Chapter 14: Mutual Framing!
"Mr. Nelson, you must be joking!" Ella playfully blinked her eyes. Eric felt more amused; this girl was clearly putting on an innocent act for her malicious stepmother and hypocritical sister.
"I'm not joking. I'm interested in you, so tonight, I'm giving you this painting, Interwoven Light and Shadow," Eric said with a teasing smile, raising an eyebrow. With a wave of his hand, the bodyguard stepped forward and respectfully handed the long box to Ella.
Ella was taken aback, staring dumbfounded at Eric's smiling face.
What is this guy up to? He knows I need to be wary of Brianna, yet he's openly showing me favor in front of them. Isn't he just trying to make enemies for me?
"Oh my gosh! Interwoven Light and Shadow—isn't that the painting that was just auctioned for thirty million?"
"Yes, Mr. Nelson bought it for thirty million. I heard it's by a rising artist from Country S, even the President has met him!"
"That's amazing! To give away thirty million without a blink, does Mr. Nelson fancy Miss Davis?"
"The eldest Miss Davis is quite something, remember the charity gala? She stood up for her sister even after being beaten by the second miss!"
The surrounding ladies whispered among themselves, making Hannah's face turn red and white. She could hardly believe her eyes!
How could such a handsome, powerful man like Eric be interested in Ella, this skinny woman? Sure, Ella was pretty, but Hannah considered herself far superior!
"I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. I can't accept such an expensive gift," Ella shook her head, lowering her eyes, not daring to look Eric in the eye.