Ella's mouth hung open as she struggled to find the right words to express the turmoil inside her. But every time she tried to speak, her voice failed her, leaving her feeling helpless and exposed.
She watched Scarlett with a mix of admiration and fear, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Scarlett appeared gentle and kind on the outside, but there was something in her aura that seemed to want to rip Ella's heart apart. How could she be so calm and composed in the face of such emotional turmoil?
Ella felt a deep sense of regret and self-blame wash over her as she silently scolded herself. 'Stupid Ella, you've gone and ruined everything this time!'
The weight of her mistake felt heavy on her shoulders, and she wished she could turn back time and make things right. But she knew deep down that it was too late for that now.
Now, Ella Harris had to think of a way. So that all of that doesn't make her look ugly in Martha Bell's eyes. She couldn't let Martha think negatively of her, or else her plans to chase Xander would end here!
'Think... Think fast, Ella!!'
After pondering for a moment, an idea popped into Ella's mind; she only needed to beg for forgiveness— swallow her pride to become Mrs. Riley!
Ella's confused expression was soon replaced by guilt, then sadness, as she slowly raised her head to look at Scarlett, then Martha.
Her eyes filled with tears as she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She trembled, almost whimpering as she spoke. "Aunty Martha, I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought Scarlett came with her boyfriend, but it looks like it was Logan..."
Ella's sincerity had made Martha's heart soften a little, but she tried to remain silent.
"I feel sorry for causing this fuss…." Ella Harris slowly raised her hand and gently wiped away her invisible tears.
Then, Ella turned her gaze towards Scarlett. She still wore the same expression, feeling guilty though her hatred for this woman ran deep.
Ella's eyes blinked a few times to see Scarlett, but the girl remained silent. She could see Scarlett's expression was still the same; calm and content. And Ella was stunned at how quiet and peaceful she was, with no anger in her eyes.
'Is she really not angry? Or is she really that good at holding back her anger?' Ella was amazed to see this woman handle this situation — and that irritated Ella even more!
"Scarlett, please don't take it personally. I didn't mean to accuse you of having an affair... I'm sorry, Scarlett, really!"
"..." Scarlett was speechless. This woman deserves to be called the youngest genius CEO in this country. She managed to bring H Entertainment Agency to the top, with her super acting.
Now Scarlett understands why Ella Harris succeeded in such a short time. This woman produced many top actors in the country because she has talent as a good actress.
Scarlett couldn't believe it. She almost fell into Ella's act. What a scary, manipulated woman!
"Please, Scarlett, please forgive me... I promised to pay you back. How about I treat you to a meal as a token of my apologies?" Ella's face still looked sad as she begged.
"Never mind..." Scarlett softly said as she brushed Ella Harris' hand away. She didn't like it when someone touched her, especially when this woman was one of the people she wanted to kill.
"T-Thank you, Scarlett, you…." Before Ella could finish her words, her cell phone rang.
She quickly retrieved her phone from her brand-name bag and was surprised to see her father's name appear on the screen — it was rare for her father to call at this hour.
"Yes, Father?" said Ella without moving from where she stood. Meanwhile, Martha and Scarlett stepped aside and discussed their shopping plans, ignoring Ella Harris.
"Is there something important why did you call me?" Ella asked worriedly.
"Where are you?" asked Paul Harris briefly, but it was clear there was an angry tone in his intonation that made Ella stiffen.
Paul Harris's voice was sharp and angry when he spoke, making Ella tense up. "Where are you?" he asked brusquely.
"I'm at R Mall. What's wrong, Father?" Ella's voice was filled with concern, but her father's response was unexpected and shocking.
"What a useless daughter!" he roared. "How dare you still go shopping when your company is almost bankrupt!? Do you really want to close the company now?"
Ella's confusion and shock were palpable. Her father had never spoken to her like this before, and she didn't know how to respond.
pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ "Father, why are you scolding me?" Ella asked, her voice trembling. "What's going on?"
"Check the Internet!" her father snapped.
Ella's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. "What happens on the Internet?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew she was in trouble, but she didn't know how bad things really were.
"My Lord, Ella!! Don't ask!! Come to my office in ten minutes!! Or, I will kick you from the Harris group. No, but I will erase you from my family registry!!" Paul hung up without giving Ella time to say anything.
Paul Harris was seething with anger as he read the news on the internet. A few minutes ago, negative news started circulating about H Entertainment Agency, his daughter's company. What had started as a minor issue had now blown up into a full-blown scandal that was making headlines nationwide.
The news was shocking and disturbing. Artists under H Entertainment were involved in various cases of breaking the law, including sex and drug scandals. But it didn't stop there. There were also indications that H Entertainment had committed tax evasion, a serious violation of Astington's Law.
As a result of the negative news, Harrison Corp's stock hit rock bottom in the stock market, and almost all the company's shareholders were protesting. Paul felt like he was in hell. And to make matters worse, he had just received word that the Tax Authority had called for an inspection, not only of H Entertainment but the entire Harris Corp.
Shortly after...
Ella Harris arrived at the Harris Building, her father's office, her face pale and confused. She couldn't believe what was happening outside.
Negative news was circulating about H Entertainment, and it seemed like there was no end to it. And to make matters worse, her name was being dragged as a tax offender. She couldn't understand how this had happened.
As she made her way to her father's office, Ella felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. She knew that things were going to be tough from here on out. The future of her company was in jeopardy, and her reputation was on the line. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for what lay ahead.
