The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 273

Ella stepped into her dorm room just as her phone buzzed with a video call from Lilly.

Lilly’s face filled the screen, all big smiles and mischief. “Ella, spill. How was it last night with Mr. Harmon?” She waggled her brows, clearly fishing for details.

Ella gave a soft laugh. “Why aren’t you back yet, Lilly?”

“I didn’t want to get in the way. I know when I’m about to be a third wheel.”

Lilly leaned closer to the camera. “Honestly, Mr. Harmon was amazing dealing with Monica this time. I can tell he really likes you. Now that you two have, you know, actually become a real couple, I hope you can make it work. I want you to be happy together.”

Ella didn’t know what to say. She unwrapped a piece of candy and let it melt on her tongue, waiting for the sweetness to settle before smiling. “Thanks, Lilly. Come back soon, okay?”

“I’ll be home tonight.”

“Alright.”

She hung up, then sat quietly on her bed and reached under her pillow for the pendant. Her pale fingers traced the tiny carvings, her thoughts wandering.

Her phone rang again, the sound slicing through the silence. She glanced at the screen.

David.

For a second, she just watched his name flash before she answered.

His voice, deep and steady, filled her ear. “Do you have a minute?”

Ella answered softly, “Yeah.”

“I’m waiting outside the school gate.”

He was already here, waiting for her.

“Okay.”

David’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “You can ask for anything you want in the settlement.”

She cut him off. “You’ve already given me more than enough. I don’t want anything else.”

He took out a sleek black credit card and handed it to her. “This is for you.”

Ella shook her head. “I don’t need it.”

“It’s for the other night. And for last night. Take it. You deserve it.”

It felt like someone was squeezing her heart, so hard she could barely breathe.

She had given him everything, and this was what he offered in return. In the end, no matter how intense things felt, to him it was just a transaction. Something that could be settled with money.

Ella stared at him, her eyes clear and steady. The question she’d kept buried for so long finally slipped out. “David, did you ever love me?”