Chapter 215: Fragrances and Matchmaking

Where did that scent come from! Reflecting for a moment, she pinned it down to Morty’s car, recalling a faint trace of it during the ride. Seriously, why dowse the car in so much cologne? This indirect connection to Morty was something she didn’t enjoy.

Meanwhile, at the Hudson residence, Carly was leisurely sipping tea, browsing through new fall and winter collections sent by various brands, considering adding some pieces to her wardrobe and pondering whether to get some for Ellis too. Since the divorce drama with Easton, her foster daughter had been dressing in ‘rags,’ always clad in cheap, unimpressive clothes. If not for her good looks, the cheap outfits would have dragged her down.

Recently, Carly had finally found a decent, quality man for Ellis and arranged for them to meet. She couldn’t let Ellis show up giving off a cheap vibe. “As the saying went, clothes made the man. Looking good might not have necessarily earned someone extra respect, but looking bad certainly invited disdain.”

After picking out clothes for herself and Ellis and scheduling deliveries with various brands, a new problem arose – Ellis hadn’t been in touch with her lately. How am I going to convince Ellis to go on this arranged date! She sighed, her phone suddenly ringing. It was Sophia. Carly swiped to answer, “Madam Sophia.”

“Carly, why did you transfer the 10 million back to me? I told you, that money was compensation for Ellis.” Sophia thought this issue was settled after transferring the money to Carly’s account, but Carly had sent it back.

“Madam Sophia, let’s not keep transferring money back and forth. It’s a hassle, and Ellis wouldn’t appreciate it.” Carly was more worried about her nephew’s displeasure than the money itself. Having experienced poverty and her nephew’s ruthless methods, she followed her foster daughter’s wishes not to be greedy.

“Do you and your daughter regard money as dirt?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why not accept it?” Carly didn’t think refusing the money was about being virtuous; she just felt guilty. Ellis had left Easton with nothing, and he hadn’t given her a dime. Carly had tried to give her money, and Ellis had refused!

“With Easton around, who dares to accept it?” Carly was frank about her and her foster daughter’s fear of her nephew’s tactics, which were not for the faint-hearted.

“It’s my money, not my son’s.”

“It doesn’t matter whose money it is; at Easton’s command, it becomes unspendable.”

Sophia was at a loss for words; recalling how her son had overreacted last time, it likely left Carly and Ellis somewhat traumatized. I’m still alive, and that brat Easton can’t control who I give my money to. Carly didn’t respond, seeing no need to. Easton wasn’t under his mother’s control, and no matter how appealing Sophia made it sound, that money was a huge problem. If they accepted it and Ellis ended up in trouble, Carly might get dragged down with her. Easton’s tactic of collective punishment was frustrating.

Sophia continued speaking, but Carly wasn’t really listening, finally cutting in, “Madam Sophia, I’m busy right now. Let’s not talk further.”

“You have things to do?” Sophia remembered Carly mentioning she was taking a break this year to recover from the troubles caused by her son, speculating, “Busy picking a remarriage candidate for Ellis?”

“Yes, I’m trying to figure out how to persuade Ellis to meet him.” Sophia spoke openly.

“She and Easton have only been divorced for less than two months; you’re rushing things. For…” She stopped as she saw her son approaching. Pausing for a few seconds, she continued, “What kind of match have you found for Ellis?”

“Would Madam Sophia like to advise?” Carly questioned herself, then answered, “You are Ellis’s former mother-in-law, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

As Easton entered his mother’s home and overheard the conversation, his attention sharpened instantly when he caught the phrase about finding a match for Ellis. His face darkened slightly, reigniting feelings he thought were extinguished after a recent visit to Sunshine Estates.

Sophia wanted to help but, as Carly pointed out, it was inappropriate given her relationship with Ellis, and she harbored a secret hope. She hoped Ellis would be dissatisfied with Carly’s choice, delaying her remarriage. In that gap, perhaps her son would realize Ellis was the most suitable wife for him and try to win her back. After all, compared to anyone else, Ellis still had a special place in her heart.

“These matters of the heart shouldn’t be rushed, take your time helping Ellis choose,” Sophia advised Carly while glancing at her son. The reason was clear; Easton’s expression was as dark as the deep sea at night.

After giving Carly a few more pieces of advice, she hung up and turned to Easton, “Are you here to see me, or just to scowl?”

“I’m not scowling,” Easton said honestly.

“Who can stand that sour face every day?” Sophia recalled that since she returned from vacation abroad, her son had never once smiled; especially today, his mood seemed particularly foul.