Ellinor found it hilarious. âWhy should I step aside for you? Am I in your way?â
Sophia leaned in close to her ear. âYouâre not blocking my walking path, but youâre definitely blocking my love path.â
Ellinorâs gaze was icy, like she was listening to a ridiculous joke. âYour love path has nothing to do with me!â
As Sophia was about to say something, she suddenly noticed a tall and graceful figure appearing behind Ellinor and started laughing. âBartlett, how come youâre here?â
Bartlett walked over, glanced at Ellinor casually, and then smiled at Sophia. âI just stepped out to make a phone call. What are you two ladies chatting about?â Sophia glanced at Bartlett and then at Ellinor, as if she had realized something. Her smile revealed a hint of intrigue. âOh, Ellinor mentioned sheâs quite interested in the paintings at the party. Iâm worried about her walking around pregnant, but I have to attend to the guests, so, Bartlett, why donât you accompany Ellinor?â
Bartlett answered with a smile. âSure, Iâll take care of that!â
A glint flashed in Sophiaâs eyes. âGreat, have fun you two. I wonât disturb you!â
With that, Sophia disappeared gracefully into the crowd.
Bartlett watched Sophiaâs figure gradually disappear and then turned to Ellinor. âDidnât you say you were going to the restroom? How did you end up here?â
âSo, after going to the restroom, I canât walk around? Do I have to go back and let you guys scrutinize me?â
Bartlett shrugged and laughed. âAs you just saw, I didnât join them in discussing you.â
Ellinorâs opinion of Bartlett had changed a lot; after all, he was the one who had saved her life.
âDo you find them annoying as well?â
Bartlett laughed. âA bit, yeah.â
Ellinor nodded. âI can tell.â
Bartlett looked down at her feet. Ellinor had dressed up for the party today, but thankfully she didnât wear heels; she just wore a pair of simple white flats. Otherwise, she would definitely be uncomfortable.
âDo you want to check out the paintings at the party? Come on, Iâll accompany you!â Bartlett gestured for her to go ahead.
Ellinor frowned, somewhat unhappy. âYou donât need to accompany me. Itâs crowded here, and seeing you with a pregnant woman like me could easily lead to misunderstandings and gossip. I can handle it myself. Go hang out with your friends.â
Bartlett was unconcerned. âLet them think what they want to; besides, you can help me ward off other women.â
âI donât want to be the center of attention!â
Bartlett laughed. âItâs okay; everyoneâs having a blast, so they wonât notice us. Come on, Iâll stick with you. It will be a disaster if you twist your ankle while pregnant.â Seeing Bartlettâs stubbornness, Ellinor knew he wouldnât leave.
Ellinor decided not to argue with Bartlett anymore, so she moved forward on her own, with Bartlett following closely behind. Bartlett was very considerate; when it was crowded, he would support Ellinor to prevent others from bumping into her.
At that moment, on a quiet spot on the staircase, a pair of hawk-like eyes coldly watched the two of them.
Sophia handed a cocktail to the man. âTheo, are Ellinor and Bartlett close? They seem to get along pretty well.â Theo squinted his eyes. âWhere do you see them getting along well?â