CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE - The Ghosts of the Past Return

Anger and hurt surged through her as she stormed into the house. She found Lucas and Isabella in the living room, surrounded by papers and laptops. "What is this?" Ella demanded, her voice sharp. Lucas jumped up, his face a mix of relief and apprehension. "Ella! You're back. I've been trying to call you-" "Clearly not hard enough," Ella cut him off, her eyes flicking to Isabella. "What is she doing here?" Isabella stood, smoothing down her dress. "Ella, darling, we were just-" "Don't," Ella interrupted, her voice ice cold. "Don't you dare call me darling." Lucas stepped forward, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Ella, please. This isn't what it looks like. We were just going over some marketing plans for the restaurant. I was going to tell you everything, I swear." Ella laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "Tell me everything? Like you told me about inviting her to help with our business in the first place?" Lucas flinched. "I know I should have talked to you first. I'm sorry, E