Ellinor strolled into the villaâs living room, causing the animated chitâchat to come to a halt.
âWhoâs that? Who just barges in like that?â
âIs she trying to turn heads by being all wet?â
âSheâs so plainly dressed, being wet isnât gonna help!â
âBut donât you guys think sheâs prelly?â
âWho brought her? Never seen her before.â
People were sizing her up and speculating about her identity.
Ellinor, however, didnât pay any mind to the gazes around her. She was just looking for the villaâs owner, Jonah Wyton, hoping to borrow a set of clean clothes.
But Jonah, after saying he was going to the restroom, hadnât come back. She couldnât find him anywhere on the first floor. Wasnât he the birthday boy? Where did the main character disappear to?
Just as Ellinor was looking around, Bartlett Rex, who was chatting with friends, noticed her. He put down his drink and walked over, âEllinor, what happened? How did you end up like this?â
Ellinor looked at Bartlett, who was still as handsome and elegant as she remembered.
âOh, itâs you, Bartlett. Can you help me out? Did you bring a date today?â
Despite her soaked state, Ellinor was as composed as ever.
Bartlett couldnât help but chuckle, yet he still answered seriously, âNo, but I did bring a female subordinate. Sheâs waiting in the car outside. What do you need?â
âCan you ask if she has any spare clothes? Iâd like to borrow a set.â
âSure, hold on.â Understanding her request, Bartlett pulled out his phone and made a call. âBring a clean set of your clothes over now.â
After a short exchange, he hung up and smiled at Ellinor. âOkay, she has a new outfit in the car. Sheâll bring it over soon.â
Ellinor thanked him, âThanks, Bartlett. What goes around comes around. Youâre such a sweetheart!â
Bartlett was speechless.
Even though he found it amusing, he wasnât quite used to being called a sweetheart.
âHey, look! Bartlett is talking to the soaked girl!â
âWhatâs going on? Is she Bartlettâs date?â
âBartlettâs dates are usually highâclass ladies. How come he brought a girl we donât know?â
âShe might be plainly dressed, but sheâs anything but plain. Sheâs dropâdead gorgeous!â
âWhat good is beauty alone? To be Mr. Rexâs date, status should matter more, right?â
âYeah! What makes her worthy? Her clothes look like cheap!â
âOur clothes are way more decent than hers! How dare she talk to Mr. Rex!â
For this simple birthday party, Jonah only invited his close friends, some of whom brought their dates to liven things up.