Chapter 163: The Art of Subtle Rejection

If it were genuinely about charity, a true act of kindness, then it wouldn’t be so bad. But Easton’s intentions were never purely altruistic; his actions always carried an element of humiliation for her.

Ellis massaged her temples in irritation. “Use your phone to call Easton; I want to speak with him directly.”

Taylor complied without a word.

Taking Taylor’s phone, Ellis glanced at the screen to make sure Easton had picked up. Not waiting for him to speak, she snapped, “How many times do I have to say it? If you’re sick, go get treated! Don’t flaunt your wealth at me, boasting that you can just hand out a huge flat to someone. I’m not interested; tell your assistant to stop bothering me!”

After speaking her piece, she handed the phone back to Taylor and strode away, hailing a cab without looking back.

Taylor stood there, phone in hand, stunned. Ellis had just chewed out Mr. Easton! Easton hadn’t hung up yet. Carefully, she spoke into the phone, “Mr. Easton, I went to Ms. Harper’s workplace to find her, but she still refused: ‘Not interested.’ ” Ellis had enunciated each word clearly and deliberately, making it impossible for Easton to mishear.

His mind replayed her words over and over, unable to pinpoint exactly how he felt, only aware of a deep irritation with no outlet. He had thought he was doing a favor for his ex-wife, whose living conditions were neither safe nor decent, by offering her a house. She wasn’t grateful, had refused his offer, and even used his assistant’s phone to berate him! Why wouldn’t she accept it? Isn’t living in a large flat more comfortable than in a cramped house? Didn’t she realize that besides comfort, the flat was also a valuable asset?

Overwhelmed by his mood, Easton hung up without a word. If Ellis wasn’t interested, then so be it; he was done offering. If she wanted to continue living in subpar conditions, then let her have her way!

The reality of Easton and Ellis’s divorce had sunk in for Sophia within a few days. The children’s happiness is their own. She realized too much meddling in her children’s lives could lead to their disdain. Her son had resented her for forcing him into a loveless marriage, and she decided not to be that kind of parent anymore.

Not meddling didn’t mean cutting off all contact with Ellis. She planned to invite Ellis over for a meal and a chat. They might no longer be in-laws, but Ellis was still a beloved younger person to her.

When Sophia called with the invitation, Ellis declined without hesitation, “Madam Sophia, I’m sorry, but I’m swamped with work right now. When things slow down, I’ll come visit you.”

Sophia had sighed at the start of the call, expressing regret that Ellis was no longer her daughter-in-law, which felt a bit odd to Ellis. She had once begged Sophia for help to escape a crisis caused by Easton, crying nonstop. Initially, Sophia might have felt pity, but that changed quickly after a call from her son.

Ellis didn’t think Sophia had done anything wrong; it was natural for a mother to side with her son. But she couldn’t be oblivious to reality. Now that she was no longer Easton’s wife, maintaining a relationship like the one they had before was unlikely, especially not at Sophia’s place, where running into Easton could be unbearable. Besides, Easton himself didn’t like her spending much time with Sophia, suspecting her motives if she was seen at his mother’s house.

With a single “Madam Sophia,” Sophia felt a mix of emotions. “Alright then… you…” Sophia didn’t finish quickly, and Ellis patiently waited.

Ellis wondered if her son had been honest. Ellis struggled to answer this complex question. The prenup was a condition Easton set for their marriage, which she had signed willingly, allowing him not to share his wealth as per the agreement.

A few days ago, Easton had his new assistant approach her about arranging a place to live, which she wasn’t sure was meant as compensation. It felt like Easton was just pitying her for being poor. Could that even be considered compensation, albeit the kind that could be taken back at any moment?

She thought it over. “Madam Sophia, whether he compensates me or not, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“If he won’t, I will send you your bank details,” Sophia instructed. The saying goes, “For better or worse, for richer or poorer,” and it wasn’t wrong for a mother to offer a little compensation on behalf of her son if he had acted too harshly.

Madam Sophia offering compensation surprised Ellis, and she quickly declined, “Thank you for your kindness, Madam Sophia, but there’s no need! I can take care of myself.” She wouldn’t dare accept anything from Easton and Sophia; taking anything from them was out of the question.

“There’s a difference between just surviving and living well, don’t be so formal with me.” Initially, Sophia wanted to check if her son had been unfaithful with Victoria, but since the divorce was finalized, it hardly mattered anymore. It wouldn’t change anything.