The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2125

Noah had not given up on tracking down Ella's whereabouts, but every path he took was blocked by Jon. All traces of Ella had been wiped clean.

Noah didn't believe Jon could cover her tracks so perfectly, yet for days his people came back with nothing.

Ella had teamed up with Jon. It seemed that she was determined to stay out of Noah's reach.

The engagement party was an extravaganza, the kind that made headlines and filled social media feeds with images of opulence and joy. To the outside world, Noah had shown the Minton family great respect and had showered Rebecca with honor and affection, or so it seemed.

Rebecca was radiant that day, her happiness undeniable.

The event was recorded for posterity, sure to garner attention and buzz across the media landscape. Each guest wore a smile, their well-wishes for the couple evident in every handshake and hug.d2

Jon was there, mingling with people he was on good terms with, accepting their congratulations with a practiced grace.

Noah's gaze, however, kept straying to the entrance of the banquet hall. He was the picture of elegance in a tailored midnight suit, crisp white shirt, and black bow tie - the very image of a gentleman. But the warmth was draining from his striking face, his usually indifferent smile turning cold and sinister.

Ella did not attend. She never showed up.

Suddenly, Noah wondered why he was so desperately searching for someone so determined to escape him. It was self-degradation, plain and simple.

Everyone noticed the change in Noah's demeanor, but they wisely kept their distance.

Jon kept a watchful eye on his son, relieved when the engagement party finally ended without incident. He breathed a sigh of relief. Deep down, Jon had always knew that Noah wouldn't do anything rash or make a spectacle of himself. But because of Ella, for the first time in years, Jon doubted his mature, steady, and reliable son.

After the engagement party, life for Noah and Rebecca seemed unchanged. They lived their separate lives, focused on their careers, only now with new titles to their names.

Jon never got to hear Noah ask about Ella again. A few days later, Noah came home early in the morning reeking of alcohol just as Jon was on the phone with Ella. She was settling into school, sorting out many things, and was just updating her grandfather.

Jon hadn't expected Noah to return at such a moment, and was caught off guard, unsure of what to say.

Noah staggered, his shirt wrinkled, his normally impeccable hair now a tousled mess, looking utterly defeated.

Jon had never seen this side of his son. "What are you doing drinking so much so early in the morning?" Jon asked with a frown.

"Socializing," Noah replied flatly, his eyes fixed on Jon's phone.

Suddenly realizing something, Jon tightened his grip on the phone, "You should head up and rest."

Noah, however, approached him, his gaze still locked on the phone. "Finished talking?"

Ella's heart skipped a beat when she heard Noah's voice through the phone.

"If you're done, then I have a few words." Before he finished speaking, the phone had switched hands, now held by Noah.

"Noah!" Jon growled in protest, but Noah just let out a cold laugh.

"Don't worry, I won't ask where she is."

Ella didn't manage to hang up in time before she heard Noah call her name.

"Ella.

"Not talking, huh? Well, you don't have to. Just listen – you want to leave? Fine. Since you've gone, then don't come back. You think a few years will break our connection? How could that be enough? You'd better stay out of my life forever, you got that?"

Ella felt each word like a demon's fist, her heart lying bloodied in her chest. The lump in her throat kept her from uttering any syllable for a long time.

"Noah! You're insane!" The idea of Ella never returning was something Jon could never accept. She'd been sweet, sensible, and had brought him joy for many years.

Jon valued relationships more than anything at his age. How could he agree to never see Ella again?

Noah remained silent, just listening to the breathing on the other end of the line. After a long silence, Noah hung up coldly.

Jon, trembling with rage, stood and slapped Noah across the face. "You're a disgrace!"

The butler, standing nearby, gasped, "Sir!"

Noah's face turned to the side from the impact, his eyes darkening.

"Why shouldn't she come back? Why couldn't Ella return to me? She's my granddaughter, what right do you have..."

Noah sneered, "She’s nothing but an ungrateful brat. Otherwise, could she have abandoned you so easily? Why bother..."

"Shut up!" Jon was seething, his whole body shaking, especially the hand that had just struck Noah. "Get out! Go upstairs."

Noah turned and left the villa.

"Mr. Noah." The butler quickly followed, worried about Noah driving in his condition. He called a driver and insisted on escorting Noah to the car, opening the back door for him.

Noah gave him a dark look.

"For safety's sake, Sir. Don't worry Mr. Tretton," the butler urged.

Noah didn't resist.

After ensuring Noah was sent to rest at the downtown villa, the butler returned to report to Jon, who then slowly sat back on the sofa.

Jon took a while to calm himself before picking up his phone to call Ella again. "Ella, your uncle was drunk. Don't mind what he said."

Ella forced a smile, "I know, Grandpa. How could I not come back? I'm looking forward to taking care of you. Just look after yourself while I am not around, okay?"

"Yeah, I will. And don't worry about me too much. Focus on your studies, and tell me if you need anything."

"Sure, I got it."

"Alright then, I'll be waiting for you at home. Just two years."

"Mhm."

However, two years passed, and Ella did not return as promised. On that day, it was Jon himself who waited at the airport to no avail.

Paul stood alone in the room.

Jon leaned on his walking stick, wearing a simple button-up suit, a hopeful smile on his face that slowly turned to dismay.

A chill went through Jon. It wasn't for no reason that he slapped Noah that way in the first place. He wasn't sure if Ella would be hurt by Noah's words and take them seriously. Now, it seemed his fears were well-founded.

"Paul, where is Ella? Why didn't she come back with you?"

Paul had grown even more upright than two years ago, his features chiseled, matured, carrying himself with an effortless grace.

Hearing Jon's question, Paul offered a thin smile. "Grandpa Jon, Ella sends her apologies. She's not coming back this time. The university really values her, wants her to advance, and has offered her a position. It's likely that Ella will stay there to work."

Jon's body shook, and his eyes reddened instantly. "Not coming back? Why didn't she tell me?"

"Ella felt really sorry, unsure how to break it to you. But don't worry, she'll come back eventually, she promised she would. She just needs a bit more time."

Jon steadied himself and nodded. "That's right, she promised me."

In his heart, Jon blamed Noah for Ella's absence. If only Noah hadn't spoken those words, Ella might have made a different choice.

The Reeves family had reserved a private dining room at a local hotel for a welcome home celebration for Paul. Jon had made reservations there as well, originally thinking to have a grand reunion with both kids. Now, with Ella absent, he still had many questions for Paul and decided to join the dinner.

They discussed Ella's situation at the university, with Paul ensuring that she was hardworking, smart, and well-liked by both professors and peers, which was why the university was so keen to keep her.

Jon was reassured, then asked, "How are things between you and Ella?"

Paul hesitated slightly, "We're good, I'm waiting for her to come back."

Jon's eyes brightened with hope upon hearing Paul's answer. "So, in these two years, have you two made it official?"

Paul, slightly embarrassed but still exuding a mature charm, admitted, "After a year there, she finally agreed to give us a try."