So that was Bartlettâs hidden agenda.
Upon hearing Bartlettâs ulterior motive, Ellinor didnât feel repulsed. On the contrary, she felt a sense of relief.
She was more afraid that Bartlett would harbor romantic intentions towards her than any business-
related motives.
In a way, this was better.
Bartlett had genuinely helped her in the past, and she hadnât forgotten that. She couldnât reciprocate his feelings, but she had told him that if he ever needed help, she would extend a helping hand.
Now that Bartlett was asking for a favor, she didnât want to refuse.
However, this wasnât a decision she could make alone. It would require a shareholdersâ meeting at the Blanchet Corporation.
âIâll consider your proposal.â She told him. âWhen I have time, Iâll visit your land. If we can collaborate, Iâll try my best to make it happen.â
Bartlett nodded with a smile. âThanks in advance, Ellinor. You have no idea how much of a headache that land has been. A partnership with the Blanchet Corporation would solve a huge problem for me.â
âDonât thank me too soon.â Ellinor warned. âIâve only promised to try my best. The final decision isnât mine to make.â
Bartlett grinned at her through the rear-view mirror. âI understand. Just the fact that youâre willing to help is enough for me. The result isnât the most important thing.â
Ellinor caught his hopeful gaze in the rear-view mirror and quickly avoided it, turning her gaze out the car window.
âKeep your eyes on the road.â She ordered.
âOf course.â Bartlett replied, still smiling.
After that, Bartlett kept his eyes on the road, but he didnât stop talking. He chatted nonstop with Ellinor.
Although Ellinor found him somewhat annoying, she remembered that he had helped her in the past and didnât want to be too cold, so she responded to his chatter now and then.
About half an hour later, they arrived at the Blanchet Villa.
Tristan had already fallen asleep in Ellinorâs arms.
Ever the gentleman, Bartlett got out of the car and opened the door for Ellinor, offering to take Tristan from her.
Ellinor shook her head, refusing his offer. She carried Tristan herself, slowly getting out of the car, She didnât want to wake her son, who had finally fallen asleep after a day full of complex emotions. If someone else held him, he would surely wake up.
Bartlett stood helplessly by as she got out of the car with Tristan.
Once Ellinor had adjusted her hold on Tristan to make him more comfortable, she politely thanked Bartlett and asked him to be careful on his way home. However, Bartlett joked. âAre you sending me off just like that? Arenât you going to invite me in for a cup of tea?â
Ellinor frowned, looking at him in annoyance. âDo you think thatâs appropriate?â
Bartlett shrugged. âI was joking. Go on inside; Iâll be on my way. Contact me if thereâs any news about the Blue River Estates deal.â