The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Putting down his phone, Noah turned back to Ella. “Tfor lunch.”

Ella nodded, ran her fingers through her hair, and asked again. “What brings you hat this hour? Work let

up?”

“Yeah.” Noah's gaze fell to the slippers kicked off beneath the sofa. He bent down to place them neatly at her

feet. “Got a break for now.”

Ella slipped on her slippers with a natural grace and stood up. Her lips moved, but in the end all that cout

was “I see.”

Noah stood up, taking her hand and leading her toward the dining room. Ella looked down at their intertwined

hands, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, and then with a small smile, she asked, “How long is this break? Can you

chtomorrow and have lunch withagain?”

Noah's grip on her hand tightened just a bit as he pulled out a chair for her in the dining room.d2

“I can. Actually, you could cto the office and join me.”

Ella paused, lifting her eyes to meet his across the table. There was inquiry and doubt in her gaze.

Did he really trust her out in the open? Considering how just days before, he had confined her to the house, not

even allowing her out of the room, her heart was still racing.

Moreover, was it safe for her now? Any public appearance might reignite the scandal that had just started to

fade. She knew the issue wasn’t entirely resolved, but what they needed most now was time, for everyone to

catch their breath, and for the company to regain its strength.

Staying out of sight was definitely the right thing to do. Eventually, she'd have to take this step, but for now, she

yearned for this dreamlike tto last just a bit longer.

Seeing her expression, Noah looked down and after a short silence said, “Tomorrow night, I'll take you out.”

Ella’s heart contracted sharply, her hand pausing as she reached for her fork. “Do we really have to go out?”

Noah looked at her earnestly. “You can’t stay cooped up at hforever.”

Ella stared at him, her pupils trembling, before finally lowering her gaze and taking a bite of her food. “Okay.”

*

As evening fell, The Watson Hotel glowed.

Ella, in a black V-neck knee-length dress, sat in the slowly halting car, gazing through the window at the

resplendent hotel, her eyes a touch distant.

Noah hadn't told her where they were going, but she had seen from the group chat that Chloe was hosting a

celebration that night. When her uncle had delivered the dress to her, she had nearly got it.

The night's party, filled with everyone who was anyone, also invited a slew of journalists. Was Noah ready for the

consequences of taking her there tonight?

Noah got out of the car first, and the waiting reporters eagerly raised their cameras. Ella, her hands white-

knuckled on her lap, watched the eager crowd.

Noah calmly opened her door, extending his hand to her. Ella’s hands were cold. The moment she stepped out of

the car, there would be no turning back.

Noah was set on going public with her, transforming her from niece to girlfriend. He wanted her to live a normal

life. He wanted to give her status and confidence. She understood, but she didn’t want him to lose too much

because of her.

Without a response from Ella for a long time, Noah bent down, taking her hand, and pulled her from the car. In

front of the rush of reporters, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. It was a man’s claim

over his woman.

Ella instinctively ducked her head, hesitant and afraid to face the cameras.

Noah just drew her closer, “Don’t be scared, just stay by my side, and nobody will dare touch you.”

Escorted by security, they entered the hotel unimpeded.

The ballroom was a collage of celebrities, clinking glasses, and lively banter, seemingly harmonious on the

surface. As Noah and Ella entered, the bustling room fell briefly silent.

Throughout, Ella had mentally prepared herself tand again, but faced with this scene, she couldn't help

feeling a chill.

It was just not right. The sliver of hope that had lingered in her heart was now all but gone.

Soon, the ballroom’s atmosphere returned to its previous state.

Ollie was the first to approach, happily linking arms with Ella. “I've been waiting for you for ages, and | was

worried you wouldn't come.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Ella smiled weakly. Ollie’s concern was justified. Had it not been necessary, Ella would never have come.

Chloe, busy elsewhere, eventually cover with a plate of hors d'oeuvres for Ella. “Have something to tide you

over.”

Ella accepted it, still standing.

Chloe glanced up at Noah, “The whole team is waiting for you over there. You won't have a dull moment tonight.

I'll take care of Ella for you.”

Noah frowned slightly, “No rush, I'll wait for her to finish and then take her with me.”

“Uncle Noah,” Ella interjected, “I'll be fine, go on.”

Ollie clung to her arm, nearly leaning her whole body against Ella’s, “We have our own girl talk, and you're kind

of cramping our style, don’t you think?”

Noah trusted these women, especially Chloe. “Just make sure she’s okay.”

Ollie pouted, muttering under her breath, “Should've done that earlier.”

Noah pretended not to hear. He left, and Chloe led Ella to a nearby seat.

Ollie could hardly contain her excitement, “I was scared your uncle might bring Rebecca tonight. Good thing he’s

done the right thing.”

Ella slowly ate her hors d'oeuvres, and at the mention of Rebecca, her mouth twitched slightly. “Ollie, was it

really okay for my uncle to bringtonight?”

Ollie paused, “Is it okay for him to bring Rebecca instead?”

Ella played with the hors d'oeuvres on her plate, “As long as it wasn’t me. Our relationship has already hurt

many. In the eyes of others, we...”

Ollie pursed her lips and then huffed, “I don’t care, I'm biased. Whatever you do is right. Anyone who says

otherwise, I'll take them on.”

Chloe sat opposite, watching Ella with a calm expression.”You really shouldn't be so hard on yourself. Any harm

that’s cto others, you can lay squarely at your uncle’s door.”

Ella stared at Chloe with surprise.