Chapter 11 Eloise and Mario's engagement was like a bombshell, causing a huge stir in the Los Angeles high society circle. The Kobeck family, the Bristow family, the Dester family, and the Griffith family all sent people to investigate Mario's background, trying to find out why the Patnick family suddenly chose this "archenemy". Corporate spies and private detectives took turns to investigate, but Mario's background remained as impenetrable as a solid wall. What can be found on the surface is his industry in Switzerland, low-key yet massive, deeply cooperating with multiple financial groups in Europe, and even having some connections with certain unspeakable forces. "How could he possibly have such power? Ronald slammed the investigation report on the table, his eyes fierce. "A playboy who has been bullied by Eloise since childhood, why him?" Vincent thought to himself, "Perhaps... we never truly understood him." Cecilia was unwilling. She went to great lengths to snatch Ronald and the others over, just to see Eloise crying and in a miserable state, rather than seeing her still aloof and superior. Cecilia took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in her heart, and dialed a phone number. The next day, as Eloise stepped into her usual private club, she heard a faint, ambiguous gasp coming from the end of the corridor. "Ronald... don't be here... Cecilia's voice was soft and sticky, with a deliberate tremble." Eloise paused and looked up. Ronald pressed Cecilia against the wall, his fingers undoing her collar as he kissed her passionately. Cecilia caught a glimpse of Eloise, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She deliberately raised her voice, "Ronald, if Ms. Patnick were to see us like this... she would be heartbroken..." 06:07 288 Vouchers Ronald sneered, "When she chose Mario, did she ever think about how I would feel?" Eloise quietly watched the scene, with no ripple in her eyes. In the previous life, such scenes used to make her feel unbearable pain, but now, she just finds it laughable. She turned around and walked away, but ran into a wall of people at the corner of the hallway. Mario stood there at some point, staring at her with deep eyes. "Seen enough? he asked in a low, slightly chilling voice." Eloise raised an eyebrow, "Are you following me?" Mario didn't answer, his gaze passing over her and landing on the two people entangled not far away. Cecilia looked provocatively over, her red lips slightly parted, silently uttering two words: "Underlings defeated." Eloise chuckled and lifted her foot to leave, but was grabbed by Mario's wrist. "Is this all you're capable of? His voice was soft, but each word was sharp." Without waiting for Eloise's reaction, he casually picked up the bottle of red wine from the waiter's tray and strode towards Cecilia. "Crash-" The entire bottle of red wine spilled down, staining Cecilia's snow-white dress a bright crimson in an instant. "Ah! she screamed as she jumped back, "Mario! Are you crazy?!" The wine trickled down her hair, smudging Cecilia's delicate makeup and leaving her looking extremely disheveled. Ronald exploded in anger, "Mario, how dare you-" Mario couldn't even be bothered to give them a glance, he just grabbed Eloise and turned away. 1:200 Wouchers Cecilia's hysterical curses could be heard from behind, but he just chuckled coldly, rubbing Eloise's wrist with his fingertips, leaving almost red marks with his strong grip. The black Maybach raced through the night. The air pressure inside the car was dangerously low. Eloise glanced over at Mario in the driver's seat. He gripped the steering wheel with one hand, his jawline clenched tightly. "Are you angry? she asked." Mario didn't say anything, but the speed of the car suddenly increased. Eloise chuckled, "Because I went to see Ronald?" "Hiss-" The tires screeched against the ground as the car came to a sudden stop at the side of the road. Mario turned to look at her, his eyes dark and terrifying: "Eloise, I'll ask you again, why did you choose me in the end?" His voice was very calm, but Eloise could hear the suppressed anger in it. "If you were trying to anger Ronald, then you succeeded, he sneered, "but don't treat me as your pawn." Eloise quietly watched him, then suddenly reached out and touched his face. Mario's whole body stiffened, and the imposing momentum he had just displayed instantly dissipated. "Mario, Eloise's fingertips lightly brushed across his brow, "are you jealous?" The air suddenly solidified. The next second, Mario suddenly grabbed her wrist and pushed her down onto the seat. "Don't play with fire." His breath was close, carrying the rich aroma of red wine and a dangerous aggressiveness. Eloise looked up and met his gaze, her red lips curling slightly. "What if I said... I want to?" Title: Committed In CrushReel's ongoing novel "Committed," a man, grappling with the pressure to propose to his girlfriend, finds himself at a crossroads when he unexpectedly encounters a runaway bride. Seeking an escape from his relationship's demands, he embarks on a journey to Greece where he crosses paths with the enigmatic former... Exploring themes of love, commitment, and serendipity, this modern romance delves into the complexities of relationships and the unexpected turns life can take. As the protagonist navigates between duty and desire, readers are drawn into a tale of opposites attracting amidst picturesque Greek landscapes. What sets "Committed" apart is its heartfelt portrayal of emotional conflict and the pursuit of true connection. Dive into this sweet romance that promises twists of fate and heartfelt revelations. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that resonates with the beauty of unexpected encounters.