- Chapter 551
- “Aaron, the Grant family suddenly has a party. Is there something important happening that I need to dress up for?” Ellie asked, glancing down at her relaxed trousers and short top.
- (13)
- Aaron, looking effortlessly charming in a sleek, casual suit, stood under the crystal chandelier. “Since it’s a party, it shouldn’t be too formal. Go change; I’ll wait for you in the car,” he suggested before heading out of the living room.
- An hour later, the siblings pulled up at the Grant Manor. Stepping out of the car and noticing a row of luxury cars at the entrance, Ellie exchanged a look with Aaron.
- Earlier that afternoon, Lacey had told her that Mark had agreed to a secret marriage, which they were keeping quiet. But this extravagant setup felt more like a wedding that was missing only a red carpet and a veil.
- Aaron was guided by Declan into a group of elders as they entered the hall. “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone.” Declan then said to the elders, “This is Aaron, my brightest student.”
- Aaron stood beside Declan with ease, shaking hands with the guests. “Today’s meal feels a bit rushed; Aaron, could you assist me in hosting?” Declan asked.
- “Don’t worry, Mr. Grant. I’ll help out,” Aaron replied confidently.
- Meanwhile, Ellie stood arm in arm with Diana, watching Aaron work hard entertaining guests beside Declan. She shifted her gaze to take in the sprawling hall, which boasted nearly a hundred tables. Not too far away, Alex stood out in a striking black outfit.
- Leaning against a window, he held a regal Maine Coon cat in his arms while Layton sat beside him, holding a child. Nearby, a few young wealthy guests were engaged in hushed conversations.
- Suddenly, Alex’s eyes flickered in their direction, locking momentarily with Ellie’s before she quickly looked away. “Diana, it’s past eight. Where are Mark and Lacey?” Ellie asked, her eyes darting around.
- “They should be here soon; Mark is usually on time,” Diana answered, peering eagerly towards the entrance.
- In the garden of the Grant Manor, Lacey twisted the fabric of Mark’s sleeve, anxiety written all over her face. “Mark, why are there so many cars at the entrance?”
- Mark calmly held Lacey’s wrist and replied, “We have a lot of family members; they probably all drove themselves.”
- Lacey’s sharp eyes darted around. Mark grasped her hand tightly. Her knees were slightly buckling as she hesitated to move forward. “Mark, I think I’ve spotted members of the four prominent families here,” she murmured.
- Mark turned her head, studying her closely. “Maybe you’ve been on your phone too much today; I can’t see anyone,” he lied, the two of them tugging at each other as they made their way to the main hall.
- Peeking through the glass doors, Lacey gasped at the sea of guests inside, nearly collapsing under the weight of her nerves. “Mark, let’s just postpone this. I’m really feeling anxious.” She tried to push past him, wanting to escape.
- With a steady expression, Mark replied, “Your family are all inside. Are you really going to leave them hanging?”
- Lacey turned back towards him, her eyes filled with tears. “Mark,” she called out.
- Unfazed, Mark said, “Since we’re already here, we might as well make the best of it. You don’t need to do anything special; just nod at whatever I say.”
- Chapter 552
- Lacey hesitated, and Mark said, “You made the bet and set the stakes. I’ve lost to you all these years, and I’ve accepted all the bets. Given the long–standing friendship between our families, I don’t want to pressure you.
- “If you truly don’t want to do this, just return the things I gave you, and we can get a divorce.”
- “That’s absolutely out of the question,” Lacey interrupted, her voice firm. “The things I’ve won from you are rightfully mine; you can’t just take them back.”
- “Then that means you’ve surrendered yourself to me.” Mark extended his hand toward Lacey, “What’s your decision? Are you coming in with me?”
- After deliberating for a minute, Lacey finally placed her hand into Mark’s open palm. “If you can’t manage a smile, we should leave so our elders won’t worry,” Mark added, observing her closely.
- Lacey forced a smile, an exaggerated grin offered to Mark. Mark smirked slightly and guided her through the door into the hall.
- As they stepped inside, a chorus of cheers erupted. Colorful flower petals fell from the second floor like butterflies, transforming the white floor into a vivid tapestry.
- “Mark,” Lacey yelped in surprise, quickly hiding behind him.
- Mark was unfazed and pulled her closer. “You usually don’t scare easily; this shouldn’t rattle you.”
- Nearby, Nalani asked Layton, “Darling, has Lacey really gone shy?”
- “Shy?” Layton nearly laughed. “More like she’s guilty.”
- “What a playful girl. She simply wouldn’t listen. She has lost herself entirely,” Layton teased, ensuring his daughters in the stroller were covered.
- “Stop changing diapers and take your sister out sometimes to test her IQ,” Alex said with a smirk, scratching his cat.
- “Alex, keep your cat away from my husband.” Nalani shot back, annoyed at the thought of her husband being harassed by Alex at odd hours.
- Alex replied playfully, “Why are you getting upset about my son if you can’t control your husband?”
- “Layton, you should marry Alex. We’ll clear the way for you three,” Nalani urged her husband, pushing the stroller along.
- Layton looked at Alex, asking, “What’s with your attitude?”
- “Because you’re too nice,” Alex responded, though his eyes remained fixated on Ellie in the distance.
- He bent down to gently place Luck on the floor before discreetly trailing after Luck toward Ellie. Spotting Alex’s eagerness, Barry hurried to catch up.
- Alex took a few steps before Nancy intercepted him. She asked, “What are you up to?” Following his gaze toward several middle–aged men chatting, she felt relieved.
- “I want to introduce you to someone,” Nancy insisted, pulling Alex toward a side room.
- Moments later, a distressed girl hurried out from the side room, followed by two older women. Nancy remained still, observing her son leave the room with a calm demeanor.
- “Did you harass that girl?” Nancy asked, crossing her arms.
- Chapter 352
- Alex’s lips twitched. “Mom, do you really think so poorly of me?”
- Nancy gritted her teeth. “Did you say something silly to her?”
- “I’m just being truthful, and she couldn’t handle it. If we were to really share our lives together, wouldn’t she eventually stab me in the back?”
- Alex stuffed his hands into the pockets of his suit as his piercing eyes scanned the party crowd.
- Nancy was clearly frustrated. “You scoundrel. I worked hard to find a good match for you, and what did you say to that girl? She left in tears after just a few minutes.”
- Alex shrugged. “I just said that she had too much hyaluronic acid in her face. I was worried that if we had a child, they might look like a toad.”
- Chapter 553
- Nancy’s face darkened with anger. “Apologize to that girl.”
- “I spoke the truth; why should I apologize?” Alex replied defiantly. “She is worse than a widow. Mom, couldn’t you have thought through your choice before presenting her to me?”
- Seeing his father and Layton’s parents coming over, Alex dodged away to avoid being hit.
- “You wretched boy! Don’t you have any self–reflection?” Todd said through gritted teeth, clearly disappointed.
- “Dad, you didn’t see her. I’m genuinely afraid a mere touch could make her explode.”
- “You brat. How dare you talk like that!” Todd snapped back.
- As Ellie came out of the restroom, she bumped right into Alex, who had just escaped the room. Their eyes met, and Ellie looked completely confused.
- At the same time, they could hear Nancy’s furious scolding. Then Ellie was pushed into the arms of Nancy by Alex.
- “Ellie, are you okay?” Nancy asked, steadying her. Ellie shook her head and stood up straight. When she looked back, Alex had disappeared.
- Turning to greet the group in the side room, Ellie politely acknowledged everyone before she left.
- “Nancy, may I suggest you encourage Alex a bit more? I think Ellie is the best choice for your son,” Layton’s Mom commented, aware of the situation, as she watched Ellie walk away.
- “Mrs. Warren, I was just trying to introduce a partner for your son. Just look at how he talked to my niece earlier!”
- “Your family isn’t what it used to be, but your son is so picky, still thinking he’s the best heir in Jaslands!”
- Before Nancy could respond to Layton’s Mom, two middle–aged women began to air their grievances against her.
- +13)
- “Let’s talk about this another day. The dinner is starting; we need to take our seats,” Layton’s parents stepped in, blocking the two women from entering the room. Inside, Alex’s parents exchanged worried glances.
- “Darling, we should head back,” Nancy said. The once–respected Warren family had faded away; Evan, who used to be admired in public, was now dismissed by these social climbers.
- All their years of humbling themselves had been for the sake of Alex’s future, hoping he could get back on his feet after his past mistakes. But the other prominent families had pushed the Warren family into obscurity.
- “Let’s go.” Todd sighed, looking at his wife’s sad expression.
- The couple moved through a side door and spotted their son sitting at the main table. Even the family cat beside him had a
- seat.
- Around that table sat his closest childhood friends, now key figures in major families. Todd and Nancy exchanged glances. “Lucas isn’t at that table. Why can Aaron?” Steven stared at Aaron, who was sitting next to Declan.
- “Ask Dad; how would I know?” Diana replied, glancing at Aaron. Aaron had been bustling around her father since he arrived without giving her a chance to talk to him all night.
- Ellie quietly sat next to Diana, just listening to the conversations around her and not joining in or looking up. Given her position, she was directly across from Alex. One glance up would let them see each other.
- Chapter 553
- But Alex was not looking at Ellie. Leaning back in his chair, he seemed indifferent and relaxed, glancing around the tables without spotting his parents.
- He raised his hand, and Barry quickly walked over from a distance. Alex quietly asked, “Where are my parents?”
- Barry leaned in and whispered, “Mr. and Mrs. Warren have already left.” Alex waved him off, and Barry walked away.
- The former glory of the Warren family was long gone, leaving behind only false courtesies. Alex was at the table mainly because of a few loyal friends he had.
- “I’m stepping out for a smoke,” Alex said as he got up from his seat.
- “Mark, can you not drink too much?” Lacey stood not far away, clutching a glass.
- “I’ll take you to your room first,” Mark said, taking the glass from Lacey and handing it to Tim and Liam. “Help me with the toasts; I’ll be back after I take your sister–in–law to her room.”
- That word nearly made Lacey tear up. At a young age, she gave herself to Mark as his wife. Just the thought of spending a year with the large Grant family made Lacey’s heart sink.
- She wished she could detach her own head and toss it into the washing machine for a spin. “Layton, can I go home tonight?”
- As Lacey walked over to Layton, leaning in to ask, Layton’s reply left her speechless for a moment. “Go home? Do what you’re supposed to do.”
- Finally, she reached her parents and pitifully said, “Dad, Mom, can I-”
- “No.” Lacey’s Mom pushed her toward Mark. “You are married; whatever happens is for you two to figure out.”
- Lacey’s father added, “Mark is a sensible boy, and you should listen to him, Lacey.”
- “Mark, shall we?” Lacey turned away, feeling defeated.
- “I’ll return shortly for a toast,” Mark said politely to Lacey’s parents.
- Hearing her parents‘ laughter behind her, Lacey hurried away with a heavy heart. The newlyweds‘ absence did not lessen the occasion’s liveliness.
- As the hall grew more cheerful, Ellie put down her fork. Aaron was at Declan’s table, seemingly in no rush to leave. She excused herself to Diana and stepped out into the hall for some fresh air.
- She had never felt comfortable in such lively settings. Wandering along the path in Grant Manor’s garden, she took out her phone, getting ready for a video call with the kids when she spotted Alex, alone and smoking by the flower bed.
- His black trousers and shirt emphasized his tall frame; lost in thought, he stared down, projecting a sadness that was hard to ignore.
- Ellie paused, staying still. She didn’t move closer or back away, watching him from afar. Just as she decided to walk away,
- Chapter 554
- In the garden of Grant Manor, two figures stood apart, exchanging glances.
- Ellie said, “Cigarettes have a lot of nicotine in them. The carbon monoxide and cyanide released when they buocas wy harm your lungs and your ability to breathe.”
- “The chemicals like benzene, heavy metals, and others found in cigarettes can even increase the risk of cancer, the What at the many cigarette butts scattered at Alex’s feet.
- “Knowing all these bad effects, so many people still smoke,” Alex said and glanced briefly at Ellie before saring of t distance. Ellie stood next to a flowerbed a little to his left.
- Suddenly, five years‘ worth of memories rushed into her mind–the sight of Alex’s Mom on her knees at the Lapon wedding, begging him not to pull the trigger.
- Back then, Alex fully understood how devastating it would be for the Warren family and the Warren Group if he took violence. Yet he had still pulled the trigger.
- When he found out about her pregnancy, even knowing the storm that would follow, he had rushed out to see ber the des headfirst into disaster, despite knowing the risks.
- “You should try to smoke less, if only for the sake of the people who care about you,” Ellie said, her tone woudy and lacking emotion as she rested her hands on the flowerbed and tilted her head slightly upward.
- Perhaps sensing Alex’s inner struggle or not
- calmly, even offer some comfort,
- him holding back his usual bravado, Ellie realized the could speak to bice
- him
- “Are you feeling sorry for me?” Alex’s unexpected question caught Ellie off guard. She turned to face him, saying nothing in reply.
- As she watched him pull out another cigarette from his pack, she reached into her pocket for the candy her daughter had given her before she left home.
- “Here,” Ellie said, offering the candy to Alex. He just stared at her without taking it, so she stepped closer and placed it in his hand.
- In the past, Alex had always been surrounded by admirers, a person of importance no matter where he went–even to the restroom, there would be a crowd.
- Yet now, after being away for so long, no one came looking for him. Reality can be cruel. The fact that the Warren family hadn’t completely fallen apart during Alex’s five–year absence felt like a small mercy from others.
- “You might find peace just sitting in a hospital hallway, realizing that good health is more valuable than anything else,” Ellie concluded, taking his cigarette and putting it back in the pack.
- Their eyes met, and Alex looked surprised for a moment. Then he forced a smile that seemed a bit bitter. “Can you believe it? No one’s ever talked to me like this in my life.”
- Ellie felt a sudden rush of emotions swelling inside her, and she looked away.
- “People just call me a scoundrel, a terrible debtor, treating me like I’m lower than even Orion’s toe. I used to laugh at what they said, but now I see that they were right. I was in the wrong.”
- Listening to Alex’s self–criticism and despair, Ellie felt a mix of sympathy and sadness. In the past, Alex had held onto a pride that seemed untouchable, never caring to correct people’s misunderstandings.
- After some thought, she replied, “Maybe they care about you a lot, and their frustration comes from wanting you to reach your full potential?”
- Chapter 554
- Looking at Alex again, she noticed he was smiling once more. Alex said, “I never guessed you had such a way with words”
- Chapter 555
- As he unwrapped the candy and popped it into his mouth, Ellie continued, “Your parents are amazing, and if you want to you can really achieve great things too.”
- “Do you really think I can do that?” Alex asked.
- “I absolutely believe it,” Ellie said firmly.
- Alex had an undeniable pride, strong will, impressive intelligence, and an extensive network. If he decided to take action, success would surely follow. Ellie had always believed that,
- Just then, Barry walked over, holding Luck, and informed them that the party was about to wind down. Alex straightened up, adjusted his clothes, and got ready to leave,
- He met Ellie’s gaze, cleared his throat, and said, “Thank you; the candy is really sweet” For a brief moment, their eyes locked, but then Ellie quickly looked away,
- Alex walked off, his strides large and purposeful. Ellie remained where she was, hoping he would gather his strength and take control of the Warren Group, bringing the family back to its glory days.
- She longed for him to return to the spirited, playful, and happy guy. And with Orion recovering and back with the family, Alex would not only have his parents but also a brother; she believed he would flourish more than ever.
- “Ellie, your brother has had too much to drink; I asked Tim and Liam to take him upstairs to rest,” Diana called from behind, which made Ellie turn around.
- After hearing that Aaron wouldn’t be leaving that night, Ellie said, “Okay, I’ll head back myself.”
- But Diana grabbed her arm, insisting, “Ellie, why not stay? They’re all at Mark’s place having fun. Let’s join them.” “Diana, I have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow; When Lacey is free, you two should come over to my place for dinner,” Ellie replied.
- As she said her goodbyes, it was nearly eleven o’clock when she finally left Grant Manor.
- Meanwhile, at Warren Manor, Alex parked at the entrance and walked inside. The house was in chaos, undergoing renovations with debris everywhere. With many wiring systems disconnected, the entire manor felt dark and unwelcoming.
- As he walked through, it felt like he was wandering through ruins.
- It wasn’t until he reached the main building that he found even a hint of light. In the living room, he saw his parents sitting at the sofa, a table covered in renovation plans between them.
- They were discussing how to renovate in the most cost–effective way. Nancy said, “Honey, this renovation company quoted us way too high; we should look somewhere else.”
- Todd said, “Let’s save where we can; Alex will need a lot of money in the future.”
- “Alex will eventually join the company; even if Mr. Wright didn’t invite us to the party, I think I should go. If it’s too embarrassing for you, you should stay home. I’ll deliver the gift and come back.”
- Alex gripped the doorknob of the living room, stunned into silence.
- From a distance, he watched as his parents ate plain food, discussing frugal plans while hiding their own frustrations, all to give him a smoother path in life.
- When he saw his Mom start to cry while talking, Alex couldn’t take it anymore. With tears in his eyes, he quickly left.
- “Give me a cigarette,” Alex ordered, climbing into the car and accepting the pack from Barry. After fumbling, he pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and began to chain–smoke one after another.
- Sitting in the passenger seat with the door open, he felt the warm moisture gathering in his eyes and let the silence envelop him. Moments passed before he grabbed his phone and opened the chat with “Little Widow“.
Love Her English Novel Chapter 551-555
Love Her English Novel Chapter 551-555
Posted by , ? Views, Released on April 25, 2025
Love Her English Novel
Status: Completed Native Language: English
