Chapter 162: Learning from Loss

From her past experiences with him, Ellis had learned a few harsh truths. One was that anything not earned through her own efforts, but dependent on someone else, could only be a temporary possession, one that required her to be at the mercy of their mood and whims. Once their mood soured, the possession could vanish just as quickly as it appeared.

In plain terms, there's a difference between having the right to use something and owning it outright. What others give me often comes with strings attached; I'm merely allowed to use it while they hold the ownership. Ellis wanted more than just the right to use; she wanted full ownership. Humiliating myself for the mere use of a temporary residence? It wasn’t worth it.

Before getting back to work, she decided to block Taylor’s number. On the other side, Taylor, having been hung up on, tried to call a second time, but the call wouldn’t go through. She then tried emailing Ellis, but it was like dropping a stone into the ocean; Ellis didn’t respond. Whether the task was successful or not, Taylor had to report back to Easton, so she headed to the CEO’s office.

As Taylor entered, Easton set aside his work and looked up at her. Taylor was supposed to have contacted Ellis about the apartment he offered—a significant upgrade in size, environment, and value compared to where she currently lived. Surely Ellis would be thrilled? She had always been somewhat materialistic; once she had the deed in her hands and moved in, she’d probably be grateful, right?

Meeting Easton’s intense gaze, Taylor hesitated, torn about how to relay Ellis’s response. “Mr. Easton, I’ve contacted Ms. Harper,” Taylor started. Easton gestured for her to continue. “I sent her the details of the apartment to her email, explaining that you instructed me to arrange it for her and that the title would be transferred to her name, but—” Taylor chose not to relay Ellis’s words exactly, “—Ms. Harper declined.”

Easton was mildly taken aback. He had envisioned numerous scenarios, all of which ended with Ellis happily accepting the apartment. He had never considered a refusal. Her current living conditions were dire—security in her building was practically nonexistent, anyone with a bit of cunning could get inside, the space was cramped and poorly laid out, and the fixtures were cheap. He was trying to improve her living situation, and she was turning down his offer!

“Why?” Easton asked calmly, though Taylor felt the weight of his question. Despite his calm tone, Easton’s expression was a mix of surprise and a touch of gloom. “Ms. Harper didn’t provide a reason; she just cut me off after her refusal,” Taylor reported.

Being dismissive was typical of the new Ellis, but for some reason, hearing that she had rejected his gift made Easton feel an unexpected twinge of disappointment. “Contact her again; tell her this is her only chance,” he commanded. “Yes, Mr. Easton.”

With her new orders, Taylor left to attempt reaching Ellis again. Her number had been blocked, so after several failed attempts from her phone, she borrowed a colleague’s phone and got through—but Ellis didn’t answer. Taylor tracked down Ellis’s location and decided to wait at a coffee shop near Tate Group.

As Ellis left work, she was approached by a woman in her early thirties, dressed in professional attire. “Ms. Harper!” the woman greeted her with a smile. The face was unfamiliar, but the voice was slightly recognizable. Which colleague is this? “I’m Taylor; I called you earlier today.”

Hearing the woman’s introduction, Ellis’s face went blank. Could this scumbag ever stop? One moment his old assistant showed up, the next it was him in person, and now his new assistant was also doorstepping her. Day after day, just trying to hassle her!

Ellis walked straight past Taylor, ignoring her attempt to confirm her identity. Undeterred, Taylor followed, “Ms. Harper, just a few minutes of your time.” “I don’t have time,” Ellis responded, clearly irritated. “Ms. Harper, just give the nod, and the apartment is yours to own outright! That apartment is—”

Ellis stopped abruptly and turned to Taylor with a cold voice, “Not interested. Can’t you understand those three words?” What was his game? Regardless, she had no interest in his gifts. Seeing Ellis’s blunt refusal, Taylor thought to herself, even if Ellis sold the apartment, she could easily make over a million dollars. Did Ellis refuse because she got a substantial amount from their divorce?

“Ms. Harper, if you don’t accept, the apartment might not be available later.” Taylor felt that was probably what Easton meant; if Ellis didn’t accept it now, he might withdraw the offer, leaving her with no chance to reconsider. Even though Taylor’s words weren’t meant to be insulting, Ellis could almost see Easton looking down on her, as if he was bestowing charity on a beggar.