips and gestured dismissively, “No need. He’ll just rile me up like always. He can come back if he wants, or just forget it – I’m not begging him to return.”

The butler sighed softly and went back to his duties.

“Grandpa, you and Uncle…”

Jon cut her off, “That’s none of your business. He’s been nothing but trouble lately. Just the sight of him irks me. Don’t bring him up.”

Ella nodded, saying no more.

Grandpa observed Ella’s expression discreetly, noting no trace of concern. His feelings were a complex mix of relief and resignation. So many years had passed, and it seemed she truly had moved on.

Ella didn’t have much to say or ask. She had occasionally heard from Paul about the developments in P City over the last couple of years. Naturally, this included mentions of Noah.

Talking about the Harper family inevitably led to Chloe, then Cicely and Seth. Mentioning Seth invariably brought up the entertainment industry and the media. Speaking of the media meant discussing the TV industry titan, the president of Summit Media, Noah.

Over the years, she had never deliberately sought out information about him. At first, there was resistance, but gradually she learned to accept it, from initial panic to eventual peace.

She knew of his endeavors but never delved into the details. He was doing well. After all, he was her uncle, and no problem was too big for him. He never needed anyone to worry about him.

“You are having dinner with us tonight, Paul.” Grandpa declared, unwilling to let Noah disrupt the mood.

Paul glanced at Ella and shook his head with a smile, “Ella just got back. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your time together. You guys should get some rest early.”

As they spoke, Paul stood up to leave. Despite Grandpa’s insistence that he stay, Paul departed.

hours ago were now overcast. Dark clouds that had been scattered across the horizon were now congealing, and a breeze

unpredictable.” Ella sighed. “You better get going, drive

days with Grandpa. I’ll pick you up in a couple of

“Sure,” Ella agreed readily.

fluttered her white dress and tossed her hair across

her ear, his gaze tender as he looked at her for a long moment, his fingers gently caressing her soft cheek. “Better get inside before you catch a

“Okay.”

away before she

*

all

and Grandpa

didn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase. She simply pulled out her pajamas,

the local time zone, having conquered jet lag on the

and on. The estate’s lush

cherished the rejuvenating feeling that came with the rain, the air infused with the vitality of fresh greenery and the earthy scent of damp soil. However, the elderly, like Jon, couldn’t muster the same enthusiasm for rainy days. The dreariness seemed to seep into his bones, making every

– a stubborn reluctance to seek medical attention. No matter how much discomfort they felt, they often endured in silence rather than visit a hospital. Since the downpour began,

a couple of days to keep Jon company and slowly noticed his spirit waning. It was then she realized that he had been putting on a

Jon might still be hiding something from her, she decided to take the bull by the horns, insisting on personally escorting him to the hospital for a

in full support

the entrance. Among them was

in addition to her innate self-assurance, Rebecca’s professional achievements had added

exit the car, Rebecca quickly approached, trailed by a couple

to be the trouble?” Rebecca

sit in the wheelchair, “Just the usual aches and pains with this wet weather. Ella’s making

unwell. I work here, and I’m a doctor. If

heavy sigh that hinted at his impatience whenever Noah

to Ella with a

Rebecca, how’ve you

could understand Rebecca’s reaction. It was quite common for Rebecca to treat her this way, and

off with the rain, and I wanted to get him a full

gave a thin smile, “Leave it to

her

it seemed everything

Ella had a moment to talk. Rebecca, hands in the pockets of her white coat, asked casually, “When

grandpa to worry, so

heard your school abroad really values you, and they want to keep you as a distinguished

“That’s right.”

inquired nonchalantly, “So, is this visit just

pressed her lips together, taking a brief pause before responding, “Just for the summer for now, but I might stay longer in the country, depending on

subtly, “Does Noah know you’re

relationship with Noah. Wouldn’t she

“He doesn’t.”

tone sounding peculiar to Ella,

guess that Noah was still upset about her leaving without telling him years ago. Perhaps his concern was more about

the two women stopped talking and entered

was taken in, Ella saw

a smile to greet the man approaching at a brisk pace. “You’re

past Ella without pause, focusing on Rebecca as he asked in a low voice,

the usual age-related joint wear

this, Noah simply nodded with a furrowed

told me you

attention remained off Ella, his tone indifferent,

“In about an hour.”

“Okay.”

conversation dwindled once

the examination room door, leaning slightly against the wall, her hands clasped in front of her. She avoided looking at Noah, instead keeping her gaze on the molding across

soon as Jon emerged, Ella immediately went

of

a laugh, “Jon, don’t be