Chapter 98
Ellie frowned. Ever since she saw through Haley’s insincere facade, she was completely disillusioned with her. When dealing with terrible people, it was best to cut them out. Ellie didn’t want to waste another word on Haley.
“Ellie, I know you’re trying to win over Alex, but you should drop that idea.” Haley thought Ellie’s silence was due to guilt, and she raised her left hand to show her engagement ring.
“Ellie, take a good look. Alex and I are engaged. He promised he would marry no one else but me, and his family all likes me.” Haley grinned. “I’m warning you. Don’t get close to Alex or visit the Warren family.”
Ellie looked at Haley calmly. “Listen up, Haley. My relationship with the Warren family won’t change because of you.”
“I always knew you had bad intentions,” Haley said through clenched teeth, meeting Ellie’s determined gaze. “When your parents sent you to the Warren family, they were up to something. They kept you next to Alex hoping you’d seduce him for a big payday.”
She then added sarcastically, “Your family’s so broke that if your mom had any looks, she might sell herself too.”
Before Haley could finish her sentence, Ellie slapped her hard across the face.
Haley, holding her stinging cheek, stared at Ellie in disbelief. “What’s wrong? Did I touch a nerve? Can’t take it?”
“Haley Owens, shut your filthy mouth. If I hear you talk disrespectfully about my parents again, I’ll make you pay,” Ellie shouted, slamming the door shut behind her.
No matter how useless her parents might be, they still gave her life and raised her. She wouldn’t let anyone disrespect them— that was just something any child should stand up for.
That evening, as Ellie returned from taking out the trash, Alex pulled her out of the elevator. In the small garden under the apartment building, he let go of her. “Tell me. Why did you hit Haley?”
Ellie shook her sore wrist where Alex had grabbed it but stayed quiet. “Those who are favored always feel invincible. Haley came looking for trouble, insulted my parents, and still had the nerve to complain to Alex.”
Seeing Ellie keep silent with her head down, Alex grabbed her wrist again and started walking. “Come apologize to Haley.”
Ignoring the pain in her wrist, Ellie pulled away from Alex’s grip with force.
Alex stared at her face, which was on the verge of tears, and his eyebrows furrowed. After a brief hesitation, he softened his tone. “You and Haley were such good friends before. Why are you so hostile towards her now?”
“I was never friends with her.” Ellie turned away, quickly wiping her tears.
Alex moved in front of her. “Is it because she left Aaron for me, so you’re holding a grudge against her?”
Ellie replied, “I don’t hold a grudge against her. I’m grateful she let Aaron go.”
Alex exclaimed, “Grateful and you slapped her? Ellie, you’re lying.”
“I’m not lying. I just don’t want to deal with her anymore. What exactly do you want me to say?” Ellie was cornered by Alex and suddenly raised her voice. “She’s the one who caused trouble first. She insulted my parents, and that’s why I hit her.”
They locked eyes, both of them bright red. After a long pause, Alex spoke with determination, “I know Haley. She would never do something like that. Regardless of the reason, you hit her. So, you have to apologize.”
Ellie’s lips quivered as she began to cry. “Why should I apologize when I’m not wrong? Just because she has your love and care, does that mean no one loves or cares for me?”
