Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband-Chapter 236: A Powerplay

"Charles, are you sure Ella won’t break under the pressure? I mean, she’s so innocent and naive," Milli asked, her tone filled with doubt.

Charles chuckled softly and shook his head at his wife. "Ella is tougher than she looks," he said with confidence. "She’s loyal to a fault and absolutely convinced that her father can do no wrong. In her eyes, anything questionable is entirely her Serena’s doing. Out of all my past wives, her mother was the best."

Milli’s eyes narrowed as she shot him a sharp glare. Charles, noticing her expression, smirked. "I meant my past wives, sweetheart," he clarified quickly. "Not you. You’re in a different league altogether. You and I are far too alike for me to ever dislike you."

Milli’s expression softened, but only slightly, as Charles continued, his tone thoughtful. "Now, where was I? Oh, yes. While Aiden was too sharp for his own good and grew up under my mother’s strict care, Nathan’s mother was another story altogether. She was greedy and ambitious, always pestering Nathan to compete with Aiden. It poisoned his view of both me and her, which ruined any chance we had of being able to manipulate him.

He paused for a moment, as if reflecting on the past, then pressed on. "But Ella’s mother? She was different—so sweet and selfless. When I divorced her, she turned all her focus on raising and protecting Ella. She poured every ounce of her energy into loving and caring for that girl until the day she died. Ella grew up idolizing her mother and seeing her as perfect, which only made her more blind to reality. Those rosy glasses of hers make it easy for us. She won’t realize we’re using her until it’s far too late."

Milli nodded her head. She’d seen that for herself. Ella had come to them almost ten months ago, crying and panicking over how she’d taken Serena to Sidney like they’d asked but instead of getting her out of Aiden’s life, she was the one who had been scolded and cut off by him. It had been a piece of cake to console the girl and put the entire blame on Serena.

And they’d thought their plan had worked when they’d heard Serena and Aiden file for divorce followed by Ella’s conditions to bring them back. But suddenly, Serena was back again and getting married to Aiden again. This was going to be a problem. And this time, they would have to find a way to return to the Hawk household to recover their losses and get rid of the creditors.

Sidney Price and the rest of the Price family had sure been a disappointment to them. As expected, Ella called at the precise time. Charles put on a loving smile that was so fake that even Milli felt like throwing up and watched him work his daughter.

"Ella, how are my dear daughter? Are you happy to be finally home?"

There was ilence for a moment, before Ella whined," Of course I’m not happy. I told you, you should have let me stick to the condition that I won’t return until he brings you back. But you convinced me to go back! Now I have ot sit there and watch Serena in my family home after she has taken all my family away from her.

Charles leaned back in his chair, his fake smile never faltering as he replied, his tone dripping with fatherly concern. "Ella, sweetheart, I understand how difficult this must be for you. But trust me, going back was the right decision. If you had stayed away, they might have completely shut you out. This way, you’re still in the picture, and that’s exactly where we need you to be. I don’t want you to be alone. Even if I cannot be with you, you should have family around you. And they are your family."

Milli watched as Ella’s frustrated sigh came through the speaker. "I just don’t see the point, Father. Aiden doesn’t even look at me the way he used to, and Nathan—he’s practically her lapdog now. It’s like I don’t even exist in my own family!"

Charles’s smile hardened slightly, though his voice remained calm. "Ella, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. You’re still the one in the strongest position. They might be playing house now, but Aiden will tire of her. And even if he doesn’t, you’re his only sister. And he does care for you. DEspite having cut you off, has he let you suffer even a bit? Has he done anything to curb your rebellion? No, right? He is only angry at you. So, you go to him and pacify him. Not that Serena is back, he should be in a more agreeable mood."

Ella’s voice trembled, caught between anger and desperation. "I don’t know if I can do it. What if he still hates me? Or refuses to forgive me? I won’t be able to live there. Father. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll leave this house and come to you."

This time Charles almost panicked. She was the only one who could still keep an eye on those two for them. If she left, they would have to play it blind with no inside information. And so, his next words came out sharper, almost ruining his own plan," You will do no such thing."

Milli shot her husband a quick look and he took a deep breath and softened his tone," Ella, my child. I have already lived and even enjoyed my youth. A little struggle now, I think I am capable of handling it. But I won’t be able to watch my precious daughter suffer. So, promise me something? You will not do something foolish like leaving the house, okay? You will live there and keep close to your brother, okay?"

Ella hesitated, then let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. I’ll do as you say. But I hope you get back soon."

"Oh, don’t worry, my darling. I’ll come back soon."

As they disconnected the call, Charles leaned back in his chair and continued," You’ll bring me back."

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