Page 9 of The Call She Made That He Never Answered
Then Ella continued, "Who are you going with?"
The romantic atmosphere evaporated in Ella's calm, controlled voice.
I met her eyes.
"You want to go?" Reason returned.
She stayed silent but didn't deny it.
I stood up, somewhat helpless. "There's no time. I can't get a styling team here now."
If I hadn't been interrogated by Grandfather immediately after returning from the business trip, maybe there'd be a chance. Refusing one's wife wasn't gentlemanly, but seeing Ella's terrible pallor, I had to explain patiently.
"Upper-class ladies spend their days dealing with brand designers. Their everyday wear is already luxurious and presentable. You're different."
Ella came from the bottom. She was better at managing household affairs, caring for the old and weak.
That was her strength.
"Showing up hastily in ready-to-wear or a worn dress would make insiders think Rockefeller's having financial problems. It directly impacts investor confidence in the Group."
Pure business calculation. No personal feelings involved.
Ella didn't understand how many vultures circled the Rockefeller fortune.
My fingers restlessly traced the glass. A corner of Ella's lip print marked the rim. Remembering how the glass had deformed her mouth, my body stirred again. Just as I prepared to force-feed her water again with perverse intent, Ella said stiffly, "Do I embarrass you?"
I didn't catch on immediately.
"What?"
A thin stream of transparent tears spilled from her eyes.
Right then, my phone rang at the worst moment.
I had to abandon Ella, irritably pressed answer.
Vivian's voice came through immediately, "I'm waiting at the portico."
"Right. Coming now."
I hung up.
"Vivian again?" The bedroom was quiet. Ella had heard the call.
I stated plainly, "Tonight's gala is important. Vivian's useful."
Company assistants and household staff alike—both indispensable parts of daily life. I didn't understand why Ella obsessed over unimportant details. Couldn't she just kiss me properly? Right now, I just wanted to hook her body, embed my hardness into her soft crevice.
But I was out of time.
I walked irritably to the door. Hand on the knob, I looked back at her.
"Take good care of Grandfather at home. You have your strengths too, don't you?"
Chapter Three
Ella
