Chapter 48: The Woman Who Won’t Beg

Sophia’s voice was full of complaints and lectures, making Easton frown deeply. Whenever something went wrong, his mother always took Ellis’s side. And now she was even pushing for a grandchild.

“Men can’t have kids on their own. If you want a grandson, tell Ellis. She’d be more than happy to have one,” Easton said, not forgetting how she had brought it up multiple times before, looking so eager to have his child.

“Listen to yourself! No matter how much Ellis wants a child, she still needs you to cooperate!” Sophia pinched the back of his hand. “You should be grateful that a woman is willing to have your child.”

“I never asked her to. She can do whatever she wants.”

“No wonder Ellis just said she doesn’t love you anymore. Whether she meant it or not, you should take her feelings seriously, not brush them off with sarcasm,” Sophia’s face darkened. “Be honest with me. Are you still thinking about Victoria?”

“What does Victoria have to do with anything?”

“Don’t even think about Victoria. I know she’s back. If you dare betray Ellis for her, I’ll deal with you first, then go deal with Victoria,” Sophia warned. She had never liked the fiancée Mr. Scott had arranged for Easton. Ellis was the ideal daughter-in-law in her eyes—the kind of woman she had always hoped for.

Easton turned to face his mother directly. “Mom, if you’re so worried about me and Ellis divorcing, why don’t you stop giving her money? That way, she won’t have anything to spend while she’s living outside.”

“What money?” Sophia frowned. “I’ve never given her a dime.”

“Mom, you’re not lying?”

“Of course not!”

Studying his mother’s expression, Easton found no sign of dishonesty. That meant the money had to be coming from his aunt. Now that he had cut off her funds, Ellis wouldn’t have any new income. He wanted to see how long she could hold out before begging him.

As the car sped down the road, the scenery blurred past the windows. Yet his mind kept replaying her words—I don’t love him anymore. At the same time, he recalled how Ellis used to trail behind him, always clinging to him, always saying, “Hubby, I love you most.” The contrast between past and present was stark. Back then, she had been all smiles, effortlessly spilling sweet words. Now, she had spoken with complete indifference, as if she were simply commenting on the weather.

For a brief moment, he felt like something was slipping away. But he quickly rubbed his temple, pushing the thought aside. Nothing was slipping away. He wasn’t about to let Ellis’s theatrics affect his emotions.

Lois’s call had sounded urgent, but when Ellis arrived at the office, she was simply given an address and told to deliver the antique vase she had bought. As soon as she picked it up, she was back on the road again.

On the way, she received a call from her adoptive mother. At first, Emma spoke nicely, urging her to spend more time with Sophia and win her favor. But when Ellis said she was busy with work, Emma’s tone immediately changed, laced with complaints and scoldings.

Ellis had been an expert at this kind of manipulation before. It had never been difficult. But back then, she had still loved Easton. And Sophia had actually treated her well. Now, Emma was pretending to act in her best interest while completely disregarding her feelings. She had had enough.

“Ma’am, if you keep pushing me, I’ll tell Easton that it was you who drugged us at the estate last time,” Ellis said coldly. She had taken the blame for Easton being drugged twice. Even though she knew Easton wouldn’t believe her no matter how many times she said it wasn’t her, she had found a way to deal with Emma over time.

Sure enough, silence fell on the other end of the call. After a long pause, Emma cursed, “Ungrateful brat. You don’t understand my good intentions.”

“I’m at work. I don’t have time for this,” Ellis said flatly, hanging up and immediately blocking her number.

Right then, the taxi came to a stop. She looked outside. Golden letters gleamed on the entrance gate—Petal Estates. This was where Lois had sent her. It was one of the most luxurious and exclusive villa communities in Stonebridge. Taxis weren’t even allowed inside. As soon as Ellis stepped out with the antique vase, the security guards approached to verify her identity and confirm with the resident she was visiting. Once cleared, one of the guards drove her in.

Ellis couldn’t help but wonder—who exactly was this person receiving the antique vase? She had considered several possibilities, but when she arrived at the house, none of them matched. Before she could even ring the doorbell, the door swung open. A teenage boy—eighteen at most—stood there, looking her up and down with an unfiltered gaze.

“You’re the one my mom sent?” he asked bluntly.

For a split second, Ellis’s brain short-circuited. She blinked. “Madam Lois is your mother?”

The boy scoffed. “You didn’t know?”

“Of course, I didn’t know!”