Ida looked at him sternly. âThis is grown-up stuff. Butt out! Iâm going for a shower. Iâll drop you off at home after that. If weâre late, your brother might get mad and whack you!â Byran immediately sprang up in protest. âHow could you say that about me, Ida? You just involved me in grown-up stuff, and now Iâm suddenly a kid again?â
Ida was a tad annoyed by his question. She glared at him coldly. âIf you keep this up, Iâm not hanging out with you tomorrow.â
After hearing this threat, Byran quickly softened his tone. âTell me, who are you picking up tomorrow? A guy or a girl? I know you have to mingle with guys because of work, but I hate it when you meet other men! If youâre going. Iâm going too!â
Ida answered him helplessly. âItâs a girl! Iâm picking up Ellinor tomorrow, not someone else.â
After hearing this, Byran immediately perked up. âEllinor? You finally found her?â
âMhm.â
âThen I want to go too! I want to meet Ellinor with you guys; I havenât seen her in ages!â
Ida gently played with Byranâs chin. âHow are you going? Donât you have school tomorrow?â
âI can take a leave!â
Ida laughed. âThink it through then. If your brother finds out youâre skipping school, it might be harder for you to meet me next time.â
Byran seemed to take this seriously, and he thought for a moment. âIt should be fine! If I tell my brother Iâm going to see Ellinor, heâll definitely agree. Heâs been looking for her too.â
Idaâs expression turned serious. âNo, you canât tell your brother about this for now.â
âWhy? My brother has been looking for her. Heâd be thrilled if we found her.â
âUnless Ellinor gives her consent, you canât reveal this. Otherwise, youâre betraying me.â
âAlright, I wonât tell my brother! I wonât betray you!â
âGet up: Iâm going to shower.â
Byran continued to pester her like a child. âIda, arenât you tired?â
Ida immediately became alert. âAre you serious? Cut the crap; I need to get up early tomorrow!â
Byran, like a sulking puppy, clung to Ida and whined. âAlright, I wonât mess around today. Thereâs always next time.â
Ida gave him a wry smile. âYou youngsters sure have energy! Let go; I need to shower.â
Only then did Byran obediently let go.
â
The next morning, Chase and Ida arrived at Bartlettâs detached house in the suburbs.
Ellinor hadnât slept much and had her bags packed. She was just waiting in the living room.
After seeing strangers, the house staff became wary. They prepared to call Bartlett and report the situation.
However, before they could dial, Bartlett walked in.
He looked somewhat surprised at Chase and Ida, who were helping Ellinor with her luggage, and at Ellinor, who was ready to leave. âEllinor, are you leaving? Where to?â