Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 387 Joanna, Whitney, lettalk to Ellie alone for a bit," Aaron said.

After convincing Joanna and Whitney to rest, Aaron closed Ellie's bedroom door and sat down beside her. "Aaron, what's really going on with me?" 47% Ellie leaned against the headboard, clutching Aaron's hand tightly. "Why did Alex say Harold's death had something to do with him? Why did he say Haley followed him to see Harold and Joanna and said horrible things? Why are we here? And who was that man who broughtback?" Her questions cout in a rush, one after another. Aaron waited patiently until she was done before he began to speak.

His tone was soft but serious. “Ellie, listen tocalmly." Ellie's emotions were a mix of sadness and anxiety. "Aaron, how did I lose my memory? What did the doctor say?" "Don't worry. I'll tell you everything you need to know," Aaron said, trying to soothe her.

Aaron comforted Ellie. “You went out with sfriends and accidentally fell into the water. You hit your head, and the doctor said it's a case of temporary amnesia caused by trauma. You'll recover soon." Ellie visibly relaxed at his words, but Aaron hesitated before continuing, his voice growing heavier. "Last winter, Dad did pass away. You can't remember because of the memory loss." Ellie's lips quivered as she fought back tears. "Aaron, was Harold's death... really connected to Alex?" Aaron sighed deeply, his expression serious as he looked at his sister. "When you returned from Barry to start your internship at the Jaslands hospital here, a lot happened." "That day, Alex did go back to apologize to Joanna and Harold. But none of us expected Haley to follow him there. She said terrible things in front of Joanna and Harold, and that's why Harold went to the station late at night to cfind us. That's when the accident happened." Ellie was shocked. "Aaron, Haley was practically meeting the family with you. Why would she do that? Why-" Aaron cut her off, his voice steady. “Breakups happen, Ellie. Love is about two people connecting both physically and emotionally. We cfrom different backgrounds, had different values, and wanted different things in life. It was bound to happen sooner or later." +13 Ellie's voice rose. "But she was the one who chased after you. She started it! Even if you two broke up, how could she say such awful things to Mom and Dad? Why would she do that?" Aaron's tone hardened slightly. "Not all relationships end well, and not all breakups are clean. She caused Dad's accident, but she didn't walk away unscathed either. The Owens family went bankrupt, and she left the city." "There's no way to explain everything in just a few words," Aaron continued, softening again. "For now, don't think about anything else. Focus on recovering your health. Once you're better, you'll remember everything on your own." Aaron added, "The man who brought you back is Jason. He's alive. And where we're staying now-this is The Thompson residence, Jason's house." Looking at Ellie, Aaron spoke carefully but firmly. "Ellie, I know you still have a lot of questions, but the doctor said you can't overwork your brain." 1/3 21:25 Sun, 16 Feb Chapter 387 ☐ 47%° "Right now, your health is the priority. Don't worry everyone by pushing yourself too hard. Once your headaches go away, I'll tell you everything you've forgotten." "But Ellie, you must promise Aaron that until you've remembered everything, you won't make any decisions on your own. Stick to the current situation until your memory is fully back!" Ellie looked at Aaron with determined eyes and nodded. “Aaron, I'll listen to you!" 'Even if others might lie to her, Joanna and Aaron never would,' she thought.

She said, "Don't worry, Aaron. I may have lost smemories, but I didn't lose my brain. Until I've remembered everything, I'll always talk to you and Joanna before doing anything. I won't make any decisions that'll worry you!" She knew she had to be responsible for herself and her family.

+13 ** Two days later, Diana arrived at the Thompson residence with Quinlee but was turned away by Aaron. Standing outside, Diana pointed at Aaron, who was behind the gate. "I already apologized to you. Letin, and I'll just say a few words to Ellie." Aaron's tone was calm but firm. “She needs to rest. Don't cback until she's fully recovered." Diana reached through the gate bars, trying to grab Aaron's sleeve.

Aaron caught her wrist and gently pushed her hand back out. "Drive safely on your way home." "Aaron!" Diana stomped her foot in frustration as Aaron turned and walked away without hesitation.

She glanced at Quinlee beside her and felt furious at herself for not thinking things through. That day, Quinlee had kept insisting on treating Ellie to something as a thank-you. Diana called Ellie, but when Ellie declined, she should've just let it go.

Instead, Quinlee brought Winnie along, and the two pressured Diana into agreeing. Diana reluctantly took Quinlee to see Ellie, thinking it was harmless.

On the way, Lacey kept complaining that the location Quinlee chose was too far, but Diana didn't take it seriously.

When they got to the lake, Diana saw Ellie hesitate to get on the boat. She thought Ellie was just scared of water and never imagined how deep her fear truly ran.

Two hours later, Lacey showed up at the Thompson residence, looking for Ellie. However, she too was turned away.

Lacey pleaded at the gate, "Mrs. Thompson, I brought Ellie sfood. I'll leave right after." Joanna replied politely but firmly, "Ms. Mosley, I'm sorry. The doctor said Ellie needs rest. Please wait until she's feeling better before visiting again." Lacey had no choice but to leave the food by the gate and head back.

******

The next day, at 7 p.m., all employees had left for the day. The building of the Warren Group was shrouded in darkness, except for the lit-up CEO's office. 2/3 21:25 Sun, 16 Feb Chapter 387 Alex, dressed in black slacks and a black shirt, was biting a cigarette while playing pool in the lounge.

Not far behind him, Barry hesitated before speaking.

☐☐ 47%-

"Ms. Diana Grant and Mrs. Winnie Grant, Ms. Quinlee Janssen, Ms. Lacey Mosley, Mr.

adelathan Warren and Mrs Nancy Warren, and even the Ford family all the way from Deerwall... plus two groups of government officials..."

Alex straightened, set his pool cue down, and raised an eyebrow "So you're saying the Thompson residence has shut its doors to everyone?" Barry nodded nervously. "Uh... maybe, Mr. Warren, you could try going there yourself?" Alex stayed silent for a while, then pulled out his phone and opened Ellie's Whatmessages.

He scrolled through the countless unread messages he had sent her, cleared his throat, and dialed Ellie's number.

Looking smug, Alex shot Barry a provoking glance before hopping onto the pool table as the call connected.

"Why so quiet?" Alex said smoothly, suddenly softening his tone.

Barry immediately got goosebumps and turned away, cringing.

"Not sure what you're expecting to hear, Alex," ca cold voice from the other end of the line-Aaron's voice.

+13 The next second, Alex froze as the cigarette he had been holding fell onto his leg. The lit end burned through his pan