The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 21

Seeing Jessa’s name flash across the screen snapped David back to reality.

He looked like a wreck. His shirt was half-soaked, his skin was covered in lipstick marks, and his breath was still shaky. He had just lost control. He’d gotten turned on by Ella.

He didn’t even like Ella. He told himself it was just because he was a man, and any man would have a hard time resisting someone as stunning as her.

David hit the answer button, guilt heavy in his chest. It made his voice softer than usual, almost gentle. “Jessa.”

Heavy metal music pounded through the phone. Jessa’s voice was sweet. “David, I’m at a bar.”

“No drinking,” he said. “Get your assistant to order you some juice.”

“Okay, I will. My assistant always listens to you anyway. David, why don’t you come out and join me? I’ll wait for you.”

David turned, ready to head out.

But a small hand reached out and grabbed his shirt sleeve.

He looked back. Ella was completely drenched; her slip dress clung to her curves. Her eyes were red, and she was gripping his sleeve tightly, refusing to let go.

David tried to pull his arm away, but Ella held on even tighter, her eyes getting redder, her stare desperate and stubborn.

As he opened his mouth to say something, Ella suddenly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, “Don’t go. Please… I’m begging you.”

Even now, as a grown woman, Ella was still terrified of being left behind.

She was scared of being alone on a busy street, lost in the crowd.

David was caught between her and the call. Jessa’s voice came through the phone again. “David, are you listening? Come over here right now.”

Ella rose up on her toes and called out softly, “Davy…”

Davy.

That was what the girl from years ago used to call him.

But… wasn’t that girl supposed to be Jessa?

David’s face changed. “Jessa, something’s come up. I can’t make it.”

He hung up and turned to Ella, pushing her back against the wall. His eyes were cold and sharp as he stared at her. “Who told you to call me that? Ella, who are you really?”

Ella wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Her lips were soft and warm, tasting sweet and fresh, a little shy, a little bold.

David didn’t close his eyes. He just stared at her, and she watched him right back, her eyes clear and bright.

Suddenly, David realized Ella’s eyes looked just like the eyes of that girl from his memories.

Ella kissed him for a bit, but when he didn’t react, she pulled back, letting go.

As She started to walk away, David’s arm shot out, grabbing her and pulling her into his arms. His scent wrapped around her as he bent down and kissed her hard.

…

At the bar, Jessa sat with her assistant at the counter. The assistant asked, “Jessa, is Mr. Harmon not coming tonight?”

Jessa frowned. Something felt off during her call with David. It was like someone was with him.

She didn’t hesitate. She called Cedric. “Cedric, are you with David tonight?”

“No, Jessa,” Cedric answered. “But he called me earlier. Said something about a girl being drugged.”

He paused, then added, “Jessa, you don’t think it was Ella, do you?”

Jessa pointed to David on the video call and said, “This is my boyfriend. But if he doesn’t get here in the next thirty minutes, then tonight, I’m yours.”

The guy raised his eyebrows.

David’s voice was icy. “Jessa, what are you doing?”

Jessa’s face was bright, her eyes full of confidence. “David, tonight you have to choose. Me or Ella.”

“David, you can only be with one girl.”

She hung up.

David’s eyes burned with anger, his grip on his phone so tight his knuckles turned white.

David, you can only have one girl.

Mom, you can only have one daughter.

Ella heard those words echo in her mind like a curse. She froze.

Then the warmth at her side disappeared as David let go of her and walked out.

Ella looked up at him. He was already changing out of his wet clothes, putting on a clean shirt and trousers.

He came back in, eyes dark and unreadable as he looked at her. “What kind of guy do you like?”

“Huh?”

Ella was stunned for a second, not understanding.

David went on. “I’ll find a man for you. Or two, if you want.”