Theo gave strangers the cold shoulder most of the time.
The issue now was that she was eight months pregnant, and if she went out and about, she would stick out like a sore thumb. She was a walking billboard!
If she didnât go, the Blanchet Corporation wouldnât cough up the final payment, and Crescent Society would be up shit creek without a paddle; they would even be on the brink of going belly up.
This was the company she had busted her hump to build from the ground up. How could she bear to watch it crash and burn?
Besides, she had a kid on the way now and needed the company so she could bring home the bacon.
The more she thought about it, the more worried she became. She couldnât figure out a perfect solution for love or money Just then, the doorbell rang at the villa.
Ellinor snapped back to reality and was immediately on high alert. Who could that be?
There was usually no one coming here except for the supply truck sent by Bartlett But they just dropped off supplies yesterday. There was no way theyâd send someone again today Ellinor watched with a furrowed brow as the servant went to answer the door.
After seeing the servant bow respectfully to the visitor, Ellinor finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It was Bartlett!
But what the heck was he doing here?
This place was a stoneâs throw from the city. It took two hours to drive here and another two to drive back. Didnât he find the drive annoying?
And she had made it crystal clear to him before that she didnât need him to check up on her all the time.
If there was any problem, she would reach out to him.
Even if it was Bartlett, if he started showing up more often than not, he would get on Theoâs radar Theo had Greenhaven under lock and key, waiting to nab her Bartlett better not be here to stir up trouble!
Bartlett walked in with a friendly grin, holding a takeout box. âEllinor, guess what I brought you?â
Ellinor frowned, already having a bee in her bonnet about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and now she had to deal with Bartlett making a mountain out of a molehill. She couldnât help but feel imitated. âWhy are you here again?â
Bartlett pouted, looking wronged. âWhat do you mean âwhy am I here again? I havenât been here since last month! I thought you might be craving something to eat, so I got you your favorite BBQ And youâre giving me the cold shoulder?â
Ellinor grumbled âDo you think I want to risk being found by Theo just for food?â*
Bartlett walked over, put down the takeout box, and sat on the couch, grinning from ear to ear. âDonât worry, Iâm extra careful. I wonât be spotted by the Blanchet family Ellinor, what you may not realize is that Iâm more worried about being found out than you are! So I wouldnât joke about this.â
Ellinor gave him a sideways glance. âYouâre more afraid of being found out than me? What are you afraid of? Are you afraid that the Blanchet family will pick a fight with the Rex family if they find out?
Actually, I think this is too risky for you. Iâve already told you that you donât have to look after me. I can find a place to rent in the village.â
Bartlett shook his head. âEllinor, what are you thinking? Iâm willing to take the risk as long as I can help you! What I mean is, if the Blanchet family finds out youâre hiding here, I wonât be able to protect you under the radar anymore! At that point, I might not even have a chance to see you!â
Ellinor fell silent.
Bartlett touched the takeout box he brought. The BBQ cooled down after two hours on the road.
He raised his hand to summon a servant and asked him to reheat the BBQ Then he looked at Ellinor and noticed that she seemed a bit troubled.
âWhatâs up? Feeling down? Is it because youâre bored being here by yourself?â