Although Brianna had successfully defused the awkward situation, Robert’s attitude toward Hannah remained cold.
Once back in her room, Brianna dialed her contact to continue investigating the matter of the painting.
"Old Mr. Carter actually sided with that girl. Could it be that she really didn’t sell the painting?" Brianna’s face turned pale with anger.
She had expected Ella to be reprimanded by Robert tonight.
"Mom, maybe the servant heard wrong, or Old Mr. Carter gave Ella the two million out of gratitude," Hannah was also unhappy but believed the bribed servant wouldn’t lie.
"Let’s set this matter aside for now. Call Eric and see if he’s available to come over for dinner," a glint of calculation flashed in Brianna’s eyes.
If her daughter could marry such a man, her position would be even more secure.
Hannah picked up the phone and dialed Eric’s number, but no one answered.
"Mom, he didn’t pick up!" Hannah angrily threw the phone onto the floor. "Why does he like that bitch?"
The thought of Eric gifting the painting to Ella burned Hannah with jealousy.
She stomped on the phone in a fit of rage, her hands trembling.
"Don’t worry, take it slow. That girl has gotten smarter. We need to think long-term," Brianna gently patted Hannah’s shoulder.
"Mom, I really like Eric! I’ll do anything! He’s the most outstanding man I’ve ever met," Hannah gripped Brianna’s hand, her eyes filled with tears.
"You don’t like Brandon anymore?" Brianna was surprised by her daughter’s determination.
"How can Brandon compare to Eric? We’ll use him to distract that bitch!" Hannah panted, her mind made up.
Although Brandon was handsome, he was no match for Eric.
"Alright, if that’s what you want, we’ll use Brandon as our pawn," Brianna said softly.
Before Ella could fall for Eric and deepen their relationship, Brandon had to make his move!
After his shower, Robert emerged to find Brianna lounging on the bed in a sexy nightgown, lazily flipping through a gossip magazine.
Even though Brianna was in her forties, she maintained her appearance well, looking like she was in her early thirties, with hardly a wrinkle on her delicate face.
The thin nightgown accentuated her alluring curves, making Robert swallow hard as he strode over.
"Darling, I know you’re tired. Let me massage your shoulders," Brianna smiled tenderly, setting down the magazine and guiding Robert to the bed.
Robert looked into her enchanting eyes, feeling the warmth of her love and tenderness.
Years ago, Brianna had captured Robert’s heart with this very charm. He needed a woman who worshipped him.
His first wife, Isabella Carter, had a cold personality and, after marriage, devoted herself to their daughter, neglecting him.
Brianna had seized the opportunity, capturing his heart completely.
Robert lay on the bed as Brianna focused on massaging him, her voice soft and seductive, "Darling, you’ve been working so hard lately. How about taking a day off? It pains me to see you so exhausted."
As she spoke, she moved closer, her chest brushing gently against Robert’s back.
Robert chuckled and suddenly flipped over, pulling Brianna into his arms, "You little minx! No matter how tired I am, I always have the energy for you!"
"Oh, you’re so naughty!" Brianna pretended to push him away, but her eyes were full of fervor and admiration, "Husband, you built this empire from scratch. You’re the strongest man I know!"
"Of course, how could your man be anything less?" Robert laughed, his hands roaming over her body.
"Honey, I know Hannah has made a lot of mistakes lately, but she’s young. She was just a bit too impulsive earlier. Please don’t be too hard on her."
"How could I be mad at her... Enough about that, I can’t wait any longer to have you..." Robert pressed Brianna down, and she could only respond with indistinct sounds...
In the darkness, Brianna panted, a cold smile tugging at her lips. No matter what she and her daughter did wrong, she always knew how to soften Robert’s heart.
At 9 AM, Ella received a call from Eric.
"Come to room 809 at the Nelson Group Hotel. It’s about the painting."
Eric’s voice was so calm it gave away no emotion.
"I know someone tattled on me, but I didn’t sell your painting..." Ella explained softly, biting her lip.
"Just come see me." Eric hung up.
Holding the phone, Ella felt a wave of unease wash over her.
She hadn’t fully figured out what kind of person Eric was, but she knew it was better not to offend him. Explaining everything in person seemed like the best course of action. Brianna was truly insidious, using every means to monitor her every move.
Luckily, Brianna had misunderstood about the painting. This round, Brianna had lost again.
Ella changed clothes and headed to the Nelson Group Hotel.
As soon as she stepped out of the neighborhood, she saw a man wearing a baseball cap, one foot propped on a mountain bike, waiting at the entrance. The moment he saw Ella, his eyes lit up with a fervent gleam.
Ella’s heart tightened, and she found it hard to breathe.
He actually showed up!
This meant that Brianna and her daughter had noticed her changes and sent Brandon ahead of schedule.
Ella calmly averted her gaze, suppressing the turmoil inside.
How ridiculous. Did they really think such an encounter could fool her? In her previous life, Brandon had pursued her just as fanatically, showing up .
She got into a taxi and, through the rearview mirror, she could still see Brandon’s intense gaze locked onto her.
Ella sneered coldly. Brandon loved Hannah but had come to seduce her. It was all part of Hannah’s plan.
This time, she was determined to make those two pay. Just wait and see!
As these thoughts ran through her mind, the car suddenly jolted violently, swerving sharply to the side. She heard the screech of brakes behind her...
Her head slammed against something, and just before she lost consciousness, she realized she had been in an accident... Darkness quickly consumed her mind...