The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 160

Ella’s absence made Maureen shine even brighter.

After signing autographs for a group of classmates, Maureen strolled up to Ella with a grin that said she was on top of the world. “Ella, I heard you got yourself kidnapped by Avery. Why do you always have to make a scene? You’re such a disgrace to the Irvine family.”

Whenever Ella got into trouble, all she ever heard from her family was blame and scolding. No one ever stopped to ask if she was alright.

But Ella didn’t even flinch. She was used to it by now. She just blinked, playful as ever, and teased Maureen. “It’s fine if I embarrass the family. Honestly, they have you, and that’s all they need.”

Maureen’s smile only grew more smug. She clearly liked hearing that. “Did you hear my academic paper got picked by the Medical Institute? They’re putting it on display tomorrow. The whole Irvine family is making a big deal about it. Grandma and my parents are all coming to watch me shine.”

Even Grandma Jill was going, which said everything. Maureen was her pride and joy, not just the star of Central College but the whole Irvine family. Tomorrow, she’d be leading the family to the institute to witness Maureen’s big moment.

Ella arched an eyebrow. She didn’t have to be at home to imagine just how thrilled everyone must be.

She smiled. “Then I guess I’ll swing by the institute too. Wouldn’t want to miss all the excitement.”

“You?” Maureen looked Ella up and down, nose wrinkled in disdain. “Fine, whatever. I know a country girl like you is dying to see how real success looks. But don’t make a scene or embarrass yourself. If you do, I’ll make sure security tosses you out.”

Ella just smiled sweetly. “Sure.”

Maureen clicked away on her heels, head held high.

Lilly came over, worry written all over her face. “Ella, are you really going to the institute tomorrow? Maureen’s whole family will just try to make you look bad.”

Ella patted Lilly’s hand. “Relax. I know what I’m doing.”

She pulled out her phone and sent Wyatt a quick message. “Wyatt, can you send me the paper Maureen got into the Medical Institute?”

He replied almost instantly. “Ok.”

...

Over at Harmon Corporation, David had spent the whole day holed up in his office, buried in work. After running around handling Ella’s drama for days, his to-do list was a mile long.

“What, scared?”

“Chicken!”

Ella just stared at her phone, amused.

So Cedric wanted another round.

She set the paper aside, logged into her gaming account, and shot him a reply. “Alright, I’ll play one match.”

Cedric was thrilled. She was online, walking right into his trap.

The game started.

Cedric had dropped a fortune on new equipment. He’d traded his old broadsword for a shiny monk’s staff and was itching for payback. With his upgraded weapon, he charged straight for Ella’s character, ready to turn the tables.