A few seconds later, Theo sent her another message. âUsually, they donât eat at this hour, given their age. If you donât want to see me, itâs cool. Just send one of the Howard familyâs servants to collect it.â
Ellinor frowned. She knew Theo well enough to know that he wouldnât leave unless the stuff was taken.
He was always so stubborn; he never listened to others and pressured them constantly.
At the entrance of the Howard familyâs home.
Thea got out of the car with his hands in his pockets and stared at the Howard familyâs yard, awaiting someone to collect the stuff.
Collin also stepped out of the car, following behind him, carrying the packed barbecues.
But no one from the Howard family came out. Instead, a car approached from the distance, its headlights shining so brightly that it was blinding.
The car stopped at the entrance of the Howard familyâs gate. After switching off the headlights, the man in the car got out.
Bartlett got out of the car and walked towards Theo, asking, âTheo, I just heard from Balfour that youâre back. You alright?â
Theo nodded slightly. âYeah, Iâm fine.â
Bartlett smiled. âGood to hear. But what are you doing standing here this late??
Theo replied with a straight face. âWaiting for someone.â
Bartlett frowned slightly and thought for a moment. âAre you waiting for Ellinor?â
Theo didnât answer.
Bartlett took his silence as an agreement. He looked at the quiet Howard familyâs yard and said kindly, âTheo, if Ellinor doesnât want to see you, I think you shouldnât force her.â
After that, he saw the package in Collinâs hand, understood something, and added, âIs that for Ellinor?
Need me to take it in for you?â
Theo replied, âNo need to trouble yourself. If youâre going in, just go.â
Bartlett shrugged indifferently. âAlright, Iâll go in and try to persuade Ellinor to send someone out to accept your kindness at least.â
Theo squinted slightly and said nothing more.
Just as Bartlett was about to turn around and drive into the Howard familyâs yard, a voice came from inside.
âMs. Mendoza, itâs cold out. Mr. Howard wants you to put this sweater on.â
After hearing this voice, Bartlett stopped and turned around. He saw Ellinor, who was wearing a sweater, coming out of the house.
He frowned slightly in disappointment.
Ellinor, with her big belly, slowly walked out the door. She looked at Theo, who was standing by the door, and extended her hand. âWhereâs the late-night snack? Give it to me.â
Seeing that Ellinor finally came out to collect the stuff herself, Theo, who usually had a cold face, showed a small smile. He took the barbecue from Collinâs hand and handed it to her himself.
âItâs from the barbecue shop you liked before.â
Ellinor took it. âThank you.â
Theo didnât like to hear her say thanks. He sighed helplessly.
âStill not sleeping this late? Are Chase and the others here?â
He saw Chaseâs car parked in the Howard familyâs yard.
Ellinor nodded sincerely. âYes, no one could sleep. Weâre chatting in the living room.
Theoâs mature and profound eyes revealed an unprecedented loneliness. At this moment, he should be with her. But he hadnât been accepted by her yet because his own problem hadnât been resolved.
Well, it was good that someone could chat with her and soothe her fears.