The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 18

Ella’s fingers lingered over the faded words on the label. For a moment, she let herself remember—her childhood had been happy once. Her dad had adored her more than anything.

Rachel seemed almost radiant that evening, her cheeks warm and her smile easy. She opened the bottle, poured two bowls of wine, and slid one across the table to Ella.

“Ella. Cheers.”

Ella studied her, her voice cool and steady. “How did my father actually die?”

Rachel’s hand shook so hard she nearly spilled her wine.

She looked away. “Ella, your dad… he was sick. You wouldn’t get it. You’re not a doctor.”

Ella’s mouth curled into a cold smile. She tipped the bowl back, swallowing the wine in one go. She’d figure out the truth for herself.

Setting down her empty bowl, Ella stood. “I’ve got to go.”

She barely made it to her feet before someone else walked in. A middle-aged man—Harold—stepped into the room.

Ella frowned. “Who are you?”

He looked polished, but the way he stared at her made her skin crawl.

Rachel put her drink down. “Ella, this is Harold. He works at Central Hospital. He knows Doctor E… the one who could treat Jessa.”

Ella’s gaze flicked between them. So Harold was her mother’s new solution.

She gave a slow, sarcastic smile. “And?”

Rachel’s expression hardened, all traces of warmth gone. “Ella, just spend one night with Harold. If you do, he’ll help Jessa.”

Ella’s breath caught. To save her sister, her own mother wanted to trade her like this? So this was why Rachel had asked her to come home.

Ella’s face burned. Whatever Rachel had given her was strong. She reached instinctively for her waist, hoping to find her silver needles. Nothing. She must have left them at the villa.

She rushed out, pushing herself to move fast. Ever since she’d packed her suitcase and left, she hadn’t come back here.

She headed straight for the master bedroom, searching every drawer for her needles. They were gone. Marian must have tossed them when she cleaned up.

The room spun. Ella never drank, and the wine’s effects were hitting her hard. Her mind was slipping, heat rolling through her, making it hard to think.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Someone was home.

Could it be David?

Her eyes lit up.

A moment later, David opened the door, and she stumbled forward, her whole body flushed and weak, falling right into his arms.