Bartlett seemed a bit spaced out.
Then he smiled contentedly, âNo worries, Ellinor. I just rushed over after finishing work. Jonah Wyton called me and told me that theyâre hanging out at the Pavilion in Pearl Moon. I figure Balfour mustâve been summoned as well. Wanna tag along and find your boss?â
Mr. Howard might be with Jonah and the others, and since Theo had definitely left, she wouldnât run into him again. Considering this, Ellinor nodded, âSure, letâs roll!â
The Pavilion of Pearl Moon was a separate villa within the estate, a good distance from the party venue, and quite peaceful.
Ellinor followed Bartlett into the Pavilion. Right at the entrance, she spotted three men engrossed in a game of poker, with Balfour among them.
Bartlett chuckled, âWhat are you guys up to?â
âBartlett, youâre just in time, Join us!â Jonah laid down his cards, glanced up, and saw Ellinor by Bartlettâs side. He was taken aback for a moment, then joked in surprise, âBartlett, your lady friend looks familiar!â
Bartlett clarified, âDonât get it twisted. This lady friend is my secretary Angel. Ellinor came today as Balfourâs companion. I just ran into her looking for Balfour, so I brought her over.â
Jonah looked even more puzzled and turned to Balfour, âBalfour, is that right?â
âYes, Ms. Mendoza is currently my secretaryâ Balfour replied calmly.
Ellinor had reappeared as Balfourâs secretary after leaving the Blanchet family?
Things were getting interesting!
Jonah gazed at Ellinor for a moment, then turned towards the window, making a face, Theo, an old friend of yours is here. Arenât you coming over for a chat?â
Ellinor was stunned when she heard Jonah say this.
Theo hadnât left yet?
She turned her head and saw Theo lounging lazily by the window with a cigarette in his hand, surrounded by smoke, looking like a heartless statue.
He just hadnât joined their poker game, but he hadnât left Pearl Moon.
By the time Ellinor snapped back to reality, Bartlett had already led her to a seat.
As she sat on the couch watching the men play poker, she couldnât shake off the feeling of an icy gaze fixed on her.
It was uncomfortable, like sitting on pins and needles or having a fish bone stuck in her throat..
Plus, she was feeling a bit tired now. Pregnancy made her easily fatigued; she had an injury on her leg, and she was simply not feeling well.
Bartlett noticed her discomfort and asked, âEllinor, whatâs wrong? Are you feeling unwell?â
Ellinor shook her head, âNo, Iâm just a bit parched.â
Bartlett immediately got up to pour her a glass of water, âHere.â
âThanks.â Ellinor took the glass.
Bartlettâs thoughtfulness was touching.
She took a sip of water and felt slightly better.
After Bartlett sat down again, he suddenly leaned over and whispered, âIf youâre not feeling well, I can take you home first. I remember that today should be your period. Are you feeling unwell because of that?â
Ellinor was taken aback and surprised at Bartlettâs words.
She didnât feel embarrassed. Having periods was a normal thing for girls. She just found it curious, âWhy would you remember my period?â
Bartlett chuckled and whispered in her ear, âDonât you remember? The first time you came to my gallery, it was because you were feeling unwell due to your period. And that day was four months ago today.â