Charles heard Eric's name and couldn't help but frown.
"Ella, do you know Eric?" Charles asked, his gaze fixed on her, eyes filled with a complex emotion.
"Sort of," Ella replied with an awkward smile.
A hint of sadness flashed in Charles' eyes. "He's certainly an impressive man, but... he's got too many scandals. I'm worried he won't treat you well."
Ella felt a pang in her heart. She hadn't expected Charles to still care for her so deeply in this lifetime.
"It's fine, I believe... he will treat me well!" Ella said resolutely, despite the reluctance in her heart.
She couldn't afford to give Charles any hope. Having decided not to be with him, Ella wanted to cut ties quickly, sparing him from any entanglement.
With Eric now in her life, Ella was uncertain about what the future held. She hoped Charles would step back and avoid any further complications.
