Eric's expression turned icy. "Miss Johnson, if my wife didn't speak up like that, should she have bowed and flattered you instead?"
Melissa's smug demeanor faltered under Eric's cutting remark. While Richard was wealthy, LXL was Eric's company—a fact she couldn't afford to overlook.
"That's not… I didn't mean that," Melissa stammered. "I just don't want Mrs. Nelson to question me like this."
Ella chuckled lightly and spoke in an even tone. "But you're wearing high heels and heavy makeup, showing no signs of being pregnant. I think my questioning is entirely justified." Turning to Richard with a cold glance, she added, "Richard, I hope you don't end up regretting your choices. Eric, let's go. I'm hungry; we'll eat first and then come back to shop for clothes."
At three months along, Ella's early pregnancy symptoms had subsided, but she found herself constantly hungry, likely because she was carrying twins.
