Everyone in the Williams Family was left dumbfounded, as they had not expected Ella to suddenly make such a request.

Ella felt a bit embarrassed by their reactions and explained, "Did I say something wrong? I thought you kept mentioning that you'd repay us because you didn't wanna seem like you were taking advantage. So, I suggested the IOU to show your trustworthiness to outsiders, just so no one gets the wrong idea."

Ivan regained his composure, feeling a bit disheartened. He hadn't even considered how this business deal would look to outsiders. He couldn't risk another misunderstanding ruining his family’s reputation.

But would there even be a misunderstanding…?

He hesitated for a moment, but upon observing Ella's demeanor, and knowing that she always followed their family's guidance, he couldn't imagine her having any ulterior motives.

With these thoughts in mind, Ivan quickly nodded, "Absolutely. You're right. Borrowing money should always be accompanied by an IOU. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have taken the initiative to write one."

"Uh-huh," Ella replied with a bright smile.

In her past life, Ella recalled giving $2 billion to the Williams Group, but they never mentioned anything about repayment afterward. In this life, she was determined not to let them have their way again!

Ivan promptly instructed the servants to bring paper, pen, and sealing wax. "I'll write it down with my own handwriting," he declared. Reading aloud as he penned the IOU, he then handed it to Jack and said, "Take a look, Jack. If there's anything else to add, let me know; otherwise, I'll sign it now."

Jack examined the IOU along with Ella.

After going through it, Ella wore a puzzled expression and said, "Uncle, you've only mentioned borrowing 2 billion dollars, but there's no mention of the repayment period or what should be done if you can't repay it on time. Without those details, it doesn't matter if you sign it or not. It's more of an acknowledgment than an agreement.

Ella's seemingly careless words caused Ivan's old face to redden with embarrassment. However, she appeared oblivious to it and proceeded to hand the IOU directly to Lucien. With a nonchalant expression, she asked, "Lucien, since you're well-informed about these matters, could you take a look and see if everything is in order?"

Lucien found himself somewhat speechless at that moment due to Ella's actions. If he complied with Ella's request, he would be indirectly disrespecting his father. On the other hand, refuting Ella's words would be akin to undermining his own position.

Despite Ella's words being distrustful, he couldn't deny she was within reason to point out the mistake.

Ivan felt compelled to explain immediately, "You see, I've never written an IOU before, and I'm not sure how to properly draft one. Let me go ahead and add a term of…"

"Six months sounds good," Ella suggested.

Ivan was still contemplating whether to choose three to five years when he was taken aback by Ella's suggestion of six months.

"I happened to read one of Williams Group's financial reports that was made public a few days ago. In the first half of this year, your net income was $3.8 billion, and considering the positive trend continuing into the second half, the income is likely to be even higher," Ella added with a sense of understanding.

Ivan could only manage an awkward smile and said, "I didn't realize you were interested in those matters, Ella."

"It's because both of our families were on the report. I figured it was worth reading fully." Ella smiled sweetly.

"That's good to know. I'll... write six months then," Ivan said as he gritted his teeth and penned down the deadline.

Ella observed as Ivan started writing but then made another suggestion, "If you can't repay the loan within six months, we can use the Williams Family's shares as collateral."

Ivan's hand, which was in the process of writing, visibly tensed at her words.

"I heard from Cendy the other day – she's my bestie, her dad's the chairman of Citi Bank – and she mentioned that you used the Williams Group's shares to pay your mortgage. She also said you took out a loan of $5.4 billion from their family and mortgaged 18% of the Williams Group. So, based on the market value, $2 billion should only be around 6.67%," Ella stated matter-of-factly, counting as she spoke, with an innocent expression on her face.

Despite Ivan's typically stoic demeanor, his face now showed signs of irritation. Jack, on the other hand, finally grasped his daughter's intentions.

Ella was cleverly leading the Williams Family step by step into a predicament, leaving them with no reason to object or refuse. If the Williams Family was truly in need of funds and Ford Family declined to inject money, they would struggle to protect themselves without revealing their financial situation.

Faced with Ella's open and accepting attitude, it put them in a tight spot.

If they were to reject Ella's offer, it would be evident that they had no intention of repaying the money. The Williams Family wouldn't be able to stoop to such shamelessness.

Jack's dark smile was genuine as he admired Ella's cleverness. She had placed the Williams Family in a dilemma, making it hard for them to talk their way out of this one.

"Did I miscalculate?" Ella questioned, glancing at Ivan with a hint of doubt and uncertainty.

Instead of asking if she offended them, Ella asked if she miscalculated.

She began counting on her fingers again, running the numbers in her head.

Ivan stole a glance at his son, and it was evident that Lucien was also feeling embarrassed by Ella's actions. However, the family found themselves cornered, with no other options at the moment. If they declined Ella's proposition, it would be tantamount to refusing the capital injection from the Ford Family. It was apparent that Ella was cleverly forcing them to comply, and Ivan, being a seasoned businessman, picked up on this strategy.

Ivan gave his son a meaningful look, silently reminding him to address Ella's behavior later. Regardless of whether Ella's actions were intentional or not, she can't get off scot-free after causing such trouble for their family.

Lucien nodded, understanding what needed to be done.

Ivan held onto his pen firmly and asserted, "No, Ella. You're right, it's 6.67%." With that, he completed the IOU, having added all the necessary details.

As Ella glanced at the black-and-white writing on the IOU, she felt satisfied that she had accomplished her objective. She praised Ivan, "Your handwriting's so nice, Uncle! You need to be the one to teach our future child to write."

"Look at you, talking about children before you've even gotten married," Daisy playfully chided with a hint of affection in her tone.

"I'm looking forward to having a grandbaby as soon as possible," Lillian joined in. "I hope it's a girl."

The two families were once again filled with cheer and happiness, brushing off any lingering tension from the earlier discussion.

After dinner, Ella's family prepared to leave, and before departing, Ella excused herself to use the restroom. Upon leaving, she walked through a corridor that led to the backyard. As she took a few steps, she halted in her tracks, catching snippets of Lydia's conversation with someone in the back garden. The voice was somewhat muffled, but the quiet night made it still audible.

"Make sure to find a way to ask Winston out for me. I heard he's back home," Lydia's tone carried a hint of arrogance.

Ella couldn't help but notice how her former "sister-in-law" always acted condescendingly towards others. She couldn't fathom where Lydia's unwavering superiority complex came from.

The other person replied, "I can't do it tonight. My brother's girlfriend is here, and I have no idea when she'll leave. If I go out, my dad won't let me hear the end of it."

"Is it because of Dad, or do you just think Ella is pretty? Yeah, she may be naturally beautiful, but what's the big deal? She's still being manipulated by my brother. You have no idea how submissive she is in front of him. Once she and my brother are married, I could make her wash my feet. Can you believe that?"

"I'll take you up on that bet. If she really does it, you need to send me pictures. And don't you dare try to cheat me!"

"It's a deal."

Ella walked away from the corridor, indifferent.

So in her past life, Lydia asked her to wash her feet just to humiliate her in front of her friends.

Great.

Another score to settle.