fool

Chapter 30 

“Are you happy?” Ella’s grandpa asked, struggling with all his might. 

“I feel really happy. If you recover and my baby is born healthy, I’ll be even happier,” Ella said with a smile. “Grandpa, I want to spend New Year with you, okay?” 

Her grandpa nodded vigorously. It was only October, still a while until New Year, but Ella was already looking forward to it. 

On her way home, she bought a folder specifically for all her prenatal check–up reports, to make it easy for her grandpa to look through. When she got home, she placed the folder right by her bedside. She wasn’t afraid of anyone seeing it, after all, her pregnancy was fake. 

Jaden came in and out of her room many times without asking questions; she figured he didn’t understand all the complexities of pregnancy. 

Little did she know, he had opened that folder countless times, watching the embryo develop, taking on a little human form. He clenched his fists, wanting to destroy everything. 

Soon, Ella received an invitation. It was for an antique collector’s auction, with all the proceeds going to charity. Lots of high society types were invited. She definitely had to go to this event because it would be all over the news. Her reputation had taken a big hit before, and she really needed to fix it. Plus, it was for a good cause, which would also help her company grow. 

She wanted to bring Jaden along, but he wasn’t feeling well, so she gave up on that idea. Not long after she left, Jaden headed out. 

“Sir, the government’s involved this time. As a public company, if we donate more money and build a good image, it’ll help us land government contracts,” Hank reported. 

“Okay,” he absentmindedly replied. 

Hank immediately closed his mouth. He knew Jaden hadn’t been in a good mood lately, so he didn’t want to say too much and risk making him mad. 

Ella arrived at the venue quickly, dressed in a red velvet gown with her hair elegantly styled and pearl earrings. She looked stunning and drew everyone’s attention effortlessly. She greeted acquaintances naturally and took her seat. Soon, she spotted Harry arriving with Grace by his side. Grace warmly greeted others around them. 

“Your wife looks so young!” Grace smiled at a middle–aged man accompanied by a younger woman. 

“That’s my daughter,” the middle–aged man replied curtly. 

“Mrs. Dadeley, nice to meet you.” Grace approached another woman and greeted her with a smile. 

“You’re calling me Mrs. Dadeley?” the woman chuckled, covering her mouth. “Thank you, I hope to become a real Mrs. Dadeley soon!” 

“What are you doing! This is Mr. Dadeley’s mistress,” Harry said, displeased. 

Grace looked embarrassed. She wasn’t from high society and didn’t understand the complicated social dynamics. Harry was annoyed with her for always embarrassing him, so he told her to keep quiet. She stood next to Harry, feeling hurt and resigned. 

Glancing around, Grace spotted Ella. She immediately perked up, trying to look confident and assertive. Her chin lifted as if she were the victorious 

one. 

Just then, a business partner who shook hands with Harry hesitantly asked, “Mrs. Rhys, is there something wrong with me?” 

“No, no!” Grace panicked, hastily trying to explain, but only making things worse and causing a scene, 

Ella watched coldly from the sidelines, inwardly scoffing. S 

turned and headed to the restroom, feeling a discomfort in her stomach. Suddenly, 

she realized her period was starting. She quickly called someone to bring her a sanitary pad. Until it arrived, she had no choice but to wait in the 

restroom. 

At that moment, Ella heard a lot of voices outside the stall. 

‘Did you see Mrs. Rhys? She’s so embarrassing, like a clown,” one woman said. 

“Yeah, today at the auction list, there’s Lumey Estate Musigny Grand Cru wine, all from the ‘90s. She actually had the nerve to say it’s just a bottle of wine, yet still bid tens of thousands of dollars.” 

‘Did you see Ella’s stupid husband?” another woman suddenly asked. 

“No, didn’t see him. Guess she’s embarrassed to bring him,” another replied. 

*But he’s quite handsome. If I had the chance, I’d like to play with him. Anyone dare ask how much he costs for a night?” 

“Not me, she’s just crazy.” 

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4:05 PM 

Chapter 30 

“Oh, did you see Mr. Dadeley with his mistress? Now Mr. Dadeley isn’t afraid of being seen with her anymore. He takes her to all the big parties.” 

“Her taste and style are way better than that of Grace.” 

The women chattered away, and just then, there was a commotion next to Ella’s stall. Someone rushed out. 

“What’s wrong with my taste? Talking behind my back like this, you’re such bitches!” Ella recognized the voice–it was Grace. 

“You’re the bitch! We were all at Ella’s wedding. We know very well about you being a homewrecker,” another woman fired back. 

“You!” Grace shouted angrily, unable to accept such humiliation. 

She always thought her current status was significant, and that others should respect and fear her, even compliment her. She never expected that these people would ignore her in public and mock her behind her back. Enraged, she slammed the door of Ella’s stall. 

Ella felt helpless. She was already feeling down because of her period, and now she had to deal with this group of people arguing, which made her feel even worse. 

Finally, Ella’s assistant barged into the restroom, startling everyone else. 

Ella’s assistant knocked on the closed stall door and then reached in to hand over the sanitary pad. 

The others exchanged glances, surprised to find someone inside. 

Ella came out calmly and washed her hands. The others turned pale; they had been talking behind Ella’s back. 

Ella didn’t pay them any mind. Gossip was common in this circle. People loved a good spectacle, and it didn’t hurt business dealings. They didn’t say anything and quickly left. 

As Ella finished drying her hands and was about to leave, Grace stopped her. 

“You just let them talk about you like that?” Grace asked. 

“You mean I should be like you, acting like a crazy woman, pulling at their clothes and hair?” 

Ella asked. 

“You!” Grace was caught off guard. 

“And besides, they’re not wrong about my husband being handsome. I don’t blame them for wanting to flirt with him, although I would never approve. As for them calling me crazy, well, that’s true too. And you, you are indeed a homewrecker. Why can’t you admit it? And don’t tell me you haven’t said bad things about me in private. I bet what you’ve said is even worse than what they said. 

“You’re upset about them talking bad about you just now, so you wanted me to pick a fight with them to help you blow off steam, right? Ha, dream on!” With that, Ella left. 

Grace glared at Ella, clenching her fists tightly. Resentment, humiliation, and sadness surged within her. It was her first time attending such an event, and she now realized just how out of place she felt. But she was determined to fit in and become a true socialite. 

Meanwhile, Ella mingled and overheard people gossiping about Marcus. 

“Mr. White is here too?” She immediately approached them to inquire. 

“Yeah, he’s in the upstairs lounge, someone is helping him bid.” 

Ella was grateful for his help last time and promptly went up with a glass of wine in hand. 

She knocked on the door. 

“Who’s there?” Came his voice from inside. 

“It’s me, Ella Willow. Can I come in?” 

Jaden heard her voice and felt a tightness in his chest. He felt he might need to see a cardiologist soon; he’d been feeling short of breath and uncomfortable lately. 

He let Hank open the door. Ella walked in and saw a folding screen. She could vaguely see a figure behind it, someone who seemed very dignified. but she couldn’t see his face clearly. She wanted to walk around the screen, but Hank stopped her. 

“Ms. Willow, let’s talk here. Mr. White doesn’t want to see anyone today,” Hank said. 

Ella nodded and halted her steps. “Mr. White, I want to thank you for your help last time, so I came to toast to you.” 

“What?” came a surprised voice from behind the screen. 

“I said I wanted to toast to you, Ella asked, puzzled. 

2/3 

4:05 

Chapter 30 

Suddenly, the person behind the screen said, “Change her drink to plain water.“” 

Ella furrowed her brows in confusion, completely lost as to what was going on. She held up the glass of water awkwardly, as if toasting, and said, “To Mr. White!”