Ellen’s POV

I stared at my father’s saddened face and sighed. “Don’t worry, Father. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure we regain what we’ve lost,” I said earnestly.

He nodded, his expression a mix of pride and trust. “I trust you, Ellen,” he said, his voice filled with confidence.

I smiled. I’d looked forward to this day for a long time, and with Liz out of the picture, it was easy to get my father’s attention. Determined, I vowed to fulfill his trust and restore our family’s legacy. “By the way, who’s this investor you’ve been meeting so frequently?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

My father’s expression tightened momentarily before he replied, “The investor prefers to remain anonymous for now, but we communicate through a representative.”

I didn’t really care who the investor was. All that mattered was securing a major deal. “Alright, Dad, I’ll catch you later,” I said, rising.

My father looked up from his papers, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Everything alright, Ellen?”

I offered a reassuring smile. “Yeah, just need to stretch my legs a bit. Maybe pick up a few things.”

He nodded. “Alright, just be careful. And remember, if you need anything, call me.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I replied gratefully, heading for the door.

A triumphant smile broke out as I stepped into the hallway. Once my father signed the contract, we’d bounce back. Whoever the investor was, he’d arrived at the perfect time. Smiling confidently, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my much-needed shopping trip.

I quickly went to my room, changed into something more comfortable, and went out to find Max and Ava waiting by the car. I got in, and we left.

We soon arrived at the mall, and I began shopping. As I strolled through, my eyes scanned the vibrant displays. With Ava trailing behind, I piled dresses onto her arms.

“Come on, Ava, keep up!” I called impatiently. “We don’t have all day.”

Ava scurried to catch up, her arms laden with shopping bags. “Sorry, Ms. Manor,” she mumbled, hurrying to match my pace.

Ignoring her apology, I zeroed in on a rack of designer dresses. “I need options, Ava. Lots of them,” I declared, thrusting dresses into her arms. “And make sure they’re all my size.”

Ava nodded, her expression a mix of resignation and loyalty. “Of course, Ms. Manor,” she replied, adding the dresses to the overflowing shopping cart.

My shopping spree continued, and I noticed Ava struggling. But she knew better than to complain; keeping me satisfied was part of her job.

Near the entrance to another store, I spotted a familiar figure. At first, I couldn't believe my eyes, but as I followed her through the racks, I realized with a jolt who it was: Belle.

I watched her lift a little girl’s hat. Her file contained no mention of a daughter, niece, or friend with a daughter. Why was she taking it? Did she have a secret child?

Instantly, I handed my bags to Ava, my mind racing. I needed to confirm it was Belle. I quickly retrieved my phone and called one of the security guards assigned to Belle.

“Where is she?” I demanded urgently.

He informed me she was at the mall. Excited, I hung up without another word.

“Ensure these are sorted and taken home,” I instructed Ava, handing her my credit card.

“But Ms. Manor, how will I know which size fits?” Ava complained. I turned and gave her a stern glare.

“Ask that again, and you’ll regret it,” I warned.

I had to hurry to catch Belle, who was at the cashier. Thrilled to be following her again—something about the dress she purchased felt wrong—I hurried out of the mall and tried to hail a cab to follow her car as it was leaving the parking lot. Just as I was about to get in, Max hurried towards me.

“Are you alright, Ma’am? Should I follow you?” He was too noisy; I ignored him.

“Drive,” I told the cab driver, but he seemed intimidated by Max’s size.

“Just get the fuck out of my way, Max. I’m fine and will be home soon,” I barked. He stepped aside, and the cab drove off.

As I tailed Belle, she took a turn away from her home. My heart pounded; my mind raced. Where was she going? What was she up to? With each turn, my curiosity intensified.

Finally, Belle arrived at a quaint house in a quiet neighborhood. From a distance, I watched her alight from her car, a small bag in hand, and approach the porch. She rang the bell; the door opened, and a figure embraced her.

My gaze never left the door or the figure. As the figure stepped into the light, shockwaves went through me.

Time seemed to stop as my eyes fell on my worst nightmare, standing before Belle. I blinked, but couldn't believe who I saw.

“After four fucking years…” I murmured, staring blankly.

“Are you alright, Ma’am?” the cab driver asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“But I have…” I mumbled.

Kamille Manor still walked this earth!