The CEO's Envy

Ella's phone rang just as she opened her bag. Seeing her cousin Grace's name on the screen, she answered immediately.

"Cousin! Come quickly to Saint Luke's Hospital. I brought Auntie here earlier—thank God we arrived on time! The doctor said if we had been any later, she might not have made it," Grace said in a rush.

Tears welled up in Ella's eyes. "Okay, cousin. I'll come right away. Thank you for taking care of my mother," she said, her voice trembling.

Without seeking permission from her boss, she dashed out of the building. Her heart was filled with worry, making her rush carelessly. In her haste, she collided with a broad-shouldered man in the hallway.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm in a hurry," she said quickly, trying to move past him toward the elevator.

Before she could leave, the man grabbed her elbow gently, stopping her.

"Miss, what's wrong? Can I help you?" he asked in a calm voice.

Ella turned to face him, tears still glistening in her eyes. "Sir, my mother is in the hospital. I need to go now, so please let go of my hand," she pleaded.

"Which hospital? I'll take you there," he offered.

"No, sir, I'll just take a taxi," she insisted.

"I'm Marcus' cousin, Felix. It's my job to assist employees with their concerns," he said firmly. "Let's go. I'll drive you there."

Seeing his determination, Ella hesitated for a moment before nodding. Together, they hurried to the basement parking lot, where he led her to his car.

The moment they arrived at Saint Luke's Hospital, Ella rushed out of the car. "Where's my mother?" she asked urgently.

"She's in the ICU, but the doctor said she's stable now," Grace reassured her.

Ella sighed in relief. Just as she was about to enter, she turned back to Felix.

"Sir, I'm deeply grateful for your kindness. I promise to repay you," she said with a sad smile.

"It's alright. Go see your mother. I'll wait here," he replied.

"No, sir, you should return to the party. I can manage," she said.

Felix simply nodded, but instead of leaving, he stayed and waited for her.

Inside the ICU, Ella's heart ached at the sight of her mother, frail and asleep. She moved closer, gently holding her mother's hand.

"Mom, I'm so sorry for not being with you all the time. I have to work to pay for your medicines," she whispered, tears falling. "I love you so much. I don't know what I'd do if something bad happened to you."

Her mother stirred, slowly opening her eyes. "Ella, my daughter," she murmured weakly. "Why are you here? You should be at your boss's event."

"Mom, please don't talk too much. Just rest and promise me you'll get better," Ella said gently, holding her mother's hand. She kissed her forehead and stayed by her side until she drifted back to sleep.

Stepping outside, Ella found Grace waiting.

"Ella, we have another problem," Grace said hesitantly. "They need an advance payment before moving Auntie to the ward tomorrow."

Ella's shoulders sagged. "I don't have enough money yet. I've only been working for three days… where will I get that much?" she murmured, her voice cracking.

Before Grace could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.

"I've already taken care of the payment," Felix said as he walked toward them.

Ella's eyes widened. "Sir? You… you paid for it?"

"Yes. It's my responsibility to help our employees," he replied simply.

Tears brimmed in her eyes. "You're an angel sent by God. I promise I'll repay you once I get my salary."

Felix smiled. "If everything is settled, shall we go back to the event?"

Ella nodded. "Yes, sir. Just let me say goodbye to my mother first."

Felix nodded and returned to his car while Ella went back to the ICU.

She leaned down, kissing her mother's forehead. "Mom, I have to leave, but I'll visit again as soon as you're home, okay? Please get well soon."

Her mother gave a weak smile. "Don't worry about me. Just go."

With a heavy heart, Ella hugged her mother one last time before leaving.

As soon as she got into the car, Felix glanced at her. "Is everything okay now?"

Ella nodded. "Yes, sir. And thank you again."

Felix smiled. "Call me Felix. I'd like us to be friends, if that's okay with you."

Ella returned his smile. "I'd like that."

They spent the ride exchanging stories, growing comfortable with each other. However, Felix soon noticed that Ella's makeup was ruined from crying. Without hesitation, he called his beautician friend.

"Meet us outside the hotel," he instructed.

When they arrived, his friend was already waiting. "Come with me, darling. I'll make you look flawless again," the beautician said, leading Ella to the restroom for a quick touch-up.

After a few minutes, Ella emerged looking refreshed. She smiled when she saw Felix waiting.

Felix's eyes swept over her, admiring how stunning she looked in her sky-blue dress. "You look beautiful," he said, clearly impressed.

"Thank you," she replied shyly.

"Can you be my date tonight?" he asked with a playful smile.

Ella hesitated before nodding.

Felix grinned, offering his arm, which she took.

As they stepped into the grand ballroom, the atmosphere was dazzling. The guests were dressed in elegant gowns and suits, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft music playing in the background. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting a golden glow over the room. Expensive wine flowed freely as the guests celebrated the transition of power within the company.

Ella took a deep breath, feeling slightly overwhelmed. But with Felix beside her, she felt a little more at ease.

What she didn't know was that someone in the crowd was watching her closely—eyes filled with curiosity… and something else.

The party was in full swing, the hall brimming with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Marcus stood amidst a circle of distinguished guests, engaged in a lively conversation, though his mind was half elsewhere. His polished demeanor never wavered, but his eyes kept drifting toward the entrance.

Then, just as if drawn by an unseen force, his gaze landed on two newcomers stepping into the room.

Felix.

His cousin stood tall, exuding his usual effortless charm. But it wasn't Felix alone that held Marcus's attention. Beside him was Ella.

She looked different tonight—not in extravagant clothes, but in a way that made her presence hard to ignore. Her simple dress and modest demeanor stood in stark contrast to the opulent gathering, yet she blended in effortlessly. Felix turned to her, whispering something in her ear. Whatever he said made her laugh.

Marcus's jaw tightened. A strange pang coursed through his chest—one he didn't recognize at first. Jealousy.

Before he could even process it, Felix's voice called out, snapping him from his thoughts.

"Marcus! I'm sorry I'm late!"

Marcus exhaled slowly, gathering himself before turning to face them. His expression remained cool, controlled.

"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice deceptively neutral.

Felix grinned. "Are you sulking, cousin?" he teased. "Relax! I got here early, but I had to help one of our employees. Poor girl's mother fell ill, so I took her to the hospital."

Marcus's gaze flickered toward Ella at the mention of her mother. A flicker of relief washed over him—so that's where she had been.

"Felix, I'm not sulking. I'm just tired," he replied smoothly, forcing a small smile. "Thank you for helping her. She's one of our kitchen staff." His eyes lingered on Ella for a brief second. "I hadn't even noticed she was missing."

A lie.

He had noticed. The moment he entered the ballroom, his eyes had instinctively searched for her.

Before Felix could respond, Marcus's tone hardened. "Ella, come with me. I need to discuss something with you." He barely spared Felix a glance. "Excuse us, cousin."

Without waiting for an answer, Marcus strode away, fully expecting her to follow.

The air outside was crisp, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the ballroom. Ella wrapped her arms around herself, unsure why Marcus had pulled her aside so urgently.

"Why did you leave without my permission?" His voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Ella blinked, taken aback. "Sir?"

"You told us your mother was sick. I had Carlos ready to take you there," he continued, his voice controlled but laced with something deeper—something possessive.

She hesitated, unsure if he was scolding her or worried. "Sir Felix was already there, and I didn't want to cause trouble," she admitted softly.

Marcus exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening. "Don't do this again," he warned.

His words were firm, but the way he turned his back on her felt more personal than professional, leaving her standing there—small and confused.

When they returned to the party, Ella tried to shake off the odd encounter. She barely took a step before Celine—Felix's fiancée—made her presence known.

Ella had seen that look before. A subtle but sharp glint in the eyes, the kind that women of high society wore when sizing up a potential threat.

Celine walked toward her, holding a wine glass, and just as she passed, she "tripped."

The red wine splattered across Ella's dress like bloodstains.

"Oh dear!" Celine gasped, feigning concern. "I'm so sorry! That was such an accident." She grabbed a tissue, dabbing at the mess, though her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Ella, stunned, barely reacted.

Felix, however, was swift to act. "Megan!" he called his assistant. "Get Ella a dress. Quickly."

Within moments, Megan returned with a stunning fuchsia dress in her arms.

"Here you go!" she chirped. "You'll love this."

Ella hesitated. "I—I can just go home—"

"No way," Felix interrupted, his tone playful but firm. "The night is still young, and we're going to enjoy it. Right, Ella?"

Something in his kindness made her nod.

Celine, from across the room, watched with thinly veiled contempt as Megan led Ella away.

Inside the restroom, Megan worked swiftly. "Hold still," she said, fixing Ella's hair into a delicate crown braid. With a few touches of makeup, she enhanced Ella's soft features, making her beauty even more striking.

When Ella stepped back into the party, all eyes turned to her.

She didn't need an extravagant gown to look breathtaking—the confidence that now lingered in her posture was enough.

Felix, grinning, offered her a glass of wine. "Now, let's really enjoy the party."

From across the room, Marcus watched everything.

His grip tightened around his glass as he saw Ella laughing, sipping her drink, and leaning slightly toward Felix. A foreign emotion curled in his chest—anger.

Not at her.

At Felix.

He had seen that expression before—the way Felix looked at women he wanted.

Marcus set his drink down. Enough.

He called over Eden and Carlos. "Take Ella home."

"Sir?" Carlos blinked, confused. "The party's still going."

"I don't care," Marcus snapped.

Felix frowned. "Cousin, seriously?"

"This has been a long night," Marcus said coldly. "They work for me. I need them ready tomorrow."

Deep down, he knew he was lying.

Felix's gaze turned calculating. But he didn't push further.

As Ella was escorted out, Marcus let out a breath, his grip on his emotions slipping.

Back at home, Carlos sighed. "That wasn't fair. Sir Marcus sent us home early! And there were so many beautiful ladies left at the party."

Eden chuckled. "Well, we're only servants."

Carlos scoffed. "You're a maid. I'm a driver. There's a difference."

Their banter made Ella smile, but it quickly faded when she entered her room.

Alone in the silence, Marcus's behavior replayed in her mind.

What did he mean by scolding her? Why did he act so cold, yet so protective?

She shook her head. It didn't matter.

"I should just focus on my work," she told herself.

Across the estate, Marcus sat in his own room, unable to sleep.

No matter how hard he tried, Ella's face followed him into his dreams.

And that terrified him.