<h4>Chapter 278: The Surprise</h4>


    "Transfer all my assets and shares to Eric," James said decisively.


    Wilson, thewyer, looked up at James in shock. Wasn’t he very fond of Henry? Why was he now leaving him with nothing?


    Though the events with Grace hinted at the reasoning, Wilson still furrowed his brow. "Mr. Nelson... just a few days ago, Eric called me and mentioned that if you were nning to change the will, giving him all the shares, assets, and holdings, he wouldn’t ept them."


    James felt a painful tightening in his chest. "It’s alright, go ahead and make the changes. Whether he takes them or not is his decision. But giving them is mine."


    The once vibrant James now looked as if he had aged decades, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow and weariness.


    Maybe losing everything, maybe understanding the truth, is what life is all about.


    ...


    It was a summer night, the sky vast and starry, but the summer breeze carried a slight humidity. E sat in the car, gazing at the scenery outside. She couldn’t help but feel a bit down when she thought about the empty vi—there was no sign of Eric.


    He wouldn’t be back until tomorrow, just one night away, yet E found herself struggling with how slow time seemed to pass.


    The car slowly pulled into the vi’s garage. E jumped out of the car, and the driver, who also doubled as a bodyguard, respectfully closed the door behind her, casting a quick nce at her retreating figure.


    These two bodyguards were hired by Eric at a significant cost, poached from a top international celebrity.


    Not only were they highly trained, but their background put Eric at ease, knowing they could protect E.


    E slowly walked into the vi, holding her small purse. She flipped the light switch, and the room filled with a bright glow that made her squint.


    The quiet hall waspletely empty.


    Mrs. Harris had taken a long leave after the scare she’d receivedst time.


    With Eric away on business, E had been eating out most nights and didn’t see the need to rush Mrs. Harris back.


    E walked barefoot into the living room andzily slumped onto the couch. She turned on the TV, but even though some handsome young stars were on screen, she couldn’t get herself interested in what was ying.


    Her thoughts were entirely consumed by Eric. For what felt like the hundredth time, E felt the sting of longing wash over her.


    She nced up and noticed the two bodyguards standing quietly nearby.


    Uh...


    Two big guys and one woman watching a romantic drama together wasn’t exactly her idea of fun. She looked up and said, "You two must be tired. You can go rest now."


    The bodyguards exchanged a quick nce before responding in unison, "Yes, ma’am."


    E was momentarily startled by the title, "ma’am." It seemed like... this was the first time she had given them an order. Although the term felt a bit old-fashioned and formal, it was oddly satisfying.


    She smiled to herself, and the mncholy she’d been feeling lifted a little. She slowly wandered up the stairs, while the bodyguards, who Eric had arranged to stay in the side house afterst time’s incident, remained behind.


    Luxury vis like this often had dedicated quarters for servants or bodyguards—small, but convenient.


    E climbed the stairs and opened the bedroom door, greeted by the familiar feeling of loneliness that washed over her again.


    She turned off the lights and tossed her purse onto the couch.


    Just as she was about to grab her pajamas to take a shower, someone suddenly leapt out from the side, wrapping their arms tightly around her waist, and a pair of warm lips found her earlobe.


    "Ah!" E cried out in surprise, instinctively swinging her hand at the man who had grabbed her. Wasn’t this vi supposed to be secure? How had someone gotten in?


    "Don’t hit me, darling, it’s your husband!" Ericughed as he caught her hand.


    Hearing Eric’s familiar, deep voice, E’s tension immediately melted away. She turned around, and her small fists yfully hit his chest.


    "Eric, you nearly scared me to death! Couldn’t you have called me ahead of time?" E eximed, a little pouty but clearly happy.


    She had been feeling so down and lonely earlier because of his business trip.


    Eric chuckled softly, his eyes filled with warmth and love as he held her tightly, guiding her to sit down on the edge of the bed with him. "I just wanted to surprise you."


    "Well, the surprise was more like a shock! I almost had a heart attack!" E teased, though her heart was brimming with joy.


    It wasn’t often he gave her surprises, so naturally, she had to milk the moment for a bit of attention. After all, what woman doesn’t love being pampered?


    Eric’s lips met hers in a heated kiss, and through it, he murmured, "E, I’ve missed you so much..."


    Every single moment he’d spent abroad, he wished she could’ve been by his side.


    E let out a soft sound of approval, not resisting his passion, and instead leaned into it.


    When he finally pulled back, both were breathless, their cheeks flushed with a warm pink hue. E’s small hand trembled slightly as she reached up to gently trace the lines of his handsome face.


    "Eric, was your trip sessful? Did you encounter anything or anyone special?" E blinked, her eyes shimmering like autumn waters, causing Eric’s heart to skip a beat.


    "Of course," he said, grinning. "I met a beautiful woman... and she gave me a love letter."


    E’s eyes widened, and she huffed indignantly. "Did you lead her on or something?"


    "Not at all!" Eric chuckled. "Thedy told me not to flirt with anyone else, or she’d run off with another man."


    E’s face instantly flushed red with embarrassment, and she yfully punched him in the chest. Eric let out a mock yelp, grabbing her hand and pretending to be in pain. "Wife, you hit my wound!"


    E quickly pulled her hand back. "Don’t try to trick me! I won’t fall for that."


    "But, darling, I rushed back without even sleeping just to be with you. How could you not believe me?"


    E tilted her head upward to meet Eric’s deep, mesmerizing eyes. They seemed to holdyers of mystery and tenderness, like a gentle river flowing with affection.


    Yet, despite his teasing, she couldn’t help but notice the faint lines of exhaustion on his face. She leaned into his chest, resting there softly. "I know you’ve been working so hard..."


    "So tonight, you have to be a good girl and take care of me," Eric said with a softugh. "And I’ve got some good news—I’ve gathered information on three people with rare blood in Country W. Hopefully, I’ll be able to narrow it down to your biological father soon."


    E froze for a moment, not expecting him to still remember that.


    "Who my real father is doesn’t matter anymore," E said quietly. "He never fulfilled his duties as a father, and he never looked for my mother. Maybe he’s just a terrible person."


    "Don’t think too much, silly. Once I get to the bottom of it, I’ll let you know," Eric kissed her forehead and was about to pull her towards the bathroom when E quickly asked, "Are you hungry? If you are, go shower first, and I’ll cook some noodles for you."


    "Mrs. Harris hasn’t returned yet?"


    "No, she’s still resting."


    Eric let out a soft chuckle. "No need to rush. Even though I’m hungry, there’s something far more tempting right in front of me."


    E couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him, just as she was about to say something when Eric’s phone suddenly vibrated.


    He picked it up to find an email from an unknown sender. Attached was a video.


    The thumbnail showed a man and a woman. The woman in the video was none other than E.


    E’s heart sank. It was Mason again. That shameless Mason!