Chapter 1578: Chapter 1578

Ellinor’s gaze shifted towards Ida and Bryan. She caught Bryan slyly tucking his hand into his jean pocket, his face feigning innocence.

However, he seemed to relish Bartlett’s mischievous comment about them being lovebirds. A smirk was playing at the corner of his lips.

Ida, on the other hand, looked less than pleased but made no effort to explain their situation.

After watching the two, Ellinor decided not to interfere. Her mind began drifting back to a certain old man named Theo.

He used to be the same way. He always needed some sort of physical contact with her to be satisfied.

He had no sense of personal space.

The waiter arrived with some cold appetizers and then left.

On a whim, Ellinor snapped a photo of the food and sent it to a certain man via a private messaging app. Her caption was simple. “Hungry?”

There was no response for a long time, causing Ellinor’s eyes to dim slightly. She assumed he was busy, so she decided not to dwell on it and put her phone away.

Bartlett noticed her discreet messaging and raised an eyebrow. “Who were you sharing that delightful plate with?” He probed.

Ellinor looked at Bartlett. “Just a friend. Mr. Rex, you should focus less on other people and more on your food.”

Feeling dismissed, Bartlett let out a resigned sigh and started to eat.

His plan to have a pleasant meal and chat with Ellinor was foiled by the presence of the third and fourth wheels.

Meanwhile, Bryan was sneakily playing with Ida’s slender hand in his pocket. Her lack of response and her refusal to even glance at him were irking him.

But he decided not to upset Ida in front of Ellinor. There would be plenty of time for that later.

“Sis, how come you’re with Bartlett today? Where did you guys go?” Bryan started a conversation, attempting to divert attention from his own mischief.

Bartlett gave him a teasing smile. “We were…”

Ellinor interrupted him before he could say something misleading. “We had a work discussion and did some field research.”

Bartlett fell silent.

She really didn’t want him to talk.

Bryan squinted as a suspicious look crept onto his face. “You two can talk about work? I didn’t know the Blanchet Corporation and the Rex Enterprises were collaborating.”

Ellinor shot him a bland look. “There’s plenty you don’t know. Just because we haven’t collaborated before doesn’t mean we won’t in the future. In business, we can collaborate with anyone for mutual benefit, get it?”

Bryan looked skeptical. “Oh… I thought you guys were playing hooky and going on a date, like me and Ida.”

Ida, irritated by Bryan’s nonsense, gave his hand a warning squeeze within his pocket, silently telling him to shut up.

Ellinor looked indifferent. “Do you think I’m a lovebird like you, who has nothing better to do than date all day.?”

Bryan felt Ida’s squeeze and knew she wanted him to stop talking, but this only sparked his rebellious nature.

“Sis, what’s wrong with being a lovebird? I think everyone should be a lovebird when they’re in love.

Devote yourself to it without worrying about gains and losses. Love without reservations and without calculating who gives more.

It’s not love if you’re always cautious and can’t afford to lose. That’s a business deal! I don’t like it! I either don’t date at all or I date without holding back.”