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."