Chapter 1077: Chapter 1077

Ellinor didn’t give two hoots about what Bartlett was saying She just focused on her meal, putting down her utensils only after she had eaten her fill.

Bartlett hardly touched his food and was just lazily propping up his cheek with his eyes glued on her It was only when she had finished eating that he spoke up.

“The food here is just so–so, you really aren’t a picky eater, are you?”

Ellinor responded casually, “What? You’re expecting a five–star restaurant experience in a tourist area?”

I’m just giving an honest review. The food here really isn’t all that. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to a restaurant just up the road, you’ll see what I mean.”

Ellinor didn’t look interested. “No thanks. We don’t want to intrude on your solo relaxation time. Collin, let’s settle the bill.”

Collin nodded and went to the front desk to pay. But instead of accepting his money, the waiter gave him some change and told him, “Mr. Rex already paid the bill. This is your change.”

Collin furrowed his brows. He looked at Bartlett and then at Ellinor, his eyes questioning what to do next.

Ellinor also heard the waiter. She gave Bartlett a look and stood up to say, “Thanks for the treat. When Theo comes back, I’ll have him thank you properly.”

With that, she took Collin and headed towards the door.

Since Bartlett had already paid, there was no point in making a fuss about it. It would just be a waste of time.

They might as well wait for Theo to come back and repay him.

After stepping out of the inn, Ellinor breathed in the fresh, natural scent of the mountain village. She looked out at the distant natural scenery and couldn’t help but think of her childhood.

She and Karan had come to this mountain village to gather herbs as children. They had walked this very road.

Back then, it was a muddy mountain path. Now, it was a smooth asphalt road, and the living conditions in the village had improved a lot.

In the blink of an eye, so many years had passed.

The village where she grew up was on the other side of the mountain. Back then, they had to hike over the mountains to get there. Now, with the road open, it was about a fifteen–minute drive.

Being here reminded Ellinor of Karan, who had once helped her. After checking the time and seeing that it was still early.

“Collin, take me somewhere!” Ellinor got into the car.

Before Collin could start the car, the back door opened, and someone got in. Through the rear–view mirror, he saw that Bartlett had hopped into their car. Collin didn’t think it was appropriate for Bartlett to just jump in the car like that, but given his longstanding friendship with Mr. Blanchet, he didn’t feel right refusing him outright. He hoped Ellinor would say something to get Bartlett out of the car.

Ellinor glanced at Bartlett out of the corner of her eye. “Can I help you?”

Bartlett didn’t mince words. He grinned, “It’s such a coincidence to run into an acquaintance in this remote place. You don’t mind if I tag along, do you?”

This time, Ellinor didn’t hide her annoyance. “I do mind. It’s not convenient.”

Anyone else would have awkwardly exited the car in this situation, but Bartlett just laughed brighter.

“Come on, Ellinor. I just treated you to a meal. Can’t you let me tag along? I’m bored all by myself!”

Ellinor frowned, “If you’re bored, why did you come alone?”

Bartlett threw up his hands in mock resignation. “What can I do? I’m a single guy!”