The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2126

Grandpa was truly content with Ella's life over the years. Paul had confirmed it too. She was doing well, leading a healthy lifestyle, studying hard, and maintaining a clean and wholesome social circle.

"Finally, you're back. I was scared I might never see you again!"

"Grandpa." Ella gripped Jon's hand tightly. "You're going to live to be a hundred."

Jon chuckled, "If only it were that simple."

"It is," Ella insisted. "You deserve it, even if I had to give you some of my own years."

"You silly girl, coming back all educated and still talking nonsense." Though he pretended not to enjoy her words, Grandpa couldn't block the wave of affection that washed over him. "I heard from Paul that you're planning to stay abroad to teach. Does that mean you won't be settling back home?"d2

Ella shook her head with a smile, "I'll be staying here for now. They've made a special arrangement for me; I'll be a visiting professor there and partake in a faculty exchange with Summit Ridge University here."

Grandpa asked, puzzled, "What does that mean?"

"It means that while a professor from Summit Ridge University goes to Y Country, I'll take up a position at Summit Ridge University back home."

This explanation delighted Grandpa. "That's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Now you can stay close to me."

"Grandpa, I'll spend holidays with you, but once I start working, I might need to live on my own for convenience."

Grandpa paused, not entirely supportive, "Why live alone?"

"Because it'll be easier for work. But don't worry, Grandpa, I'll come to visit whenever I can."

At that moment, the butler called in a maid to bring some refreshments. Noticing Grandpa's slightly displeased expression, he chuckled: "The youngsters need their space, sir. Besides making work easier, it also makes dating more convenient."

Grandpa's gaze immediately landed on Paul.

Caught off guard by this direct look, Paul felt a bit awkward but still managed a smile, “Of course, selfishly, I support Ella's decision."

Grandpa instantly brightened up, "Well then, that's settled."

With Grandpa cheered up, the butler coughed softly and cautiously broached another subject, "Should we ask Mr. Noah to join us for dinner tonight?"

Grandpa's smile instantly faded, and the atmosphere in the living room tensed. Everyone turned to look at Ella.

Ella appeared unfazed and inquired, "What's wrong with him?"

Jon pursed his lips and gestured dismissively, "No need. He'll just rile me up like always. He can come back if he wants, or just forget it – I'm not begging him to return."

The butler sighed softly and went back to his duties.

"Grandpa, you and Uncle..."

Jon cut her off, "That's none of your business. He's been nothing but trouble lately. Just the sight of him irks me. Don't bring him up."

Ella nodded, saying no more.

Grandpa observed Ella's expression discreetly, noting no trace of concern. His feelings were a complex mix of relief and resignation. So many years had passed, and it seemed she truly had moved on.

Ella didn't have much to say or ask. She had occasionally heard from Paul about the developments in P City over the last couple of years. Naturally, this included mentions of Noah.

Talking about the Harper family inevitably led to Chloe, then Cicely and Seth. Mentioning Seth invariably brought up the entertainment industry and the media. Speaking of the media meant discussing the TV industry titan, the president of Summit Media, Noah.

Over the years, she had never deliberately sought out information about him. At first, there was resistance, but gradually she learned to accept it, from initial panic to eventual peace.

She knew of his endeavors but never delved into the details. He was doing well. After all, he was her uncle, and no problem was too big for him. He never needed anyone to worry about him.

"You are having dinner with us tonight, Paul." Grandpa declared, unwilling to let Noah disrupt the mood.

Paul glanced at Ella and shook his head with a smile, "Ella just got back. I wouldn't want to intrude on your time together. You guys should get some rest early."

As they spoke, Paul stood up to leave. Despite Grandpa's insistence that he stay, Paul departed.

Ella walked him to the door. Stepping outside, she noticed the skies that had been blazing hours ago were now overcast. Dark clouds that had been scattered across the horizon were now congealing, and a breeze had picked up.

"The weather here is always so unpredictable." Ella sighed. "You better get going, drive safely."

Paul nodded, "Spend the next few days with Grandpa. I'll pick you up in a couple of days to visit the university."

"Sure," Ella agreed readily.

A gust of wind fluttered her white dress and tossed her hair across her face, creating a soft, chaotic veil.

Paul reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, his gaze tender as he looked at her for a long moment, his fingers gently caressing her soft cheek. "Better get inside before you catch a cold."

"Okay."

Ella watched his car drive away before she turned and re-entered the mansion.

*

Dinner was unsurprisingly all of Ella's favorites.

She had been craving these dishes, and Grandpa made sure she had her fill.

After dinner, Grandpa didn't linger for more chit-chat. He promptly encouraged her to rest. Without protest, Ella, truly exhausted, didn’t even bother to unpack her suitcase. She simply pulled out her pajamas, took a shower, and after silencing all alarms and setting her phone to mute, she fell asleep to the sound of the gentle rain outside, covered by a cool blanket.

The next morning she awoke feeling adjusted to the local time zone, having conquered jet lag on the flight.

She spent the next couple of days indoors, keeping Grandpa company while the rain continued off and on. The estate's lush greenery, previously wilted from the sun’s scorching heat, now gleamed with vitality, their leaves reaching skyward with renewed energy.

Ella cherished the rejuvenating feeling that came with the rain, the air infused with the vitality of fresh greenery and the earthy scent of damp soil. However, the elderly, like Jon, couldn't muster the same enthusiasm for rainy days. The dreariness seemed to seep into his bones, making every joint protest.

It was a common trait among the older folks – a stubborn reluctance to seek medical attention. No matter how much discomfort they felt, they often endured in silence rather than visit a hospital. Since the downpour began, the butler had been wearing a perpetual frown.

Ella had stayed home for a couple of days to keep Jon company and slowly noticed his spirit waning. It was then she realized that he had been putting on a brave face for her.

Upon understanding the gravity of the situation, Ella insisted on calling a doctor without further ado. And, fearing that Jon might still be hiding something from her, she decided to take the bull by the horns, insisting on personally escorting him to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up.

The butler was in full support and promptly made the arrangements.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, a group of doctors in white coats awaited them at the entrance. Among them was a strikingly tall woman with a neat low ponytail, whose confident and accomplished aura was impossible to overlook – Rebecca.

Years had passed, but Ella still remembered her. It seemed that in addition to her innate self- assurance, Rebecca's professional achievements had added to her confidence.

Seeing them exit the car, Rebecca quickly approached, trailed by a couple of interns with a wheelchair.

"Jon, what seems to be the trouble?" Rebecca asked.

Jon waved dismissively, too stubborn to sit in the wheelchair, "Just the usual aches and pains with this wet weather. Ella's making a mountain out of a molehill."

Rebecca disagreed, "You're the one avoiding the issue. You need to speak up the moment you feel unwell. I work here, and I'm a doctor. If you just ignore this, Noah would never forgive me, and neither would I."

With a heavy sigh that hinted at his impatience whenever Noah was mentioned, Jon finally acquiesced and sat in the wheelchair.

Rebecca then straightened up and turned to Ella with a polite, distant smile. "Back home, I see."

"Yeah, Rebecca, how've you been?"

Ella could understand Rebecca's reaction. It was quite common for Rebecca to treat her this way, and Ella preferred this honest detachment to feigned affection.

"Grandpa's been feeling off with the rain, and I wanted to get him a full checkup."

At her words, Rebecca gave a thin smile, "Leave it to me."

Ella, with her hands in her coat pockets, nodded, "Thanks, Rebecca."

The full check-up took time, with visits to various departments, but it seemed everything had been pre-arranged by Rebecca, so there were no delays.

While Jon was in the MRI room, Rebecca and Ella had a moment to talk. Rebecca, hands in the pockets of her white coat, asked casually, "When did you get back? How come I didn't hear anything about it?"

"I didn't want grandpa to worry, so I didn't tell anyone."

"I heard your school abroad really values you, and they want to keep you as a distinguished visiting lecturer?"

"That's right."

Peering through the glass at the MRI room, Rebecca inquired nonchalantly, "So, is this visit just for the summer, or..."

Ella pressed her lips together, taking a brief pause before responding, "Just for the summer for now, but I might stay longer in the country, depending on how things go."

Rebecca's brow furrowed subtly, "Does Noah know you're back?"

The question struck Ella as odd, considering Rebecca's close relationship with Noah. Wouldn't she know whether or not he was aware of Ella's return?

"He doesn't."

Rebecca's usually measured smile grew slightly, her tone sounding peculiar to Ella, "He's been quite worried about you."

Ella could only guess that Noah was still upset about her leaving without telling him years ago. Perhaps his concern was more about settling scores.

As the MRI session concluded, the two women stopped talking and entered the room to get Jon.

Next was the echocardiogram. As soon as Jon was taken in, Ella saw a tall, imposing figure striding down the hectic hospital corridor – Noah.

Ella froze for a second, and Rebecca stepped forward with a smile to greet the man approaching at a brisk pace. "You're here?"

Noah's icy gaze swept past Ella without pause, focusing on Rebecca as he asked in a low voice, "What's going on?"

"There's no need to worry. Some key indicators are still normal. It's the usual age-related joint wear and the dampness of the rainy season that's causing discomfort."

Hearing this, Noah simply nodded with a furrowed brow.

The atmosphere grew tense with silence until Rebecca, linking her arm with Noah's, suggested, "Ella told me you didn't know she was back. Maybe we should all have dinner together sometime?"

Noah's attention remained off Ella, his tone indifferent, "When will we have the full results?"

"In about an hour."

"Okay."

The conversation dwindled once more.

Ella stood by the examination room door, leaning slightly against the wall, her hands clasped in front of her. She avoided looking at Noah, instead keeping her gaze on the molding across the wall, waiting calmly for Jon's examination to finish.

The echocardiogram didn't take long, and as soon as Jon emerged, Ella immediately went to his side, with Noah and Rebecca following.

Jon's mood soured at the sight of Noah, "What are you doing here?"

Rebecca tried to smooth things over with a laugh, "Jon, don't be like that. I called Noah."

Jon snorted, "Seeing less of him might actually add days to my life."

Ella was taken aback by Jon's attitude toward Noah. She had thought it was just talk at home, but now it seemed much more serious.

With Noah remaining silent, Ella quickly asked Rebecca, "Rebecca, are there any more tests?"

"We're done with tests. No more." Jon interjected.

"But, Grandpa..."

"No more words. We're going home."

Realizing Jon's resolve, Rebecca relented, "Alright, let's head back then. We have all his medical records here, and it's likely just the usual issues that come with age. It should be fine once the rain stops. I'll arrange for some medication."

"Then we'll wait for the medication before heading back."

"Enough waiting. We're heading home now!" Jon's voice thundered once more, and Rebecca cast a helpless glance at Ella.

"Just go ahead, I'll bring it by later."

Ella fell silent for a beat, then, with a hint of resignation, said, "Fine, Rebecca, thanks."

With that, Ella gave Noah a look. Noting his indifferent demeanor, Ella’s lips parted as if to speak, but thinking better of it with his earlier coldness, she decided against it. Pushing her grandfather's

wheelchair, Ella left to avoid further awkwardness.

Jon was in a foul mood the entire way, and Ella found the relentless rain outside just as tiresome.

Thankfully, by evening, the sun had broken through the clouds.

Regardless of his discomfort, the absence of Noah and the cessation of rain lifted Jon's spirits considerably. That night, with Ella's company, Jon even managed to eat a little more at dinner.

Ella waited for Rebecca to bring the medication, even having the butler call to remind her before dinner, to ensure Jon could take it with his meal.

After dinner, the ground outside was still damp, so a stroll was out of the question. They stayed in the living room playing chess, waiting for the medication.

Jon seemed particularly drained by the day's pain and soon went upstairs to rest.

Left alone in the living room, Ella fiddled with the chess pieces out of boredom and occasionally replied to messages on her phone.

Before too long, there was a commotion outside. She stood to greet the newcomer, but froze when the housemaid unexpectedly announced, "Mr. Noah."

Noah walked in with a stern face, his eyes—those same eyes that had not spared her a single glance at the hospital—now icily fixed on her.

Feeling the weight of his gaze, as if it wished to tear her apart, Ella nervously bit her lip and murmured "Uncle Noah" when he came closer.

Noah tossed the bag of medicine onto the coffee table and his frosty gaze returned to her. "Who allowed you to come back?"

Ella's lips tightened, her earlier intent to be submissive waning. "I had to come back. I promised Grandpa..."

Noah cut her off sharply, "Promised him what? You promised to come back two years ago. But did you come back then?"

Clutching her hands, Ella had no response.

"Maybe four years doesn't mean much to you, but did you ever consider how many sets of four years your grandfather has left?"

Ella, already feeling guilty towards Jon, found Noah's blunt accusation squeezing her heart painfully.

Taking a deep breath, she seemed to compose herself and looked up at Noah defiantly. "I know I let Grandpa down, and that's why I had to return. If you're accusing me with those four years, then, Uncle Noah, maybe you should reflect on why your meetings with your father resemble encounters with an enemy. Shouldn't you seize the chance to be a good son?"

"Why?" Noah's eyes darkened, as if covered in frost, "What right do you have to judge me?"

"And isn't that a bit hypocritical?"

Noah let out a mocking laugh, stepping closer, his chilling aura startling Ella. His dark eyes bore into hers, demanding her attention as if by some spell. "What were all those years away for? Don't you get it? You can choose to forget people and things with distance and time, but so can others. In fact, while you've been away from home, your so-called grandfather has been living just fine. Nobody is indispensable."

Ella bit her lip hard, "No matter what you say, as long as Grandpa doesn't send me away, and as long as he still cares for me, I won't leave easily."

"But I don't want to see you."