Chapter 8

"She's the one who rear-ended me this morning," Ella said.

Lily's eyes widened as she finally put two and two together.

Before Lily could say anything, Sophia btted in, "Hurry up and give me my money back."

Lily and Ella had never dealt with someone so unreasonable before.

The police had already investigated the situation, so there was no way she was giving it back.

Plus, it was Sophia who was in the wrong, so Ella had every right to keep the money.

"Sophia, this money is mine. If you keep causing trouble, I'll call the police.

"

Ella didn't waste any more breath on her. Talking to someone like Sophia was pointless; it was better to cut to the chase.

Hearing Ella's words, Sophia, who had been so aggressive, suddenly went quiet.

In the end, she just shot Ella a nasty look, bumped her shoulder,and stormed off.Watching her leave, Lily was still in shock. "That woman is something else.11 Ella smiled helplessly, just as Arthur arrived. After saying goodbye to Lily,she walked out. Sitting in the car, Ella turned to look out the window, not saying a word to Arthur.

As the number of cars on the road dwindled, Ella leaned back in her seat,feeling a bit sleepy.

Arthur suddenly spoke, "When we get to Grandpa's, be careful not to let him see through us."

Ella opened her eyes and responded slowly.

Half an hour later, the car finally came to a stop.

Without waiting for Arthur, Ella walked straight into the Smith Villa. The butler was thrilled to see her. "Mrs. Ella Smith, you're back. Mr. Robert Smith will be so happy to see you."

She smiled at the butler. "Where's Grandpa?"

"Mr. Smith should be in the study. Please wait a moment, I'll call him down.Dinner is almost ready."

Ella nodded and sat down on the sofa.

After a while, Arthur also came over and sat next to her.

During dinner, Robert came downstairs. He wasn't surprised to see the two of them. Robert looked at Arthur and snorted, "If I hadn't messaged you,when were you planning to bring Ella back?" "Grandpa, there are too many things at the company. Besides,I'm back now, aren't I?" Arthur replied calmly.

Saying this,Robert took Ella's hand and led her to the dining table.

The butler, who was serving the dishes, smiled. "No wonder Mr. Robert Smith personally chose the menu today; he must have known that Mr.Arthur Smith and Mrs. Ella Smith were coming back."

Ella felt a lump in her throat. Despite years of marriage to Arthur, she had never been close with him, while Robert had always been genuinely kind to her.

"Then I must eat a lot today." Ella smiled and sat down.

Arthur also came over at this time and naturally sat next to Ella.

During the meal,Robert kept asking about their situation.

Ella responded to Robert's concern as much as she could.

When she didn't know how to answer, she kicked Arthur under the table,signaling him to respond.

The meal dragged on for almost an hour.

After dinner, Ella was ready to head home. "Ella, it's already dark outside. Why don't you stay the night?" Robert suggested. Ella wanted to refuse; the last thing she wanted was to share a room with Arthur.Just as she was thinking of a way to decline, Arthur came over, took her hand, and told Robert, "Grandpa, we'll stay tonight."

Arthur agreed and then pulled Ella aside.

Once they were out of Robert's sight, Ella shook off his hand. "Arthur,what's wrong with you? I didn't agree to stay."

"I've already promised Grandpa. I'll take you back early tomorrow morning."

Ella glared at him. "You promised, not me. I'm going to tell Grandpa now."

She turned to leave but was stopped by him.

"I heard Worry-Free Studio has been taking small orders. If you stay tonight. I can introduce a big client to your studio."

This proposition greatly enticed Ella.

After hesitating for a while, she agreed but warned Arthur, "You'd better keep your word and take me backearly tomorrow morning."

Without waiting for Arthur's response, she turned and went upstairs.

So she didn't see Arthur's smug expression. The Smith Villa was cleaned daily, so their bedroom only needed a quick tídy-upt o be ready. Ella walked in and stared at the bed, lost in thought, until she heard

footsteps behind her and turned around.

She then picked up a pillow and blanket and placed them on the floor.

"I'll sleep on the floor."

Saying this, she spread the blanket on the floor and lay down.

Arthur, already in his pajamas, walked to the bed and sat down after seeing Ella on the floor.

Seeing that Athur had no intention of giving up the bed for her. Ella was a bit displeased.

"Arthur, are you even a man? Shouldn't you give me the bed?" Ella sat up and glared at him.

Arthur leaned leisurely against the headboard and raised an eyebrow. "I didn't propose that you sleep on the floor. Since you like it,so be it."

'Jerk!' Ella cursed him silently.

In the end, she had no choice but to lie on the floor. The thought of being in the same room with Arthur made her very uncomfortable.

She just hoped the night would pass quickly.

The blanket here was quite comfortable; Ella lay down on it and gradually drifted off to sleep. In the middle of the night, there was a rustling sound outside the door.Arthur opened his eyes in the dark.He heard the door being locked from the outside. At that moment. Ella woke up groggily and heard the noise outside.

"What was that?" Ella asked curiously.

Arthur sat up in bed, already guessing that it was Robert who had locked the door.

"The door is locked," Arthur said calmly.

Hearing this, Ella jumped up.

She walked to the door and tried to open it, but she failed.

"What should we do?" Ella's tone was anxious; she didn't want to stay with Arthur all night.

"Don't worry, Grandpa will unlock it in the morning." Arthur lay back down.

Ella looked at the door, then at Arthur, and finally lay back down.

There was nothing else to do at this point.