Chapter 245
Ellen POV
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I stared at Eleanor Blair as she dismissed me with that exhausted wave of her had. The white porcelain medicine bottle felt cold and heavy in my palm.
Tve told you everything you need to know, Eleanor said, her voice carrying the eight of centuries. How you choose to act is up to you, I’m tired now. You
may leave.”
I nodded silently, clutching the medicine bottle, and turned to walk away.
By the time I came out, night had fallen completely. The winter air bit at my exped skin, but I barely felt it. My mind was spinning with everything
Eleanor had revealed.
Amy was waiting by the car, immediately draping a thick coat over my shoulders Ma’am, you look pale. Are you alright?
I handed her the medicine bottle with shaking fingers. “Take this to Moonshadey Medical Center. Have the director analyze its composition, then give it
to my mother.”
“What kind of medicine is this?” Amy asked, studying the bottle with curiosity,
“Just something to temporarily slow down the deterioration,” I replied, though my heart was heavy. This medicine wouldn’t really help much. It would only buy us a little more time.
Within an hour, the director sent back the analysis results. I gripped the report, aring at the chemical breakdown for what felt like an eternity. Every compound confirmed what I already knew-this was sophisticated alchemy, far beyond modern medical understanding.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the car seat. ‘It looks like there really only one path to save Susan,” I whispered to myself. “Return to the Blair
family.”
The phrase kept repeating in my mind: Blair family, Blair family…
“Can you come home? I need to see you.”
Id sent the message to Brad on impulse, needing his presence more than ever. my surprise, he responded immediately.
‘On my way.”
By the time I heard the front door open and the servants’ respectful greetings, as in the kitchen with Martha, ladling soup into delicate porcelain bowls. I’d spent the afternoon cooking, needing something to keep my hands busy while my mind churned.
I quickly untied my apron and rushed out to greet him.
The moment he saw me, something in his amber eyes softened. He took a step fward and pulled me into his arms, holding me tight against his chest.
I melted into his embrace, patting his back gently, ‘You look exhausted. Go wash our hands-I just made soup.”
He pulled back to look at me, surprise flickering across his features. “You made up? Yourself?
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11:40 Fri, Jan 9 Gu
Chapter 245
The happiness in his voice made my chest tighten with guilt. He was so pleased such a simple gesture, and here I was, planning to leave him.
“Yeah, I managed, trying to keep my voice light. I didn’t have much else to do today.”
Brad’s gaze lingered on my face for a long moment, as if he was trying to memorize every detail. ‘How is Susan doing?”
My expression froze. I shook my head slightly, unable to meet his eyes. Even without words, he probably knew everything already.
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“Don’t be afraid,” he said softly, his fingers intertwining with mine. They were ice cold, and he immediately began rubbing them to warm them up. “I’ll
figure something out.”
But I could feel him slipping away from me, even as he held me close. His grip on my hand tightened, as if that was the only way he could hold onto me.
“Mmm, I murmured, looking up at him.
“The soup will get cold,” I said, forcing a smile that felt stiff and unnatural. “Com on, try my cooking.”
Brad obediently accepted the bowl from a servant and took a careful sip.
He drank the entire bowl in one go, and I watched color return to his cheeks. For a moment, everything felt normal. Perfect, even.
As I watched his handsome face, my heart ached with what I knew I had to do. I’m sorry, Brad. I’m so sorry… I can’t abandon my mother. I can’t watch her
die… This could mean I can’t walk through life with you anymore. Please don’t hate me…
“Elle,” Brad said suddenly, “I’m going to be very busy the next few days. I have to go to Africa for a while.”
Perfect, I thought with mixed relief and sadness. While he was away, I could return to the Blair family without him trying to stop me.
“Alright, I replied calmly. “Take care of yourself.”
Brad stared at me intently, and something vulnerable flashed in his eyes. “Elle, if do something that makes you angry, please don’t leave me, okay?”
My eyes suddenly brimmed with tears. “Brad, if I do something that makes you angry too, please don’t hate me, okay?”
We both fell silent, neither answering the other’s question.
I knew Brad was planning to acquire the Blair family, to eliminate any threat to me once and for all. And I was determined to return to the Blair family, to enter their sanctuary and obtain the antidote for Susan.
Neither of us told the other about our plans.
The next morning, Brad left for Africa with his assistants. I waited until his plan was airborne before calling Eleanor Blair.
I’ve made my decision,” I told her. “I’m ready.”
By afternoon, I was on a flight to Moon Lake City.
When I descended the escalator at Moon Lake City airport, I was surprised to see Raymond Carter waiting for me.
Raymond stepped forward and took my hand, helping me down the remaining steps. I stiffened instinctively and tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.
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Chapter 245
“Don’t be nervous. I won’t pressure you about anything until you’ve completely solved your previous… complications.” he said gently, seeming not to
notice my resistance.
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I looked away quickly, biting my lower lip. “Do you really want to marry me? Don’t it feel like you’re getting a raw deal? I’m pregnant with another man’s
child…”
Raymond interrupted me with a soft smile. “Not at all. I’m happy you’re coming back. And don’t think about those things right now. My offer stands-I won! pressure you until you’ve settled everything from your past. I’ll wait right here for you, until you’re ready to stand beside me willingly.”
I took a shaky breath. “I’m not Dakota… I might never love you.”
“I know,” he said simply. “I’ve told you before-I loved Dakota once, but the person I care about now is named Elle West.”
His blue eyes held mine with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. “Give me chance, Elle. I’ll prove I’m not inferior to Brad Rayne. I can even do better than him. I don’t know if you believe in destiny, but I do. The moment I met you, I knew I’d found mine.”
“Stop,” I said, panic rising in my chest.
“Okay.” he said immediately.
In the luxury vehicle heading to the Blair estate, Raymond sat across from me, his blue eyes studying my face with an unreadable expression.
Are you sure you don’t need my help with what’s coming next?” he asked quietly!
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After One Night with the Alpha
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle)
Not sure how the story ended without completing the circle on what happened to Sophia and Lester. That loop was just left hanging... what happened with the Blair contract of having to married Raymond? All Eleanor wanted was a piece of Rayne industries?...