Chapter 170
The Grant family had already received the invitation for the banquet. Moreover, Mark’s sister was engaged to Alex, and everyone in the Grant family knew Ellie had lived with the Warrens for over a decade, growing up alongside Alex.
Alex was clearly waiting for Ellie; Mark could tell.
Once Mark left, Ellie ignored Alex and went to the restroom before making a beeline for the exit.
“Here, take your phone,” Alex said, handing over the pink handbag to Ellie by the edge of the road in front of the restaurant.
Seeing Ellie accept the phone, the tension in his brow slowly eased. “Get in, I’ll drive you home.”
Ellie glanced at the flashy silver sports car parked not far away and calmly declined, “No, thanks.”
She understood he hadn’t merely waited here just to return her phone; his intentions were much clearer than that.
As Alex reached out to grab her arm, Ellie instinctively pulled away. His temper flared, “Are you scared you’ll die if you sit in my car?”
Ellie met Alex’s gaze, her expression calm and her tone distant. “Dying isn’t the issue. It’s more about my dignity. I just don’t want to get kicked out.”
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Alex’s heart skipped a beat. The complex emotions swirling in his gaze softened as he said, “Ellie, there won’t be a next time.”
Ellie smirked faintly but didn’t say a word. Of course, there wouldn’t be a next time. She’d never give him that chance again. Without a second thought, she turned and walked away.
Behind her, Alex’s eyes narrowed, concealing the whirlwind of feelings inside him. A few minutes passed, and before Ellie could gather her bearings, Alex forcibly shoved her into the passenger seat of his sports car.
An hour later, at the Warren family’s private airport, he dragged her onto a helicopter against her will.
As the sun began to set, the helicopter descended onto a secluded island surrounded by water. Noticing the pallor of Ellie’s face, Alex crouched down to help her unbuckle the seatbelt.
“I got my helicopter license when I was seventeen. With all this experience, what are you afraid of?” he said, his tone a bit harsh, but the concern behind his eyes was hard to miss.
He grasped Ellie’s hand and felt the cold sweat pooling in her palm. Rubbing her hand against his sleeve to wipe off the moisture, he hoisted her out of the helicopter.
The moist sea breeze greeted them, and only when Ellie’s feet touched the ground did she feel like she could breathe again.
Her legs wobbled as she crouched on the sandy beach, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings, a wave of anxiety crashing over her.
She had known for a long time that Alex had been flying planes, driving sports cars, and sailing yachts since his school days. He practiced martial arts, played e–sports, and would even go to Libliccosia to gamble.
In his senior year, his parents pushed him to study abroad, which he loathed. So he pulled out his double degree from a top university in Ameria that he had earned through self–study.
Not only that, but he was also fluent in several languages and had won various competition trophies. As he put it, he pursued
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Chapter 170
his degree just for the sake of betting and not wanting to lose.
He learned several languages purely for the convenience of traveling abroad.
He spent every day either playing or on his way to play, epitomizing a carefree attitude. He was the kind of person who, much like flying a helicopter, engaged in thrilling and reckless maneuvers but somehow always managed to land safely.
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Living a luxurious, colorful life, he constantly chased excitement. But she couldn’t afford that. What if something happened to her? What would her parents do?
As twilight draped the sky in hues of orange and purple, Ellie glanced at Alex. His jacket lay carelessly on the sand, and he leaned back on his hands, casually observing her.
Feeling the panic welling up inside, she struggled to keep it at bay. Lowering her voice, she said, “Let’s talk about this later. Just get me out of here.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re willing to talk to me now?”
Ellie tugged at the corner of her mouth.
“If you refuse to acknowledge this kinship, I’ll take you back right away!” Seeing Ellie silent, Alex spoke bluntly.
Ellie replied, “What if I don’t agree?”
