Reclaimed By Love

Nine

Dr. Evans left the medication and departed, shaking his head and sighing. He couldn't interfere with the agreement Ellie had made, but he worried for her.

Alex returned to the guest room and found Ellie still unconscious. He went into the bathroom and filled the bathtub with cool water. Then, he returned to Ellie's side, gently lifting her from the bed.

"What are you doing…?" Ellie mumbled weakly. If she had the strength, she would have resisted.

Without a word, Alex carried her into the bathroom and placed her in the tub. He began to wash her, his touch surprisingly gentle.

Despite her resemblance to Isabelle, he knew Ellie was not the same woman. No matter how much he hated Isabelle, Ellie was still Ellie.

She could never replace Isabelle, nor could she erase the memories and emotions associated with her.

Ellie sat in the tub, her body aching. "I can wash myself," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

"Do you have the strength?" Alex's voice was cold, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Yes," Ellie insisted, clenching her jaw.

She couldn't let him take advantage of her again. She felt violated, vulnerable.

Alex didn't argue. He turned and left the bathroom.

Ellie washed herself, but the effort left her dizzy and exhausted. She closed her eyes, intending to rest for a moment, but she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Alex waited outside, and when he heard no sound from within, he opened the door. Ellie was asleep in the tub, her head resting against the rim.

"Not like her at all," he murmured.

If this were Isabelle, she would be clinging to him, demanding his attention.

But Ellie, even in her weakened state, was stubborn, independent.

Alex's expression softened as he helped Ellie out of the tub and dried her gently. He applied the medication to her injuries, his touch feather-light.

He left her in the care of the housekeeper and retreated to his study. He couldn't bring himself to go to the office today.

Ellie's fever finally broke in the evening. After taking the medication, she felt much better, the pain in her lower body significantly reduced.

She got out of bed, dressed, and decided to leave.

As she made her way downstairs, the housekeeper rushed to her side. "Ms. Vance, you're not well enough to be up. Please, go back to bed. I'll bring you some porridge."

"No, thank you. I'm fine. I should go home," Ellie said, her voice firm.

"You can barely stand. You're in no condition to leave." Alex's voice startled her. He was standing at the bottom of the stairs, his expression unreadable. "Help Ms. Vance to the dining room and bring her some food," he instructed the housekeeper.

Ellie watched nervously as Alex descended the stairs. He was dressed casually, but his aura of authority was still palpable.

"Thank you for the medicine," she said, her cheeks flushing.

"My assistant has enrolled you in some business courses," Alex said, his gaze fixed on her. "Three hours every evening, except weekends, from six to nine. He'll send you the details. I expect you to attend."

"Thank you, Mr. Ramsey." Ellie's voice was soft, her head bowed.

She ate the porridge quickly, her hunger a welcome distraction from the turmoil of the past few days.

Alex gave her instructions on how to conduct herself at the company, emphasizing the importance of projecting strength and confidence. He advised her on her attire, suggesting darker colors and more professional styles.

"Heels are a woman's armor," he explained. "If you show up in casual clothes and flats, you'll be dismissed. You need to look the part. Appearances matter."

Ellie listened intently, absorbing his advice.

"I'll remember that. I'll buy some new clothes tomorrow," she said.

Alex nodded in approval.

"I don't know much about the company… What am I supposed to do tomorrow?" Ellie asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

She felt completely out of her depth.

"Organize your office," Alex instructed. "As for the company's affairs, I'll have my assistant work with you. He'll guide you through everything."

"Thank you," Ellie said, relieved.

After finishing her porridge, she prepared to leave.

Alex didn't stop her. He simply instructed the driver to take her home.

As the car pulled away from the mansion, Ellie touched her flushed cheeks, her heart pounding.

She felt a strange mix of gratitude and… something more towards Alex.

His strength, his unwavering confidence, his ability to handle any situation… it was captivating. Despite their limited interactions, she felt a connection to him, something she'd never experienced with anyone else.

She was his bed companion, a pawn in his game. He'd warned her not to develop feelings for him, yet she couldn't deny the stirrings in her heart.

Ellie sighed, unsure whether to be happy or worried about this unexpected attraction. But she couldn't dwell on it now. The company was her priority. She needed to gain control, to learn the ropes, to prove herself.

With Alex's support, she felt a surge of confidence. She knew he would be there to guide her, to protect her.

He was formidable, a true force to be reckoned with.

Ellie returned home and immediately went to her father's study. She began to read through the books and documents he had left behind, her eyes filling with tears as she remembered her parents.

"Mom, Dad, why did you leave me?" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I miss you so much."

She traced her fingers over her father's handwritten notes, remembering his kind smile and her mother's warm embrace.

She missed their love, their guidance.

Without them, she felt lost and alone.

Her relatives had abandoned her, and the company's board members were circling like vultures, eager to snatch away her inheritance.

"Mom, Dad, it's okay. I found someone to help me. Alex Ramsey… he's… he's not so bad. He's going to help me save the company." Ellie wiped away her tears, a glimmer of hope shining through her sadness.