The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 120

Over the years, she had gotten used to drifting. Somewhere along the way, she grew up.

But she was starting to realize that kindness could make her cry even more than all the hard times ever did.

Grandma Chelsea pulled Ella into a hug and gently patted her back, just like she used to when Ella was little. “Silly girl, why are you being so polite with your grandma?”

“Grandma, I need to tell you something.”

“Tell me, what is it?”

David was standing outside the door, watching Ella. She leaned against Grandma Chelsea’s shoulder, her long lashes trembling. Big, silent tears slid down her cheeks. “Grandma, I can’t stay here anymore. I have to go.”

Grandma Chelsea froze. “Why? Did David mess with you again? I’ll go set him straight right now!”

Felix immediately handed her a feather duster. “Here you go, madam.”

Grandma Chelsea gripped it. “Ella, don’t leave. Why should you go? If someone has to leave, it’ll be David!”

David stood in the hall, speechless.

Was he even her real grandson? Maybe he’d been adopted. Felix seemed to have forgotten who the real owner of this house was.

Then Ella’s gentle voice broke the silence. “Grandma, you’ve got it wrong. David didn’t do anything. He’s actually… been really good to me.”

Grandma Chelsea squinted at her. “Really?”

David caught Ella’s gaze as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. She hugged Grandma Chelsea tighter and managed a bright laugh. “Of course, Grandma. Don’t worry, that’s not what I meant. I just… David is sending me to Central College. I have to start living on campus tomorrow, so I can’t come back home.”

Grandma Chelsea blinked in surprise. “David’s sending you to Central College? That’s wonderful! It’s one of the best schools out there. David finally did something right.”

Ella let go of Grandma Chelsea. “Grandma, I have to check in at school tomorrow.”

“I’ll go with you.”

David looked into her eyes. They were still red from crying, somehow even brighter than before. Her nose was pink, and even though she tried to stand tall, there was something so fragile about her that he couldn’t ignore.

She looked so heartbreakingly fragile.

“I’ll have the driver take you,” David said quietly.

“Thank you, but it’s okay. I’ll go by myself.”

Without another word, Ella turned and walked away.

She didn’t look back, not even once.

David watched as the front door swung open. Her slim figure disappeared quickly into the cold, dark night. She was gone.

He felt a heaviness settle in his chest. He loosened his tie with a sigh. Maybe this was for the best. Let her go.