Chapter 0205 Chapter 0205 Ella POV When I reached the end of the hallway , Diana came into view .
She noticed me immediately , and a guilty look flickered across her face .
What are you gossiping about ? I asked , my tone sharp as fixed her with a steady gaze .
Diana straightened her posture and gave a tight smile .
Oh , nothing of consequence , dear .
Just a little light conversation .
Thats good to hear , I said evenly , though my voice carried a warning edge .
Id hate to think you were still worrying about old rumors .
Weve discussed all of that already .
I could feel my mothers eyes on me , but I didnt take my gaze off Diana .
My anger simmered beneath the surface , threatening to spill over .
Alexander and I had worked so hard to win my mother over .
Her hesitancy about him was just starting to fade , and now this .
Dianas smile turned sweeter .
Were just chatting , she said , her tone light .
Youll understand one day when you have children .
You never stop worrying about them .
I bit the inside of my cheek to hold back my temper .
I wanted to argue against Dianas statement , to call out how her comments didnt show concern for Alexander at all .
In fact , they felt more like an attempt to turn people against him .
But that didnt make sense why would she want to do that ? I knew I must be wrong about her intentions , but whatever her motivation , I didnt like hearing her talk about him that way .
And I wasnt going to allow it to continue .
I knew now that I had no choice but to tell Alexander about the things she had said both at their house and what I had overheard today .
That was a conversation I wasnt looking forward to having , but it couldnt be avoided .
My irritation simmered , growing stronger with every second of silence .
Im starved , my mother said suddenly , breaking the tension in the room .
Do we need to take care of anything else while were here , or are we ready to head off to meet Alexander for lunch ? I let my breath out slowly and turned to my mother .
Concern was evident in her eyes , though , as always , she remained calm in the face of difficult situations .
Her composure was both comforting and grounding .
I dont think theres anything else we need to take care of today , I said , forcing a steady tone .
And I think we could all use something to eat .
Yes , Diana agreed quickly , her tone light .
Tempers can certainly flare on an empty stomach , and I know none of us mean to upset each other .
I smiled tightly at her .

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Of course .
I think we can be on our way , then .
Alexander should be waiting for us , right ? When he texted me back , he said he was leaving the office so he should arrive around the same time we do , Diana replied .
She added with a faint laugh , You know him always at the office , always working .
Its admirable , I said .
Very few people have the kind of work ethic that Alexander does .
Diana gave me a strange smile , one that made my irritation flare again .
Yes , she said , her tone oddly measured .
Very few people work the way Alexander does .
There was something in her voice an undercurrent of meaning I couldnt quite place but I was too tired of the 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0205 tension to press her on it .
Instead , I let it go .
Is the car ready ? I asked , turning to my mother .
Yes , she confirmed .
Lets not wait any longer .
She put an arm around me , giving me a quick , reassuring squeeze .
Together , the three of us headed toward the exit .
As we stepped outside , a sudden wave of anxiety swept over me .
Memories of our last wedding dress trip flashed through my mind the fear , the chaos , the moment we were kidnapped on our way home .