Chapter 143: Unexpected Calls
“Easton became my ex-husband last week! As for Morty, well, he…” Complaining about a business partner’s behavior to her boss wasn’t appropriate, so Ellis cut herself off.
Lois considered for a moment. “No worries, I’ll have someone else handle it.”
Switching the liaison for Nexus Group wasn’t initially Ellis’s responsibility, so changing it was not a big deal. “Thank you, Madam Los!”
With the issue resolved, Ellis returned to her desk, ready to get back to work. But new trouble arrived in the form of Amelia, who stood beside her, smiling warmly as she handed over a beautifully wrapped bag. “Ms. Harper, my boyfriend included a bottle of perfume in my birthday gifts, but the scent isn’t my type. Maybe you’ll like it?”
Used to luxury brands and dealing with high-end products daily, Amelia had never seen Ellis use anything designer; her clothes and accessories were all budget-friendly, which could give off a cheap vibe if not for her good looks. Gifting Ellis a $400 perfume might make her more amenable to sharing information about Morty, but did she realize that?
Ellis glanced at the logo on the bag, fully aware that Amelia was attempting to bribe her. “Thanks for the kind gesture, but I don’t really wear perfume.”
“Living a little more lavishly won’t hurt,” Amelia insisted, pushing the bag into Ellis’s hands. “You’re young! If you don’t enjoy life now, when will you? It’s okay to indulge in some luxuries.”
Ellis took the perfume out of the bag, spritzed it into the air, and with genuine regret, said, “I don’t like the scent; I really don’t.” With that, she handed the perfume back to its owner.
“Oh my!” Amelia pouted. “Then what brands do you use for skincare? I have a lot of unopened ones at home. I could give you some before they expire.”
“I don’t use skincare products. Having given up the luxurious life of being Easton’s wife, Ellis forced herself to adapt back to a simpler lifestyle, deciding not to waste money on expensive beauty products she used to afford, or risk cheaper ones that might damage her skin.”
Despite Amelia’s persistence, Ellis refused to accept the gifts. Curious colleagues glanced their way, prompting Amelia to switch tactics—she boldly transferred money to Ellis using her phone.
As soon as the transaction was complete, Amelia patted Ellis’s shoulder. “Check your phone.”
Confused, Ellis frowned. Just then, her phone rang. It was Jackson, Easton’s assistant, which was strange. Jackson was calling the day after Easton had sent that infuriating text. Am I now being pressured on Easton’s behalf to move out of Stonebridge? This is my hometown, where I’ve lived for twenty-four years. Just because we’re divorced, why should I be the one to leave?
She picked up her phone and stepped into an empty meeting room. Making sure no one else could hear, she answered the call and immediately snapped, “Do you and Easton have a screw loose or something? Constantly up to no good, aren’t you afraid of karma?”
She had lost her job with a yearly salary of $140,000 once before, and Lois had personally mentioned it was Easton’s assistant who had contacted her. After her resignation, Jackson was the only assistant Easton had left. Knowing Jackson was just following orders, Ellis couldn’t help but unload her frustration on him.
“Sorry to disturb you.”
“Tell that scumbag Easton, if anyone should move to a different city, it’s him! Don’t think he can force me out with his dirty tricks!” Ellis was adamant about not moving. If that deadbeat thought running into her was bad luck, she’d just move into the manor to irritate him even more. Unless he stopped visiting Scott, he would have to deal with her. Seeing him was distasteful, but she didn’t mind getting under his skin. It was a contest of who could annoy whom more. Jackson was stunned.
After a moment, he managed to grasp what Ellis was saying, but was even more confused. How was it that, on one hand, Easton ordered him to not bother retrieving Ellis’s office items and to pack up and leave, and on the other, Ellis was accusing Easton of forcing her to move? He couldn’t understand Easton’s reasoning at all. This incident made him vow to remember the lesson well. Regardless of what Easton ordered in the future, anything related to Ellis would be handled with extra care, but first, he needed to secure his own job!
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Jackson said, “Ms. Harper, I actually called to ask for your help. Could you tell me what items were in your office, maybe list them for me?”