The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 210

The Irvine family raised their glasses, laughter bubbling around the table as they sipped their wine.

Jessa glanced over at David, who had barely said a word all evening. He sat quietly, not joining in any of the family chatter, just keeping to himself. Ever since Ella left, he’d been staring at the spot where she’d disappeared, clearly lost in thought.

“David, are you okay?” Jessa finally asked, breaking the spell. “Are you worried about us investing in Doctor E’s medical team?”

David looked up, his eyes landing briefly on Doctor E across from him. Doctor E shifted in his seat, feeling strangely exposed under David’s calm but piercing gaze. Both David and Ella had that way about them, like they could see straight through you. It made him nervous.

But David’s attention didn’t linger. “It’s nothing,” he said, glancing away. “You all can decide for yourselves.” He stood up, ready to leave. “I’ve got something to take care of. Please excuse me.”

“Mr. Harmon, you’re leaving already? You haven’t even had dinner.” Grandma Jill’s voice was gentle but insistent, and she shot Jessa a meaningful look.

Jessa knew David was still upset about the photo incident, but he’d shown up the moment he heard her heart was hurting. That had to mean something.

She pressed her hand dramatically to her chest. “David, my heart hurts…”

David stopped in his tracks.

Without another word, Jessa let herself swoon right into his arms. “David, can you carry me upstairs? I need to rest.”

“Yes, Mr. Harmon, please take Jessa up to her room,” Grandma Jill chimed in.

David looked at Jessa, her face pale and fragile. He didn’t argue. He simply picked her up and carried her out of the room.

As they disappeared upstairs, Grandma Jill turned to Peter and Rachel. “Maureen and Doctor E are almost engaged, you know. I’d hate to see Maureen married before Jessa finally becomes Mrs. Harmon.”

...

Ella didn’t leave the house right away. Instead, she slipped out to the backyard.

There used to be a swing set there, one her dad had built just for her. She remembered spending hours on it, her father pushing her higher and higher. “Look at my Ella, flying so high!” he’d laugh.

Those memories still felt so close, almost like she could reach out and touch them.

But when Ella stepped into the backyard, she saw the swing was gone. Grandma Jill must have had someone take it down. The yard looked empty, and for a moment, her heart felt like it was caught in a vice. Even that last piece of her childhood had been erased.

She stood there quietly for a while, letting the feeling settle. Just as she turned to leave, two maids walked by, chatting as they carried a tray with an incense burner.