The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2131

These few words were like a bomb thrown into a crowd. All the questions the journalists had been brewing were now unable to be spoken. That answer was all they needed.

Clearly, Noah wasn't about to give them another chance to probe. His icy gaze swept over them, and he turned to enter the grand doors.

The reporters exchanged glances and slowly dispersed. That final warning look in his eyes was unmistakable to all. Such a message was enough.

The news was reported as it happened, Noah's last words printed without embellishment, yet they were the most straightforward reply.

Regardless of who Noah was, a man who broke off his engagement because of another woman was now the talk of the town—as the ultimate jerk. And with that, the company's reputation began a downward spiral, evidenced by the plummeting TV ratings.

There were some voices of support, but they were soon drowned out by a tidal wave of criticism and mockery.d2

Despite the numerous grievances the company's senior management held against Noah, the presence of him at the company still brought a sigh of relief to their hearts. They had grown accustomed to relying on him over the years. With him around, any issue would eventually find its perfect resolution. Even though the current crisis was of his making, and it was severe.

Jon watched the news with a stony silence. He had said all there was to say. And Jon knew well that whatever he had considered, Noah would have thought about it as well.

Noah still chose this path.

Jon had always trusted his son; from the moment he handed over the company, Noah had never given him cause for worry. Except this time, Jon couldn't help but fret—how would Noah tie up the loose ends of this debacle?

Even Jon, for all his wisdom, could not conceive a solution.

Truth be told, Noah hadn't thought too much about it this time. All he knew was that he had to have Ella, no matter what. The rest was secondary.

Ella, seeing the news, felt a turmoil of emotions. Sitting on her bed facing the window, she stared out at the bright weather, her expression somewhat vacant.

If only this had happened five years earlier. She was naive then, full of impulsive love and reckless passion.

She wasn't the same Ella now. As she braced herself, weighing the pros and cons, Noah suddenly became heedless of the consequences.

With things having reached this point, the television station suffered greatly, Noah's reputation was in tatters, and it was evident that the grandfather was furious. This situation also dragged in the Minton family and the Reeves family. Things couldn't get any worse.

She thought long and hard but couldn't find a way out for Noah. Exhausted, she closed her eyes. She shouldn't have come back.

The room was unnaturally quiet. After a long while, she opened her eyes, looked down at her phone, dialed her family's number, hesitated for a moment, and then pressed call.

*

"Sir, a call from Miss Ella," Tony said, carefully handing the receiver to Jon.

Jon slowly opened his eyes, the years evident in his cool gaze. He stared at the phone for a moment before lifting his hand to take it. He didn't speak first.

After a few seconds of silence, Ella spoke up. "Grandpa, I'm sorry."

Jon pursed his lips, "This isn't your fault. I might be old, but I still know right from wrong. You haven't done anything."

"Grandpa," Ella gently interrupted, "I love Uncle Noah."

Jon's expression flickered, clouding over with a fresh shade of gloom, "What do you plan to do, Ella? I don't think these five years have been in vain."

"I thought I could let him go, but Grandpa, I cannot be indifferent to a man who is willing to risk everything to be with me. Especially when he has always had a firm place in my heart. If he ever asked anything of me, I couldn't remain unmoved."

"So?" Jon's voice was as heavy as lead.

Ella gripped her phone tighter and after a brief silence, said, "All the damage has been done, and it can't be undone. So, there's no need for further considerations. Isn't it true that being together is the only way to justify all the hurt caused?"

Noah was reckless because that was what he wanted.

"So, you're throwing caution to the wind too? Have you thought about Paul and Rebecca? It's not just one person you're letting down, and you won't get anyone's blessing. You're ready to live under their judgmental eyes for a lifetime? You can be fearless now, but what about the future? Ella, life isn't just about love.

"I never opposed you. If there were any feasible way, I would accept it. But you missed the right moment. Ella, even if I agreed now, how could you two be happy together?" This issue wasn't something Jon’s approval alone could resolve.

"I know," Ella's calm voice emerged, "so I don't want to think about the future."

Jon fell silent.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry, I can do so little. Even if it's just a fleeting joy, I'm willing to jump in. I'm sorry."

Jon's lips tightened, his eyes reddening, "Ella, this isn't about you, you don't have to do anything."

"I'm to blame, Grandpa, it's only a matter of time."

Ella finished softly, then hung up.

Looking out the window again, she exhaled deeply, a burden lifted.

*

That afternoon, Ella took the initiative to call Noah.

The phone wasn't picked up quickly, and with just a "hello" from Noah, Ella could hear the weariness in his voice.

After a pause, she asked, "Uncle Noah, what time will you be home tonight?"

Noah was silent for a few seconds, then instead of answering her question, he simply asked, "Did you have lunch?"

"Yes."

"Uncle…"

"Don't wait up for me tonight. Go to sleep if you're tired. Whatever you need, just tell the butler."

Ella's words were cut off again by Noah, who sounded busy, but Ella knew he was likely avoiding something deeper. Her heart skipped a beat, and before he could hang up, she added, "I don't want to dine alone tonight. Can you make it back in time for dinner?"

Noah's hand tensed on the phone as he was about to hang up. "Just dinner?"

"What else?" came the reply.

"Alright."

"I'll wait for you."

Those words from Ella inexplicably tightened Noah's grip on the phone even more. It made him all the more certain that keeping her by his side, by any means necessary, was the right choice.

Despite the pile of work at the company, Noah made it home on time for dinner.

"Welcome home, sir," the housekeeper greeted him, taking his overcoat from the crook of his arm.

Ella, hearing his arrival, popped out from the direction of the dining room. She was holding a clear lid in one hand and wore a checkered apron around her waist. The sight made Noah's brow furrow slightly. "What are you up to?"

"Cooking," Ella replied, her face glowing with a touch of pride as if nothing amiss had occurred. "I've picked up a bunch of recipes abroad. I figured, since I'm bored at home, why not show off a bit tonight?"

Noah watched her for a few seconds, a strong sense of dissonance bubbling up inside him. He tried to read something from her face, but her expression was impenetrable.

"Go wash up, the last dish is about to be ready," she said before turning back to the kitchen with an air of casual confidence.

*

The dinner table featured several simple dishes, attractively presented, with no apparent issues.

Ella pushed a plate towards him and, seeing his hesitant expression, said confidently, "Trust me, the flavors are spot on."

Noah gave her a level glance and sampled the food with his fork. The taste was normal.

After her phone call, he had sensed that this evening was about more than just dining. Her actions tonight, devoid of all the previous resistance towards him, were too calm and natural. Instead of easing his concerns, it made him feel that something was amiss.

She probably had something to discuss with him, something he had no interest in talking about.

In the end, she remained silent. It was only after she went to her room to rest that he called out to her. "Ella."

She turned back, "Yes?"

Noah approached her slowly, eyes locked on hers. "I thought you had something to say to me tonight."

Ella looked up, with a faint smile on her face as she shook her head, "Nothing at all."

Noah's eyes narrowed slightly, "So what's the plan? Just muddle through?"

"Not at all. I've gone through countless scenarios in my head today, rehearsed them over and over, and honestly, I can't think of a single way to prevent all harm or cut our losses in time. Since you've let things come this far, nothing I say will change your mind, right?"

"That's right." Noah didn't hesitate, his answer straightforward.

Ella gave a small laugh, "So there you have it. Since I already know the outcome, why bother? You just want a result, one you've always been aware of. Every time you came close, my rejection was never genuine. What difference would it make now if I opposed or refused?"

Nothing would change. Those words couldn't be truer.

It seemed she had given this a lot of thought today. He initially thought she had succumbed under pressure, but her final calmness dispelled his concerns.

Her rejections were never genuine. Was she telling him that she still loved him?

His lips quirked slightly, and he reached out to caress her cheek, "I'm glad you get it."

Ella's eyes softened, and she gave a small smile. Her long lashes fluttered as she wrapped her arms around Noah's waist and rested her head against his chest.

Noah stiffened slightly. Ella nuzzled gently in his embrace, her arms tightening around his waist.

"I'm actually happy," she whispered. "In my dreams, it's the only time I see you love me."