The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 133

She’d been living here ever since she moved out of the Harmon family’s old house.

David’s gaze landed on Ella’s bed. Everything was tidy. Her blanket and pillow were stacked just right, but a white camisole was tossed on the sheets, probably left behind when she went to shower.

He glanced at it, then quickly looked away, turning toward her.

Ella opened her mouth, trying to explain. “I hit Wesley today because—”

“Ella, I sent you to Central College so you could focus on your studies. Not for you to sleep through class or get into fights.” His voice was sharp, the anger he’d been holding back all the way here finally bursting out. “You don’t have to be a good student like Jessa, but you can’t keep causing trouble. Now the Ross family is trying to get you kicked out. I can’t always drop everything to come fix your messes, you know that?”

Ella just looked at him, silent and wide-eyed, stunned by how harsh he sounded.

He clearly didn’t care what she had to say.

In his eyes, she was always the problem.

She’d never measure up to Jessa.

He was nothing like the man she’d seen last night at that club, laughing and playing cards with Jessa, letting her feed him grapes and sip his wine. Last night, he’d been warm, even gentle.

With her, he was always cold and impatient.

Jessa was the one he loved.

Ella was the one he couldn’t stand.

Ella’s clear, bright eyes stayed on his face. “Mr. Harmon, I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

David froze for a second.

A small, almost sad smile flickered on her lips. “I don’t know why the counselor called you. I’ll talk to him. You’re not my guardian, so you won’t need to worry about me anymore.”

Who would believe it? That she was the one always pinning him down?

She quickly tried to push herself up, her hands scrambling for leverage.

But he caught her wrist again. His voice was low, rough. “Ella, just where do you think you’re touching?”

She realized her palm was pressed against his firm stomach, the muscles shifting under her hand.

“I…” She tried to explain.

David didn’t let her finish. He tugged her closer, pulling her into his arms. He stared up at the ceiling, looking tired and frustrated all at once.

“Ella,” he said in that husky voice, “why can’t you just be good for once?”