<h4>Chapter 216: A Disappointing Turn</h4>


    A few calm days passed, and when Eric returned from his business trip, he arrived just in time for E’s birthday.


    As promised, they were celebrating at their new home, and Eric had invited a few close friends over for the asion.


    Upstairs, E was getting ready, putting on her makeup. After all, it was her birthday, and as Eric had insisted, she needed to look extra beautiful today. "It’s a special day, after all," he had said, emphasizing that this was a day worth remembering.


    Chloe, who was watching E dress in her snow-white princess gown, couldn’t help but marvel at her. "You’re just getting prettier and prettier! Why do I feel like I’m aging while you’re growing more youthful by the day?" she sighed dramatically.


    Eughed and yfully ruffled Chloe’s hair. "Do you want to try one of the dresses? There are a few more in the closet."


    Eric had indeed been thoughtful, ordering multiple dresses for E, each with a simr style but different enough that she could change her look if she wanted. He had clearly anticipated that she might want a little variety.


    E’s usual wardrobe was more casual and fresh, but tonight’s outfit was formal and adorably elegant.


    Chloe eyed her mischievously. "Oh, I wouldn’t dare! Your Mr. Nelson might tear me apart if I wore one of those dresses. They’re all meant for you. It must be nice to have such a handsome, caring, and rich guy, and on top of it all, he’s faithful. Not to mention the fact that he’s ridiculously good-looking and has a solid character!"


    E blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a soft pink. She gazed at her reflection, noticing how the natural flush on her face made her look even better without the need for powder. Herrge eyes were emphasized by the darker eyeliner she had applied, and her longshes, coated with mascara, made her features pop in an enchanting way.


    Just then, Amelia burst into the room, letting out a gleeful squeal when she saw E’s transformation. She dashed toward her, arms outstretched for a hug, but Eric stepped in, lifting her by the cor before she could reach E.


    Chloe couldn’t hold back herughter at the scene.


    Eric and E’s friends were always lively and genuine, making it easy to befortable around them.


    Meanwhile, downstairs, Lauren was enjoying some snacks but couldn’t help feeling a bit out of ce surrounded by so many beautiful people. Her small insecurities started to creep up again.


    Eric, after ushering Chloe and Amelia out of the room, locked the door behind them, determined to have E to himself. E stood up, half-amused, half-exasperated. "They’re not men, you know! Why are you so protective?"


    "They’re worse than men. They’ve been hogging you all morning!" Eric grumbled with a hint of jealousy in his voice.


    He walked over to her, his hands resting on her shoulders as he gazed deeply into the eyes of the woman he adored.


    Though they had been together for more than two years, E still looked as breathtaking as the day they met. The princess gown she wore subtly revealed a hint of her cleavage, and her soft pink lips made his throat tighten in desire.


    Suppressing his impulse, Eric leaned in and kissed her cheek, which was smooth and bare of makeup. "My enchanting little witch..."


    E quickly pushed him away, giggling nervously. "Stop... You’ll wrinkle the dress!"


    "So what if it wrinkles? You have a few more to change into!"


    Eric couldn’t help butugh at her panicked reaction, teasing her with a yful grin. Teasing her always brightened his mood.


    "Eric, stop messing with me!" E pouted.


    "But I just want to mess with you!" Eric replied with a mischievous smile.


    "Eric!" E huffed, her lips curving into a yful pout. "It’s my birthday, and I’m the boss today!"


    Eric chuckled, then surrendered with a smile. "Alright, alright. Today, my queen is in charge. Whatever you want, it’s yours."


    Finally satisfied, E grinned with pride. "Thank you, my prince!"


    Eric felt a surge of desire and couldn’t hold back any longer, ignoring the lipstick on E’s lips as he fiercely kissed her. The intensity of the kiss made E’s legs go weak, and she leaned fully into him for support.


    When they finally parted, Eric’s lips were smeared with her lipstick, which sent E into a fit ofughter. She teased him, saying she might as well apply some lipstick on him properly next time.


    As they descended the stairs, Amelia was still grumbling behind them, "Eric, you’re such a jealous little tyrant! I just wanted to be close to E. Why are you so possessive? I’m neither a man nor a drag queen! Come on, Eric!"


    E smiled at the yful banter, and as they reached the bottom of the stairs, their friends greeted them with apuse.


    Brian whistled and shouted, "Mr. Nelson, why are your lips a bit... colorful?"


    Everyone burst outughing again, and E’s face flushed with embarrassment because the color on Eric’s lips was, without a doubt, from her lipstick.


    The atmosphere was light and cheerful. The living room was decorated beautifully for the party, with a festive vibe that made everyone feelfortable. E sat with the other women, eagerly waiting for Eric to bring out the cake.


    As the gifts were presented, E’s eyes sparkled with joy, her smile wide and warm.


    Just as Eric was about to have the cake brought out, his phone rang. It was a call from the security guard at the gate.


    "Mr. Nelson, there’s an elderly woman here iming to be Miss Davis’s grandmother. She’s asking to see Miss Davis, and she has a bunch of reporters with her."


    Eric frowned deeply.Who on earth invited Grandma Davis here today? The fact that there were reporters present meant that someone had likely orchestrated this for a spectacle, especially given that it was E’s birthday. If they refused to let her in, it could look bad for both E and Eric in the public eye.


    "What’s wrong? Did something happen?" E asked softly, noticing the shift in Eric’s mood.


    "Your grandmother is here. And there are reporters outside. They can’t get in, but it seems we’ll have to let her in," Eric said, his tone calm but serious.


    E raised an eyebrow, letting out a coldugh. "Some people just can’t resist stirring trouble, and they chose today of all days. But I don’t feel guilty toward Grandma Davis. Let her in, but the reporters stay outside."


    Eric nodded, agreeing that this was the best approach. Grandma Davis was family, after all, and she had never been used of mistreating E. Turning away an elderly rtive would indeed look bad, especially considering E’s rising public profile.


    After the Elite Horizon Club charity event, E had be a figure of interest. Although the media hadn’t covered the event extensively, there were too many people involved for someone not to use this as an opportunity to target her.


    Amelia, clearly unhappy with the news, huffed in frustration. "E, hasn’t your grandmother treated you poorly? What’s she doing showing up now?"


    E smiled faintly. "She’s neither good nor bad. In the end, she’s just an old woman. Her visit today? She’s probably been goaded intoing."


    Chloe frowned, crossing her arms. "Good? She didn’t even speak up when Kevin was tormenting you. Where was she when you needed her?"