The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 109

“No,” Ella blurted out, shaking her head. “I wasn’t with Mr. Harmon last night.”

David heard how quickly she denied it, and he almost laughed. She was terrified Atlas might find out the truth. She really was something, lying so easily to keep the guys in the dark.

Little liar.

Atlas turned to David. “David, why aren’t you saying anything?”

David kept his expression cool. “Didn’t she already explain everything?”

If Ella said it, then that was the story.

Ella looked uncomfortable. “David, Atlas, you two go ahead and talk. I’ll just head out for a minute.”

She slipped out of the office.

Atlas made his way over to David, sounding frustrated. “David, you seriously need to pick up on social cues.”

David raised an eyebrow, not really getting it.

“When I’m with Ella, you should come up with an excuse to leave. Give us some time alone. Got it?”

David stared at him, silent.

This was his office, and somehow he was the one who had to leave? Seriously?

He kept his voice flat. “If you want time alone, then you both can leave.”

Atlas huffed. “Come on, man, what’s with the attitude? I’m your best friend. If your buddy’s trying to win over a girl, shouldn’t you help out? You even said you supported me going after Ella.”

Ella was still technically his wife. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of being played for a fool.

He finally spoke, sounding almost bored. “You’re supposed to be a pro at this. Isn’t winning over girls your specialty?”

Atlas sighed. “Ella’s different. She’s so sweet, so innocent. I don’t want to scare her off.”

David paused. Innocent? Really?

David pressed his lips together, the tension clear on his face. She had said she’d handle things, so he thought she’d find a way to stop the event. He never imagined she’d just walk right into the chaos by herself.

What was she thinking?

Was she about to make things worse?

David shot to his feet, striding for the door. “Get the car. We’re going to the press conference.”

He had to see for himself what she planned to do.

Atlas rushed after him. “David, wait up. I’m coming too.”

…

The press conference was a circus. All thirty-six of Rockford Bay’s top media outlets had shown up. Reporters were everywhere, snapping photos like their lives depended on it.

Mike stood in front of the cameras, putting on his best heartbroken act. His eyes looked wet as he spoke, voice trembling. “Ella might be my adopted daughter, but I’ve always treated her as my own…”