Chapter 31: From Now On, She Has Me!

"Ella, why are you being so polite with us? Eric, you must make those nasty women pay!" Chloe said indignantly.

"As long as you're okay, Ella. If you ever need my help..." Charles began to say.

"That won't be necessary. From now on, she's with me." Eric interrupted Charles, his voice calm but firm.

Eric glanced at Charles, noticing his injuries were indeed worse than Ella's. A smirk curved his lips. "Mr. Carter, you are quite a man. I believe it's essential for our families to collaborate, as a gesture of gratitude for protecting Ella."

Charles's expression shifted slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Nelson, but if that's your only reason, then it's not necessary. Carter Group is strong on its own. If you want to collaborate, it should be based on our merits."

Charles had his pride. Agreeing might lead others to think he was only approaching Ella because of Eric. He wasn't a man who relied on women to succeed.