âEllinor, I knew it was you!â
Ellinor was stunned to see Bartlett Rexâs handsome face for a moment and then breathed a sigh of relief, âSo itâs you!â
Bartlett smiled, âWhatâs the matter? Who did you think it was?â
âNothing; you just scared me a bit by popping up out of nowhere.â
Was she scared that Theo would come back to find her?
She was overthinking things.
Bartlett gracefully walked over to her, âEllinor, do you remember the last time we met? That day I asked you when we could meet again, and you said it depended on fate. Today we met here; doesnât this mean itâs fate for us to be together?â
Ellinor scoffed. âWell, itâs quite a coincidence.â
Bartlett feigned dissatisfaction and furrowed his eyebrows, âYou sound so nonchalant! Arenât you happy at all to see me?â
Ellinor yawned, âAm I supposed to feel happy?â
Bartlett sighed. He suddenly leaned closer to her, âBut I feel really happy to see you!â
Ellinor showed no expression, âOh, really?â
Bartlettâs affectionate eyes stared at her for a good half a minute, but it didnât move her at all.
*
He obviously felt a bit disappointed, but he still smiled, âEllinor, the previous times I saw you, you were always casually dressed. This is the first time Iâve seen you dressed up so nicely; you look beautiful.â
âThanks.â
Ellinor went downstairs and looked around, but couldnât find any more quiet spots in the banquet hall;
every couch or seating area was occupied with people chatting.
She didnât want to disturb others or become the topic of their conversation.
As she came down from upstairs, Bartlett, looking relaxed, was still following her. She didnât know if he had anything to do.
Ellinor turned her head to ask him, âBartlett, have you seen Balfour?â
Bartlett raised his eyebrows, âWhy do you need to see Balfour?â
âHeâs my boss now. Iâm his secretary and I came here with him today.â
Bartlett seemed quite surprised, âEllinor, when did you become Balfourâs secretary?â
âJust a couple of days ago.â
âHmm? Is it for Lady Lotusâs painting?â Bartlett looked at her.
It was Bartlett who told her about the relationship between Lady Lotus and Balfour, so Ellinor didnât plan to hide her purpose from. Bartlett, in fact, she couldnât.
âExactly! Please donât blab about this in front of Mr. Howard.â
âI certainly wonât.â Bartlett chuckled.
âThanks, Mr. Bartlett!â
âJust call me Bartlett!â
Ellinor thought for a moment. Considering the accurate information Bartlett provided, she decided to go along with his wish, âAlright then! Thanks, Bartlett.â