Brianna calculated her next move with a smug smile, pulling out Eric’s number from her contacts.
Eric had given Ella a painting worth thirty million dollars upon their first meeting. Though he had just returned to the country and had kept a low profile, Brianna had seen a rumor today linking him to a female model.
Brianna believed that despite Eric’s impulsive gift, he must have some feelings for Ella.
"Mr. Nelson, hello, this is Mrs. Davis. I apologize for the intrusion, but there’s something I felt you should know..." Brianna began, her voice tinged with faint anxiety.
There was a pause on the other end, "Ah, Mrs. Davis, what can I do for you?"
The lazy, sensual tone of Eric’s voice made Brianna’s heart flutter slightly.
"Well, I happened to hear that Ella sold the painting you gave her to Old Mr. Carter for only two million dollars..."
There was a moment of silence on the other end, leaving Brianna wondering what Eric was thinking.
"I’m really sorry. It’s my fault for not keeping an eye on her. She sold the painting so cheaply and disregarded your kindness!" Brianna said softly, her voice filled with guilt.
"No need to apologize, Mrs. Davis. Once I gave the painting to her, it became her personal property. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy," Eric replied with a light laugh.
Brianna’s expression changed, not expecting him to be so calm...
But considering Eric was a billionaire who had seen all sorts of people, he was probably maintaining his image by not losing his temper in front of her.
"I’m glad Mr. Nelson isn’t upset with Ella. Thank you for your time. I hope to invite you to our home for dinner sometime," Brianna said with a smile, already planning that if Eric grew disappointed in Ella, her daughter Hannah might have a chance.
"I’ll look forward to it," Eric replied with a chuckle.
Brianna’s heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by that?
"Haha, my daughter Hannah is also looking forward to dining with you!" she added.
"Hannah? I was a bit impolite last time, my apologies," Eric said casually.
Brianna was ecstatic, "No worries, Hannah won’t mind. Then I won’t bother you anymore, Mr. Nelson. Goodbye."
"Goodbye," Eric’s voice carried a hint of amusement, making Brianna even happier.
Hannah was just as attractive as Ella, if not more! Given Eric’s good mood, he might be interested in Hannah after all?
Brianna’s face lit up with a radiant smile.
That evening, Ella came downstairs for dinner.
Brianna and Hannah waved her over with smiles, "Come, we made all your favorite dishes tonight!"
Ella cheerfully bounded down the stairs, "Wow, so many of my favorite dishes, and they smell amazing!"
"Yes, Mommy made them herself!" Hannah said with a bright smile, gracefully picking up her utensils.
Robert glanced at Brianna, his eyes softening.
"Thank you, Mommy!" Ella said sweetly, picking up her utensils with a smile, "Daddy, you must be tired after a long day at work. Eat up!"
"You sweet talker!" Robert laughed, his face full of joy.
"Oh, dear, did you know that our Ella is quite impressive? Mr. Nelson gifted her a painting worth thirty million dollars!" Brianna said, her smile hiding a sneer.
Robert, who rarely paid attention to gossip due to his busy schedule, looked at Ella in surprise and delight after hearing Brianna’s words.
"Ella, is this true?"
Ella smiled awkwardly, "Yes, it’s true, Daddy."
"A painting worth thirty million! Mr. Nelson must really like you. Bring that painting here, I’d love to see it!" Robert was so excited that he forgot about his meal.
"Daddy, I lent the painting to Old Mr. Carter," Ella said, lowering her head.
"No worries. The Carter Group is extremely wealthy, and maintaining good relations with them is wise," Robert said nonchalantly.
Hannah’s eyes sparkled with mischief, "Sister, how could you lie to Daddy? I heard from Chloe that you sold the painting to her grandfather!"
Brianna looked shocked, "Ella, how could you sell something Mr. Nelson gave you? What if he finds out..."
Ella curled her lips into a cold smile. Brianna was such a good actress, almost as good as an award-winning star.
"Ella, how could you be so foolish? Are you that desperate for money?" Robert’s face darkened, anger blazing in his eyes.
Ella widened her eyes and shot a cold glare at Hannah, "Daddy, I did not sell the painting!"
"Sister, I only told Daddy because I was worried about you. I don’t want to see you get scolded, but if Mr. Nelson finds out, the Davis Group could be in trouble!" Hannah said, feigning concern.
Ella sneered internally. Hannah had a way with words, escalating the issue to a corporate level with just one sentence.
Robert was even more agitated. He stood up abruptly, "You need to get that painting back from the Carter Group immediately! Whatever it costs, I’ll cover it!"
"Daddy, sister sold that thirty-million-dollar painting for just two million!" Hannah quickly added, while Brianna shook her head in disappointment, "Ella, you really let Mr. Nelson down..."
"Daddy, Mommy, you’re mistaken. How could I sell the painting? Don’t listen to Chloe’s nonsense. Old Mr. Carter loves to replicate paintings, so I lent it to him for two months. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Old Mr. Carter yourself," Ella huffed, "Hannah, how could you slander me like that? I never sold the painting!"
Robert’s expression softened considerably. He went to the balcony to make a call and returned a few minutes later, beaming. "Sweetheart, you did well. Old Mr. Carter says you’re very sensible. Because of you, the Carter Group wants to collaborate with us on a project!"
Brianna and Hannah exchanged glances, their faces turning pale.
"So that’s how it is... Chloe must have misunderstood. I’m so sorry for the confusion, sister!" Hannah quickly apologized with a forced smile.
"Hmph, next time don’t jump to conclusions and almost get me in trouble with Daddy!" Ella said, feigning irritation.
Robert gave Hannah a cold glance, "Hannah, don’t stir up trouble. You made me think Ella was foolish enough to sell a thirty-million-dollar painting for two million!"
Hannah lowered her head, "Daddy, I didn’t mean to. I was just worried about sister because of what Chloe said."
"Alright, alright, it’s just a misunderstanding. Let’s eat, I’m hungry," Brianna said with a smile, breaking the tension between the father and daughter.
A cold glint flashed in Ella’s eyes. You think you can fight me? You’re not even close to being qualified.