The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 82

When Ella stepped back into the Harmon family estate, the first person she saw in the living room was someone she could never forget. Mike.

Years ago, when Rachel sent her away to the countryside, it was to Mike’s place. He had become her foster father, at least on paper.

Now, Grandma Chelsea and Mike sat together on the living room sofa. Grandma Chelsea greeted him with genuine warmth. “Ella grew up in the country, and we’re so grateful to you for those years. You raised her so well. Now she’s the perfect wife for our family.”

Mike’s left eye was blind, leaving him with just one sharp, calculating eye. He was a big, rough man, known for his drinking and violence back then. Now, sitting on the plush sofa, his one good eye roamed greedily over the expensive decor, the antique paintings, the luxurious details everywhere. He looked thrilled, almost hungry for it all.

But in front of Grandma Chelsea, he played the part of the humble, honest country man. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Harmon. I just hope Ella hasn’t caused your family any trouble since she married in.”

Grandma Chelsea beamed at Ella, her pride obvious. “Not at all. Ella is such a good girl.”

Mike’s lips curled into a sly, unsettling smile. “Yeah, Ella’s always been a good girl.”

Standing by the door, Ella felt a wave of nausea rise up. Her stomach churned. She wanted to run, or maybe just disappear.

The butler, Felix, noticed her and spoke up. “Ma’am, you’re home.”

Mike looked up and saw her. He hadn’t seen Ella in ten years, not since he went to prison. She wasn’t a child anymore. Now she’d grown into a graceful young girl.

His gaze lingered on her face, then drifted down, taking in her figure. He stood up, his voice louder than it needed to be. “Ella, you’re back. After all these years. I’ve thought about you every day.”

His hand moved along her shoulder, rubbing warmth into her skin. She could feel his heat through her thin clothes, his embrace wrapping around her, steady and sure. For a moment, she felt safe. She wanted to stay right there, leaning into him, protected.

She came back to herself and managed a small smile. “Maybe I just didn’t wear enough today.”

Grandma Chelsea smiled warmly at David. “David, this is Ella’s foster father. He came all the way from the country to see her.”

David’s eyes, cold and deep, landed on Mike.

Mike stared at the man next to Ella. He looked powerful, confident, the kind of man who belonged in rooms like this. Envy twisted Mike’s face. That little bitch, he thought, actually managed to end up with a man like that.