Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: An Unexpected Visitor

In the days after Chloe left on her business trip, the atmosphere between Ethan and Ella grew increasingly delicate and sweet—as if separated by a thin layer of paper that would tear at the slightest touch. However, the arrival of an uninvited guest shattered this tranquility.On this day, Ethan was helping Ella with her rehabilitation exercises in the living room, just like any other day. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Megan went to answer it, and moments later, a man in an elegant suit strode into the living room. Ethan noticed that the moment Ella saw this man, her face turned extremely pale."Ella, long time no see," the man's voice carried an undeniable arrogance."Henry, what are you doing here?" Ella replied coldly, her tone filled with disgust.Henry sat down on the sofa uninvited, crossed his legs, and sized Ethan up: "Is this the new toy boy you've found?"Ethan frowned, about to retort, but Ella spoke first: "Henry, watch your mouth. Ethan is my caregiver, not whatever you're implying."Henry let out a sneer: "Ella, why bother deceiving yourself? Do you really think finding a little nurse can fill the emptiness in your heart? Don't forget—you're just a useless person stuck in a wheelchair now."Ella trembled all over with anger. Ethan could no longer hold back; he stepped forward and stood in front of Ella: "Please leave. You have no right to insult Ms. White here."Henry looked Ethan up and down, speaking disdainfully: "You're just a poor boy. The only reason you get to enjoy this luxury villa is because of Ella. If you know what's good for you, leave now—before I force you out."Ethan stood his ground: "I'm not leaving. I'm here to take care of Ms. White, not to listen to your nonsense."Henry stood up, stepped closer to Ethan, and tried to intimidate him with his height and aura: "Are you sure you want to go against me? With just a flick of my finger, I can make sure you can't survive in Los Angeles."Although Ethan felt a twinge of nervousness in his heart, he glanced at Ella behind him and said firmly: "If you don't leave right now, I'll call the police."Henry looked into Ethan's resolute eyes and realized he wouldn't get the upper hand today. He snorted coldly, then turned to Ella: "Ella, don't get complacent. You'll end up coming back to me eventually—this is your only way out." With that, he strode out of the villa.Ethan turned to look at Ella; her eyes were filled with anger and sorrow. He gently took her hand, a look of compassion on his face: "Aunt, pay no attention to him. He's just a jerk."Ella took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down: "Ethan, thank you. Henry is my ex-boyfriend. We broke up years ago, but he's been pestering me nonstop. And... please don't take what he said today to heart."Ethan gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face: "Aunt, I won't care about it. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."Ella looked at Ethan, tears glistening in her eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. This young man had given her a sense of security like never before—one that made her no longer feel so helpless when facing Henry's humiliation.