Ellinor and Bartlett locked eyes for a moment before she looked down and started munching on the grilled beef After finishing, she wiped her mouth and said to Bartlett, âMr. Rex, thanks for spilling the beans about Lady Lotus Today But I canât be sure if everything you said is legit; I need to do some digging As for your question, Iâve gotta think about it.â
This response caught Bartlett off guard, but at least he wasnât shot down right away âI wonât pressure you I just hope you consider me someone you can lum to when youâre in a pickleâ
âMr. Rex youâre quite the good Samaritan. If I need help. Iâll keep you in mind.â
The reason she said she needed to think was mainly because if she straightâup rejected Bartlett, he might keep trying to persuade her.
And she was totally done hearing it.
Bartlett wanted to win her over, âCan we exchange contacts?â
Ellinor thought for a moment, then pulled out her phone and handed it to him.
Bartlett caught her drift right away. He took the phone, punched in his number, and then dialed his own number from her phone, saving hers as well.
Then he handed the phone back to her, grinning, âEllinor, Iâm really chuffedâ
âAs long as youâre happy, Mr. Rex. These eats will be rubbish if theyâre overcookedâ
âIâd be even more chuffed if you called me Bartlett.â
âSure thing. Mr. Rexâ
***
After the meal, they left the restaurant. In the mall, a TV in an electronics store was broadcasting a news piece.
âAn heir to a multinational corporation is set to get hitched with the daughter of a Greenhaven bigwig, a highâpowered match!â
Ellinor watched the news on the TV in silence.
The news showed silhouettes of a man and a woman, with their identities kept under wraps.
But anyone who knew them could tell who they were at a glance.
Bartlett, standing next to Ellinor, was also watching the news, seeming a bit surprised, âBlimey! Theo and Patri finally made it past their familyâs hurdles, a real fairy tale endingâ
Ellinor smirked sardonically and looked away, âMr. Rex, thatâll do for today. Iâm off, see ya.â
âHold on! Ellinor, when can I see you again?â
âIf fate wills it, weâll cross paths againâ Ellinor gave a wave and walked away, leaving Bartlett behind.
Bartlett didnât chase after her; he stood there, watching her leave for a long time.
Ellinor returned to her place in Hiland City.
Chase was lounging on the couch gaming. Seeing Ellinorâs return, he set down his phone and asked, âYouâre back. Did you see Master Michell?
Ellinor looked drained, she sat down and stared blankly, âNoâ
Chase was puzzled, âIf you didnât see Master Michell, why are you only getting back now?â