Ellen’s POV

After Zeke’s security threw me out, I plastered on a proud smile and looked back at the mansion. I’d be back sooner than later.

Leaving Zeke’s house, disheveled but with my victorious smile intact, I quickly called my driver. “I need you to come to Zeke’s place immediately,” I said urgently.

“Immediately, ma’am,” he responded.

When he arrived, he gave me a curious glance. “Everything alright, ma’am?” he asked, noticing my disheveled appearance.

“Perfectly fine,” I replied with a confident smile.

I was sure Zeke had no memory of the previous night; for all he knew, he wasn't even certain he'd slept with me. But his housekeepers and security staff were witnesses, seeing me leave his car with him. What was there not to believe? I laughed at my own thoughts. I caught the driver watching me in the rearview mirror.

“Any problem?” I asked with a smirk.

“No, ma’am,” he replied, continuing to drive.

I eyed him and returned to my thoughts. Now all I needed was to get pregnant and reappear before Zeke in two weeks.

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. I’d missed something. Zeke would demand a paternity test. Actually dealing with him was a lot harder than planning. I sighed.

We soon arrived at the Manor mansion. Entering the house, I found my parents having breakfast. I greeted them with a forced smile. “Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother.”

“Ellen, where have you been?” my father asked, his concern evident.

“Zeke called me last night. He promised we’d remarry; he took me to his house, we made love, but he threw me out this morning,” I said soberly, adding a touch of vulnerability to my voice.

My parents exchanged a look, their expressions darkening with anger. “What does he mean by that? He has to keep his promises as a man!” my mother said firmly.

“Don’t worry, Ellen,” my father added firmly. “Get yourself refreshed and come down for breakfast. We’ll handle this.”

Good. If Mother bought into the plan innocently, it would make my case more believable. Father already knew what had happened, or at least part of it.

I hurried upstairs to compose myself before joining them for breakfast. After freshening up and changing into comfortable clothes, I rejoined my parents.

I didn’t have much of an appetite, but I managed to eat some bread and coffee.

As the meal ended, my father excused himself. “I’ll leave first,” he said, dropping his napkin. “Ellen, meet me in my study after breakfast.”

“Okay, Father.” He nodded, pecked my mother on the cheek, and went upstairs.

“Is everything alright?” my mother asked, her concern evident.

I forced a smile. “Yes, just a little tired,” I replied.

After breakfast, I escorted my mother to her room, ensuring her comfort before going to my father’s study.

My mother, Esther Manor, was an icon of beauty and strength. But recent events had weighed heavily on her. Deep down, I missed her mischievous self. Now she was weak and of little help in restoring our family name.

“Father?” I called.

“Come in,” he responded, gesturing for me to sit.

He wasted no time. “Tell me everything,” he said, his tone firm yet curious.

I smiled and recounted the events of the previous night in detail, from my encounter with Zeke to my departure from his house. My father listened intently, his eyes never leaving mine.

When I finished, there was a moment of silence before he spoke. “Well done, Ellen,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice. “You handled the situation admirably.”

He opened a file and scribbled something inside. “We’ll visit him soon. One way or another, Ezekiel Reid will pay for abusing my daughter, right?” A sinister smile spread across his wrinkled face.

“Of course, Father,” I replied, returning his smile.

“You may go now, Ellen. I’ll formulate a plan.” I nodded and left.

I returned to my room. It had been a while since I’d played music, so I went to the basement where I kept my violins—most imported from different countries.

I chose the one Zeke had given me from South Carolina, unboxed it, and tuned the strings.

Taking it to the garden, I sat and began to play. I lost track of time and didn’t realize it was past noon until my phone beeped with an email notification.

I gently set down my violin and picked up my phone. It was from Becky, with more details about Belle, Kamille’s nerdy friend. A smile touched my lips.

Today must be my lucky day.

She would soon be discharged from the hospital. Becky had thoughtfully included a photo. I stared at the young woman. She was beautiful, with big brown eyes and wavy brown hair.

I decided to see her in person. I asked a housekeeper to put away my violin, went to my room, and quickly changed into a comfortable tank top, shorts, and a hoodie to conceal my identity.

An Uber would be less conspicuous than my exotic car. It arrived quickly, and I left the mansion.

I arrived at the hospital just as she was leaving. She was even more beautiful in person and didn’t look as nerdy as she had in college.

Sadly, all that beauty would be wasted if she was involved in the release of Kamille’s videos. She reversed and drove away.

“Follow that car,” I instructed the driver.

“That’ll cost an extra hundred dollars, ma’am,” he said, turning to look at me.

“Whatever. Just follow the damn car before it disappears,” I replied, handing him some cash.

“Good, good,” he smiled, pocketing the money and driving.

We stopped a few blocks from where she parked. I watched as she walked to her door and went inside.

I quickly took a picture of her address and the surrounding area. It would be useful soon enough.

“Let’s go,” I told the driver, a mischievous grin spreading across my face as we drove past her house.