Chapter 1578
Ellinor's gaze shifted towards Ida and Bryan. She caught Bryan slyly tucking his hand into his jean
pocket, his face feigning innocence.
However, he seemed to relish Bartlett's mischievous comment about them being lovebirds. A smirk
was playing at the corner of his lips.
Ida, on the other hand, looked less than pleased but made no effort to explain their situation
After watching the two, Ellinor decided not to interfere. Her mind began drifting back to a certain
old man named Theo.
He used to be the same way. He always needed some sort of physical contact with her to be
satisfied. He had no sense of personal space.
The waiter arrived with some cold appetizers and then left.
On a whim, Ellinor snapped a photo of the food and sent it to a certain man via a private messaging
app. Her caption was simple. âHungry?â
There was no response for a long time, causing Ellinor's eyes to dim slightly. She assumed he was
busy, so she decided not to dwell on it and put her phone away.
Bartlett noticed her discreet messaging and raised an eyebrow. âWho were you sharing that
delightful plate with?â He probed.
Ellinor looked at Bartlett. âJust a friend. Mr. Rex, you should focus less on other people and more on
your food.â
Feeling dismissed, Bartlett let out a resigned sigh and started to eat.
His plan to have a pleasant meal and chat with Ellinor was foiled by the presence of the third and
fourth wheels.
Meanwhile, Bryan was sneakily playing with Ida's slender hand in his pocket. Her lack of response
and her refusal to even glance at him were irking him.
But he decided not to upset Ida in front of Ellinor. There would be plenty of time for that later.
"Sis, how come you're with Bartlett today? Where did you guys go?â Bryan started a conversation,
attempting to divert attention from his own mischief.
Bartlett
gave
him a teasing smile. âWe were..."
Ellinor interrupted him before he could say something misleading. âWe had a work discussion and
did some field research.â
Bartlett fell silent.
She really didnât want him to talk.
Bryan squinted as a suspicious look crept onto his face. âYou two can talk about work? I didn't know
the Blanchet Corporation and the Rex Enterprises were collaborating.â
Ellinor shot him a bland look. âThere's plenty you donât know. Just because we haven't collaborated
before doesn't mean we won't in the future. In business, we can collaborate with anyone for mutual
benefit, get it?â
Bryan looked skeptical. âOh... I thought you guys were playing hooky and going on a date, like me
and Ida.â
Ida, irritated by Bryan's nonsense, gave his hand a warning squeeze within his pocket, silently telling
him to shut up.
Ellinor looked indifferent. âDo you think I'm a lovebird like you, who has nothing better to do than
date all day.?â
Bryan felt Ida's squeeze and knew she wanted him to stop talking, but this only sparked his
rebellious nature.
"Sis, what's wrong with being a lovebird? I think everyone should be a lovebird when they're in love.
Devote yourself to it without worrying about gains and losses. Love without reservations and
without calculating who gives more.
It's not love if you're always cautious and can't afford to lose. That's a business deal! I don't like it! I
either don't date at all or I date without holding back.â