Love's Tangled Web (Alex and Ellie)

Chapter 182

A few days later, during work hours, Ellie received a call fr

from Nalani inviting her out for dinner that night.

190

Ellie initially wanted to decline, but remembering that she had introduced Diana and Lacey to Nalani, she decided to go since Nalani didn't know them very well yet.

After work Ellie stopped by her apartment and arrived at the Earl Hotel around seven. In a private room on the third floor, she walked in to find she was the last one to arrive.

What she thought would be a simple girls' gathering turned out to include Alex as well. He looked effortlessly stylish in a casual suit, lounging next to Nalani and casually fiddling with a metal lighter...

When their eyes met, Ellie quickly looked away, her calm expression hiding the turmoil inside her. She settled into a chair between Diana and Lacey

Both Dhana and Lacey were somewhat aware of Ellie and Alex's past, and with Nalani joining them out of the blue, the atmosphere felt a bit awkward

Nalani pulled out a shark clip from her bag and pinned her long, dyed hair up. She shifted her gaze among the three-Diana, Ellie, and Lacey- before landing on Alex. "Hey, Alex, I'm treating tonight. You're covering the bill, she declared with a playful smirk

Alex's position allowed him to see the door, and he barely concealed a smirk as Layton rushed in, panting like he had just sprinted here. This is the fanciest place in the city, and with the great Layton here, I'm not the one paying, right. Mosley the Third?" he teased. "You scumbag Layton mouthed at Alex, tugging out a chair and deliberately sitting next to him.

Lacey, chewing on her chopsticks, frowned. "Layton is the second oldest in my family. Why are you calling him 'Mosley the Third?"

Alex replied, "Even if he's not the third, he's definitely not number two

Ellie and Diana exchanged confused glances, both feeling a bit lost.

Layton shot Nalani an annoyed look, and she just rolled her eyes heavenward while sipping from her cup,

Lacey, picking up on the tension, looked puzzled. "Brother?"

Layton snapped, "He's definitely lost it! I'll take him to the hospital after dinner!

Ellie remained composed, sensing that there was some weird chemistry between Layton and Nalani, but she didn't dare to speculate further. Once the waiter finished serving the dishes, Ellie focused on her meal, occasionally contributing a few words to the conversation.

Halfway through the gathering, Alex received a call from the hospital.

"Grandpa's awake. Come with me to the hospital," he said, standing and looking at Nalani.

Nalani, genuinely apologetic, turned to Ellie and the others. Tm so sorry, ladies! Next time, I'll treat all three of you to make it up"

"It's fine! You go take care of things," Ellie reassured her.

Standing by the door, Alex's gaze unconsciously fell on Ellie

Seeing her nudge Nalani to leave with him, witnessing her smile as she clinked glasses with Lacey stirred something within him. He turned away. hiding the emotions brewing within

Without him around, she actually smiled! She seemed so delicate yet delivered the strongest comeback! She truly didn't care about him anymore! Alter Alex and Nalam left, Layton paid his share before slipping out shortly after. The remaining three girls enjoyed their meals until they finally stepped out of the hotel around nine.

"Get in the car, I'll drop you off one by one, Aaron said, glancing at the three girls who were holding hands, tipsy from just a few drinks. He reminded them to be careful as they nude their way down the stairs.

Ellie only had a few sips and, while her cheeks were slightly flushed, she was fine. "Hey, you can take Diana back. Lacey and I will go for a walk around the central plaza"

1/3

12 AM & Chapter 182

Lacey waved her hand at Aaron. Don't worry about us, big bro. My brother will take Ellie and me back once he's done with his work. It's on

Just don't stay out too late." Aaron replied, dearly womed.

He squatted down and gently patted Diana's andle. "Hop on. I'll carry you"

As Aaron loaded Diana onto his back while scolding her like a dad, Lacey couldn't help but glance back at Ellie. Girl, do you think something's going on fitween them". Ellie shook her head. "Not sure

She knew that Diana had a crush on Aaron, but she wasn't clear on how Aaron felt.

Aaron had always taken care of Diana. She had asked him about it once, but he brushed it off, saying it was because Diana was the daughter of his teacher and that it was only right for him to look after her. Seeing the determination in Aaron's eyes, Ellie decided to push her suspicions aside.

"Aaron's handsome, decent, and great at his job. Plus with your uncle being such an impressive officer, he's only going to become more sought after. It'd be a waste not to have Diana end up with your brother, Lacey said, linking her arm with Ellie's as they strolled toward the city center.

Across the street, in a sleek black Buick GL.8, a woman with a scarf wrapped around her head and a mask covering her face, revealing only her malicious eyes, watched Ellie intently like a coiled-up snake.

All because of that stupid collarbone necklace she took. They think they can push her into a corner! First, they injected her with drugs, then they rained the Owens Emily and cut off her medical funds!

Her brother was in jail, the Owens family went bankrupt, drowning in debt. Her parents lived like rats in a sewer, hiding in a damp rental, barely scraping by! The last six months had been hell for her! To fisher face, to get money to kick her drug habit, she had no choice but to climb into bed with men time and time again!

But back was on her side-she was smart enough and resilient enough? She not only survived but returned with an unexpected identity, ready to confront those who had cast her aside, mocked her, or hurt her. She wouldn't let any of them off the hook! All her suffering traced back to Ellic!

She was going to make Ellie feel the hellish torment she had endured for the past six montlas-double the pain! Ellie, we will meet again in two

months

In e

early June in Jaslands, after a few heavy rain showers, Ellie decided to take a break and return to the Thompson residence.

Her uncle, Jason, handed her an invitation. "It's the matchmaking banquet for the Janssen family from Jinerity. I won't be attending, so you and Aaron need to represent the Thompson family." The Janssen family in finerity likely referred to her sister-in-Law Diana's family. Though Ellie wasn't a fan of such gatherings, Jason's current standang made it inappropriate for him to attend. Since they received an invitation, it was only right to show

1. up.

Two days later, at Janerity's largest and most luxurious near-six-star hotel, Ellie stepped out of the car, wearing a simple yet elegant pink and white off-the-shoulder knee-length dress, tied at the waist. Her subtle makeup and loosely tied long hair were styled by Whinney

"You guys are Late!" I Duna exclaimed, shining in her dazzling sta

starry evening gown, with the hem hiked up to her waist as she rushed over.

Aaron looked at Diana, who was all

prim and proper on the top but rugged on the bottom, and he playfully yanked down the hem of her dress.

"Don't tug! I'll sweat through my dress if you keep that up. You try it Diana protested.

Aaron was at a lost for words.

"Hey, Diana. I thought there was only one daughter in the Janssen family, Diana. Why is there suddenly a second daughter? Ellie asked, pulling Diana aside

2/3

912AM c d

Chapter 182

"This is something I can't explain completely. We'll find out once we go in," Diana responded.