Chapter 756 - 755

756 Chapter 755

Keira instantly pieced things together.

From the story Ellie had shared and the bits of conversation they overheard, it became obvious—Darien had been putting on this whole “rich playboy” act all along. But the truth was, all of Darien’s money came from Ellie.

And that so-called commoner girlfriend of his? She had no clue about any of it and actually believed Darien had made it big on his own.

Why was Ellie always around Darien? Well, Darien had told his girlfriend that Ellie was just the daughter of one of his family’s servants.

Keira let out a sarcastic laugh, realizing just how brazen this man was. She had never seen anyone with skin this thick in her life.

The rest of the group, each sharp in their own way, caught on as well when Keira scoffed, finally grasping what was going on.

Erin’s eyes went wide in disbelief.

Ryan furrowed his brows and looked at Ellie, stunned at how thoroughly his sister had been taken advantage of.

His lips tightened as he stayed quiet.

Ellie, still in shock, turned to Darien and asked, “Did you really tell her that? I mean, I thought—”

Before she could finish, Darien shot up and cut her off, “Why are you here, Ellie? Whatever it is, let’s talk outside.”

He casually patted Mollie on the shoulder to calm her down before walking over to Ellie, his eyes darting to the people behind her.

He could tell right away that they all came from money. Just like Ellie, they were probably clueless, privileged, rich kids who spent their time goofing off. Without missing a beat, Darien grabbed Ellie’s arm and pulled her to the side, lowering his voice. “Why did you come here? And what were you about to say?”

Tears welled up in Ellie’s eyes. “Why did you tell your girlfriend I’m the daughter of one of your servants?”

Darien sighed. “I didn’t want her to find out about us. If she knew, she’d call you a homewrecker. Ellie, I’m sorry. I know it’s not fair to you, but I didn’t want people bad-mouthing you.”

Ellie dropped her gaze to the floor, her mind racing.

On the way over, Erin hadn’t stopped talking in the car, saying things like, “Darien’s manipulating you, Ellie. He’s playing mind games.”

Was this one of those moments? Was this what everyone was trying to warn her about?

Somehow, no matter what Darien did, he always had a way of twisting things to make it impossible for her to blame him.

After all, Mollie was his girlfriend and Ellie… well, she was just there.

Her fists clenched at her sides. “Fine, I won’t ask about that anymore. I just want to know—was the accident your idea?”

Darien raised an eyebrow. “What? Where’s this coming from? The accident? Why would I set that up? Mollie already told you she was behind it. Did something happen to you? Ellie, I’m sorry if Mollie’s actions hurt you. She’s from a small town; she doesn’t always think things through. Please, forgive her.”

Ellie stared at him, stunned. Her lips quivered as she quietly said, “Do you even know what she did?”

“What could she have done? Bribe your maid to slip something into your food. What else?”

Darien acted like it was no big deal.

Ellie whispered, “She tampered with my brakes. I almost died in a car accident!”

That got Darien’s attention. His expression turned to shock as he grabbed her arm tighter. “Are you serious? You’re okay, right? Ellie, you didn’t get hurt, did you?”

Seeing his concern for her, Ellie felt a surge of emotion, and her eyes reddened. “I’m fine, someone saved me, but Mollie—”

Darien sighed in relief. “Thank God you’re okay. If something had happened to you, I’d never forgive her.”

Ellie’s heart softened. “I knew you didn’t plan this… I knew you wouldn’t let something like that happen to me.”

“Of course not. I love you, Ellie. You have to know that. Remember when you were in that accident years ago? I risked everything to save you.”

His voice was smooth and hypnotic, and Ellie couldn’t help but believe him.

Her head dropped, and tears filled her eyes. “I knew you’d never hurt me, Darien.”

Thank goodness it wasn’t him.

Thank goodness it wasn’t his doing.

Darien’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. It was always so easy to manipulate girls like Ellie. These rich, sheltered girls had no clue how the real world worked. All it took were a few sweet words, and they’d believe anything.

Honestly, how had she survived the crash? If she had died, the insurance payout would have set him for life.

Then he wouldn’t have to pretend to be a trust-fund kid anymore. He’d actually be one.

No more maxing out Ellie’s credit cards, pretending to be wealthy while secretly relying on her.

Darien lowered his eyes, then casually asked, “Ellie, do you have any money on you? Mollie’s been acting out lately, and I think a designer bag might calm her down.”

Ellie shook her head. “My brother took all my money to invest for me. I only have my credit cards left. You can use those, though.”

Darien’s face darkened. Every time he had to use her credit cards, it felt like a leash around his neck, constantly reminding him he wasn’t really in control.

It made him feel like Ellie didn’t truly love him, that she was just pretending.

His mood soured. “Fine. Is there anything else? If not, I should get back to Mollie. She keeps staring over here.”

Ellie lowered her head. As the other woman, she always felt guilt gnawing at her. “Okay… go back to her.”

Darien turned on his heel and made his way back to Mollie.

Once he was gone, Keira and the others finally approached Ellie.

Keira brushed past Darien as he walked by, their shoulders almost touching.

Ellie turned to Ryan. “Did you hear him? That wasn’t Darien’s fault. He didn’t set that up.”

Erin rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding me, Ellie? You seriously fell for that?”

Ellie dropped her head in silence.

Erin continued, frustrated. “You’re seriously okay with being his side chick?”

Ellie’s hands balled into fists.

Ryan cut in, “She didn’t choose to be the other woman.”

Everyone looked at him.

Ryan explained, “When Ellie first got involved with Darien, he lied and said he didn’t have a girlfriend. It wasn’t until later that she found out about Mollie. By that point, she already trusted him, so she never doubted him.”

The air grew tense as everyone absorbed his words.

Erin’s frustration boiled over. “Ellie, he’s a complete jerk!”