Balfour was totally engrossed in the photos.
âBartlett, were you guys taking pictures just now?â
Patriciaâs voice suddenly came from behind Bartlett. Her voice was gentle and curious.
Bartlett was sitting on a single sofa, looking at the pictures he had just taken. Patricia had come downstairs and happened to walk behind him, seeing the photos on his phone.
Turning his head to her, Bartlett smiled, âOh, itâs you, Patricia! Yeah, we were taking pictures. Wanna join us for a group shot?â
Patricia shook her head, âNo, I didnât put on any makeup today. I wonât look good in the pictures.â
Bartlett politely responded, âNonsense, Patricia. You look great without makeup.â
Belinda looked at Patricia, stuck out her tongue, rolled her eyes, and muttered, âYeah right, âno makeup. As if we canât tell her face is refined.â
Ellinor was sipping her juice, uninterested. She was used to Patriciaâs pretentiousness.
Patricia heard Belindaâs murmur. She turned to look at Ellinor and Belinda and also noticed her brother Balfour sitting there, âOh, Balfour, youâre here too?â After seeing Patricia, who should have been at home at this time, suddenly show up, Balfour became a bit stern, âWhen did you get here?â
Patricia came over and sat down naturally as usual, leaning affectionately against her brother, and sweetly said, âBalfour, Baber was fussing about wanting to see Theo today. I called Theo, and he told me he was at Pearl Moon, so I brought Baber over.â
Balfour didnât spoil his sister like usual. Instead, he frowned slightly after hearing her words, âYou brought Baber too?â
Patricia was a bit scared by Balfourâs sternness. She quietly explained, âBaber wanted to see Theo. I couldnât persuade him, so I had to bring him outâ¦â
âThe kid was seriously hurt yesterday. Why would you bring him out at this late hour?*
âBalfour, Baber really wanted to see Theo. No matter what I said, he wouldnât listen.â
Balfour now understood why Ellinor was sitting here alone and Theo had gone upstairs.
It was because of that headacheâinducing Patricia!
He rubbed his brow helplessly, âWhereâs Theo?â
Patricia replied, âTheo is still upstairs with Baber. I thought he might be thirsty, so I came down to get him a drink.â
As she said this, she picked up a bottle of soda from the table, Tm going to take this drink to Theo.â
Patricia got up to go upstairs. Before she left, she said to Ellinor, âEllinor, Iâm going upstairs. You guys chat. Make yourself at home.â
Although her words were polite, her actions clearly showed that she was the hostess.
Ellinor smiled slightly. Before she could say anything, Belinda rolled her eyes and said impatiently, âMs. Howard, donât worry; we wonât be shy here.
Yes, Pearl Moon is owned by the Howard family, but today Theo and Ellinor rented this place for the party.
To the Howard family, we are the guests, and guests are supposed to be treated like kings! As such esteemed guests, why should we be shy around you?â
Patriciaâs face turned a bit sour at Belindaâs words; even her usually innocent smile froze, Right, I was being extra.â
Belinda was Theoâs kin, and Theo valued her greatly. Therefore, Patricia didnât want to fall out with Belinda, so she didnât say anything more and turned to leave.
âHold on.â Ellinor said.