Ida drove Byran to a well-known French restaurant The lad had gone through a lot of trouble to get out of his house to see her, so Ida decided to treat him to something nice.
But as soon as they entered the restaurant, they ran into a familiar face Theo was also dining there, and the lady sitting across from him was quite the looker. They were chatting and eating. It looked like they were having a good time.
Ida squinted her eyes, her disgust was apparent.
It seemed like Mr. Blanchet and his lawfully wedded wife were having a blast. Yet he couldnât leave Ellinor alone, setting traps for her all over Greenhaven.
What did he want with Ellinor? Couldnât he just live a peaceful life with his wife?
If he did, Ellinor wouldnât have to play hide-and-seek to avoid him.
Ida had no intention of acknowledging Theo. Aside from their business dealings about the new Blanchet Building, they had nothing else in common.
But she forgot about Byran, Mr. Straightforward.
As soon as Byran saw Theo, he waved. âTheo, youâre eating here too!â
Upon hearing this, Theo looked their way Ida couldnât pretend she didnât see him anymore, so she politely nodded.
Byran dragged lida over. âTheo, my girlfriend and I are also here for lunch!
Ida was speechless Theo locked at Ida, then back at Byran. âSheâs your girlfriend? Does your brother know about this?â
Mentioning his brother seemned to annoy Byran. âMy brother knows, but he doesnât approve. But I didnât listen. Im not a kid anymore! I can listen to him on other things, but not this!â
Theo didnât respond and continued eating his steak.
The woman across from him laughed. âByran, standing up to your family for love is very commendable.
Your girlfriend must feel very secure, right?â
Byran looked at Sophia.
This wasnât his first time seeing Sophia, but they werenât close. He knew she was a longtime friend of Theoâs and was well acquainted with Jonah, Kemp, and others.
Instinctively, he didnât like her much, so he ignored her.
âLetâs go.â Ida said, not wanting to linger or interact with them.
Byran nodded, ready to join Ida.
âSince weâre all friends and bumped into each other, why not sit and eat together? Theo and I ordered lots of food that hasnât come yet! Ms. Gipson, Byran, please Join us!â Sophia unexpectedly invited them.
Ida didnât want to âNo need, weâll order ourselves.â
Sophia insisted. âMs. Gipson, I heard from Theo that you are friends with Ellinor. Let s sit and eat together so we can get to know each other. I have something to discuss with you.â
When Ida heard Ellinorâs name, she stopped in her tracks and looked back at Sophia alertly. Whatâs up?â
Sophia laughed heartily âLetâs talk about Ellinor*
Ida squinted at Sophia, sensing something complicated behind the womanâs smile.