Ellinor smirked, âBartlett, Iâve gotta say, youâre a real bore sometimes. So boring that you can actually remember stuff like that.â
Bartlett replied calmly, âI didnât make an effort to remember, itâs just that I canât forget that day. To me, it was like our first date, Ellinor.â
Date? What date?
She was a married woman then, albeit just in a business partnership with Theo. But if that could be counted as a date, wouldnât that be betrayal?
Ellinor didnât want to chat with Bartlett anymore. Every word he said was like a tease. Too bad he picked the wrong girl. She wasnât falling for his tricks.
Across the table, Balfour was busy rearranging his poker cards. He looked up to find Ellinor and Bartlett whispering and a hint of disdain appeared in his eyes.
Haillie often mentioned that Ellinor was a manâmagnet and was always ready to flirt when given the chance. He was skeptical, as Ellinor didnât strike him as a frivolous girl.
But now, even a seasoned player like Bartlett couldnât resist her charm. There was no denying that Ellinor had some tricks up her sleeve.
Balfour was growing a distaste for his new secretary.
Suddenly, a ringtone echoed in the room, followed by intermittent vibrations.
Balfour glanced at the caller ID and picked up. âWhatâs up? Alright, Iâll be right there!â
After hanging up, Balfour turned to Ellinor, âMs. Mendoza.â
Ellinor put down her glass and stood up, âYes, Mr. Howard?â
Balfour commanded, âMind the cards for me; Iâve gotta step out for a bit.â
Even though she was reluctant, Ellinor had no choice but to comply, âAlright.â
She took over the deck of cards from Balfour and took his seat at the table.
After Balfour left, Jonah Wyton seemed quite excited. He raised an eyebrow and had a smirk on his face as he began teasing Ellinor, âYou know how to play poker? Are you brave enough to take over Mr.
Howardâs place?â
Ellinor answered, âA little.â
Jonah Wyton chuckled, âWell, letâs see how you do. Donât cry if you lose all of Mr. Howardâs money!â
Ellinor sighed, âIâll do my best.â
After Jonah played a card, he pointed at Ellinor, âYour turn, Ms. Mendoza!â
Ellinor looked at Jonahâs card, adjusted her own, and played a card.
Jonah checked her card and saw that she had made no mistake. She seemed to know the game.)
Bartlett was also at the table, but he didnât want to get involved and just played his cards casually Kemp Larios and Jonah were obviously on the same team. They stayed quiet but played aggressively.
Who wouldâve thought? Ellinor surprisingly won after a few rounds.
The men at the table looked at her differently now, with a mix of admiration and doubt.
Her poker skills were far from novice level.
Furthermore, Ellinor remained expressionless throughout. She even yawned occasionally and seemed distracted while playing.
And she still won?!
It was like a silent slap in their faces.
Jonah frowned, âWhy did you say you only knew a little with skills like this?â
Ellinor gave a slight smile, âNo, itâs Mr. Howard whoâs lucky. The cards were good.â
Johah chuckled, âOh! Youâre being modest. Letâs see how you fare in the next round! Since youâre so good at poker, how about we raise the stakes?â
Ellinor didnât take the bait, âIf you want to up the ante, you can wait for Mr. Howard. Iâm just an employee; I donât have the money or the authority. Iâm just here to hold on to Mr. Howardâs stake and wonât raise.â
Jonah wasnât going to let her off the hook, âNo problem, we donât have to bet money! The next round is on you. Are you up for a bet against us?â
Ellinor shook her head, âNo.â