Bartlett stared at her with an intense gaze. âYou and Theo never really tied the knot, you know. That ceremony was just a ruse to make his old man happy, and you didnât even have any significant witnesses.
Now, youâre basically working for their family without any official recognition. No matter how much you do for them, the day they decide youâre no longer of use, they can cut you loose. And then, youâll be left with nothing.â
Ellinor hit the return key one last time, saving her document.
She then tiredly yawned and turned to Bartlett. âSo, you think Iâm helping the Blanchets in hopes of getting a piece of their pie?â
Bartlett shook his head. âOf course not. But when they use you and then cast you aside, itâs going to hurt.â
Ellinor shrugged. âWhether Iâm being used or whether Iâm doing this with no recognition, it doesnât matter. Until we find Theo, Iâll hold down the fort. When he returns, Iâll give it back to him, just as it was.
Everything else is inconsequential.â
Bartlett watched her as he fell silent.
Yes, other women might make foolish sacrifices out of confusion, but Ellinor knew exactly what she was doing. She knew what mattered to her and didnât care about the gain or loss.
Such a girl couldnât be considered astute.
But what drew him to her was this very purity of hers, wasnât it?.
With that thought, Bartlett smiled and decided not to say anything that would upset her further.
âAlright, as long as you know what youâre doing. Enough about that, Ellinor. Todayâs your first day as the temporary CEO of Blanchet Corporation, and I came here especially to cheer you on. Do you have time for dinner after work?â
Ellinor took a sip of her bottled water, giving him no quarter. âNo time.â
Bartlett had expected her to decline, so he quickly countered. âDonât worry; it wonât be just us. Your brother will be there too. How about a relaxing dinner?â Ellinor replied, âNo, I really donât have the time.
After work, I have to pick up the children. I promised to take them to the amusement park.â
Bartlett frowned. âEllinor, arenât you stretching yourself too thin? Running a corporation and taking care of three kids is a lot.â
Ellinor explained, âUsually, thereâs a professional nanny who takes care of them. Today, Iâm going because I promised to take them to the amusement park.â âThatâs a relief then.â Although Bartlett was disappointed that, he couldnât schedule dinner with Ellinor, he didnât let that deter him from changing his strategy. âEllinor, itâs been a while since Iâve seen your three little ones, and I happen to have some free time today. Why donât I accompany you to the amusement park?â Ellinor looked at him with distaste.
âMr. Rex, itâs a virtue to avoid the appearance of impropriety.â
Bartlett shrugged nonchalantly. âAvoid what? Weâre not going on a oneâonâone date. Surely, youâre not planning to take three kids to the park by yourself. If Iâm not mistaken, your sisterâinâlaw, Veronica, will be joining you, right?
Ellinor, whatâs the harm in bringing along one more friend? Itâs been a long time since Iâve been to an amusement park. Maybe I can relive my childhood memories today.â
Ellinor was speechless.
Bartlett cast her a flirtatious wink. âI can also act as your driver, carry your bags when youâre tired, and even help with the kids.â
âI have a driver.â
âGreat, itâs settled then. Iâll pick you up after work, and weâll go get the kids.â
Ellinor was taken aback.
Having made the decision, Bartlett didnât give her a chance to refuse. He simply waved and sauntered off.