The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2126

Grandpa was truly content with Ella's life over the years. Paul had confirmed it too. She was doing well, leading a healthy lifestyle, studying hard, and maintaining a clean and wholesome social circle.

"Finally, you're back. I was scared I might never see you again!"

"Grandpa." Ella gripped Jon's hand tightly. "You're going to live to be a hundred."

Jon chuckled, "If only it were that simple."

"It is," Ella insisted. "You deserve it, even if I had to give you some of my own years."

"You silly girl, coming back all educated and still talking nonsense." Though he pretended not to enjoy her words, Grandpa couldn't block the wave of affection that washed over him. "I heard from Paul that you're planning to stay abroad to teach. Does that mean you won't be settling back home?"d2

Ella shook her head with a smile, "I'll be staying here for now. They've made a special arrangement for me; I'll be a visiting professor there and partake in a faculty exchange with Summit Ridge University here."

Grandpa asked, puzzled, "What does that mean?"

"It means that while a professor from Summit Ridge University goes to Y Country, I'll take up a position at Summit Ridge University back home."

This explanation delighted Grandpa. "That's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Now you can stay close to me."

"Grandpa, I'll spend holidays with you, but once I start working, I might need to live on my own for convenience."

Grandpa paused, not entirely supportive, "Why live alone?"

"Because it'll be easier for work. But don't worry, Grandpa, I'll come to visit whenever I can."

At that moment, the butler called in a maid to bring some refreshments. Noticing Grandpa's slightly displeased expression, he chuckled: "The youngsters need their space, sir. Besides making work easier, it also makes dating more convenient."

Grandpa's gaze immediately landed on Paul.

Caught off guard by this direct look, Paul felt a bit awkward but still managed a smile, “Of course, selfishly, I support Ella's decision."

Grandpa instantly brightened up, "Well then, that's settled."

With Grandpa cheered up, the butler coughed softly and cautiously broached another subject, "Should we ask Mr. Noah to join us for dinner tonight?"

Grandpa's smile instantly faded, and the atmosphere in the living room tensed. Everyone turned to look at Ella.

Ella appeared unfazed and inquired, "What's wrong with him?"

Jon pursed his lips and gestured dismissively, "No need. He'll just rile me up like always. He can come back if he wants, or just forget it – I'm not begging him to return."

The butler sighed softly and went back to his duties.

"Grandpa, you and Uncle..."

Jon cut her off, "That's none of your business. He's been nothing but trouble lately. Just the sight of him irks me. Don't bring him up."

Ella nodded, saying no more.

Grandpa observed Ella's expression discreetly, noting no trace of concern. His feelings were a complex mix of relief and resignation. So many years had passed, and it seemed she truly had moved on.

Ella didn't have much to say or ask. She had occasionally heard from Paul about the developments in P City over the last couple of years. Naturally, this included mentions of Noah.

Talking about the Harper family inevitably led to Chloe, then Cicely and Seth. Mentioning Seth invariably brought up the entertainment industry and the media. Speaking of the media meant discussing the TV industry titan, the president of Summit Media, Noah.

Over the years, she had never deliberately sought out information about him. At first, there was resistance, but gradually she learned to accept it, from initial panic to eventual peace.

She knew of his endeavors but never delved into the details. He was doing well. After all, he was her uncle, and no problem was too big for him. He never needed anyone to worry about him.

"You are having dinner with us tonight, Paul." Grandpa declared, unwilling to let Noah disrupt the mood.

Paul glanced at Ella and shook his head with a smile, "Ella just got back. I wouldn't want to intrude on your time together. You guys should get some rest early."

As they spoke, Paul stood up to leave. Despite Grandpa's insistence that he stay, Paul departed.

Ella walked him to the door. Stepping outside, she noticed the skies that had been blazing hours ago were now overcast. Dark clouds that had been scattered across the horizon were now congealing, and a breeze had picked up.

"The weather here is always so unpredictable." Ella sighed. "You better get going, drive safely."

Paul nodded, "Spend the next few days with Grandpa. I'll pick you up in a couple of days to visit the university."

"Sure," Ella agreed readily.

A gust of wind fluttered her white dress and tossed her hair across her face, creating a soft, chaotic veil.

Paul reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, his gaze tender as he looked at her for a long moment, his fingers gently caressing her soft cheek. "Better get inside before you catch a cold."

"Okay."

Ella watched his car drive away before she turned and re-entered the mansion.

*

Dinner was unsurprisingly all of Ella's favorites.

She had been craving these dishes, and Grandpa made sure she had her fill.

After dinner, Grandpa didn't linger for more chit-chat. He promptly encouraged her to rest. Without protest, Ella, truly exhausted, didn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase. She simply pulled out her pajamas, took a shower, and after silencing all alarms and setting her phone to mute, she fell asleep to the sound of the gentle rain outside, covered by a cool blanket.

The next morning she awoke feeling adjusted to the local time zone, having conquered jet lag on the flight.

She spent the next couple of days indoors, keeping Grandpa company while the rain continued off and on. The estate's lush greenery, previously wilted from the sun’s scorching heat, now gleamed with vitality, their leaves reaching skyward with renewed energy.

Ella cherished the rejuvenating feeling that came with the rain, the air infused with the vitality of fresh greenery and the earthy scent of damp soil. However, the elderly, like Jon, couldn't muster the same enthusiasm for rainy days. The dreariness seemed to seep into his bones, making every joint protest.

It was a common trait among the older folks – a stubborn reluctance to seek medical attention. No matter how much discomfort they felt, they often endured in silence rather than visit a hospital. Since the downpour began, the butler had been wearing a perpetual frown.

Ella had stayed home for a couple of days to keep Jon company and slowly noticed his spirit waning. It was then she realized that he had been putting on a brave face for her.

Upon understanding the gravity of the situation, Ella insisted on calling a doctor without further ado. And, fearing that Jon might still be hiding something from her, she decided to take the bull by the horns, insisting on personally escorting him to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up.

The butler was in full support and promptly made the arrangements.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, a group of doctors in white coats awaited them at the entrance. Among them was a strikingly tall woman with a neat low ponytail, whose confident and accomplished aura was impossible to overlook – Rebecca.

Years had passed, but Ella still remembered her. It seemed that in addition to her innate self-assurance, Rebecca's professional achievements had added to her confidence.

Seeing them exit the car, Rebecca quickly approached, trailed by a couple of interns with a wheelchair.

"Jon, what seems to be the trouble?" Rebecca asked.

Jon waved dismissively, too stubborn to sit in the wheelchair, "Just the usual aches and pains with this wet weather. Ella's making a mountain out of a molehill."

Rebecca disagreed, "You're the one avoiding the issue. You need to speak up the moment you feel unwell. I work here, and I'm a doctor. If you just ignore this, Noah would never forgive me, and neither would I."

With a heavy sigh that hinted at his impatience whenever Noah was mentioned, Jon finally acquiesced and sat in the wheelchair.

Rebecca then straightened up and turned to Ella with a polite, distant smile. "Back home, I see."

"Yeah, Rebecca, how've you been?"

Ella could understand Rebecca's reaction. It was quite common for Rebecca to treat her this way, and Ella preferred this honest detachment to feigned affection.

"Grandpa's been feeling off with the rain, and I wanted to get him a full checkup."