Bartlett understood what she meant. She wouldnât even message him when she got home. All he could do was give a bitter smile and sigh. He watched her and the kids get in the car and drive away.
The car was already far away when Chaseâs arm landed on Bartlettâs shoulder. âLetâs go, Mr. Rex. Iâll take you home.â
Bartlett snapped back to reality and gave him a small smile. âWell, I hate to impose and act as a third wheel for you two.â
Chase glanced at Belinda, who was already blushing in the passenger seat, as his smile deepened.
âWhen Ellinor arrived at the Blanchet Villa with the kids, Marissa Blanchet was already waiting in the living room.
âEllinor, why are you home so late today? Dinnerâs ready. We were just waiting for you. Iâll have the kitchen warm up the food. You go get the kids washed up and ready for dinner.â
Veronica was also at home. She came over to help with the kids.
âGrandma, you and Grandpa go ahead and eat. Iâll eat later. Veronica, can you take the kids to eat with Grandpa and Grandma while I go upstairs? I have some things to take care of.â
Veronica nodded. âSure!â
The kids were all well-behaved, and even though they werenât hungry, they followed their aunt to join their great-grandparents for dinner.
Ellinor rushed upstairs.
After watching her granddaughter-in-lawâs retreating figure, Marissa couldnât help but worry, âWhatâs gotten into Ellinor lately? She seems so distracted.â
Veronica also looked at the hurried steps of her sister-in-law and comforted her grandma. âIt must be because sheâs busy at work. Grandma, donât worry; Ellinor is very capable. Nothing is too much for her.â
Marissa sighed with concern. âOh, poor Ellinor.â
Back in her room, Ellinor quickly shed her restrictive work clothes and flopped onto the bed, checking her phone for messages.
He still hadnât replied.
So annoying!
She didnât really have anything to do. She just felt restless and wanted some alone time.
Without a reply, she tossed her phone aside with a scowl and went to take a bath.
At the hotel, Marcus had finished dinner with Adrian and Sophia and was preparing to head back to his room.
Sophia wanted to spend more time with him. It was rare that he would discipline the child for her. She hadnât had enough of it.
âMarcus, itâs still early. Itâs only a little past eight; you wonât be able to sleep if you take Tristan back to the room this early. Why donât you stay and chat with me for a while?â
Marcusâs face showed clear fatigue. âIâm quite tired today. I want to sleep early. We can talk in the morning.â
Having said that, Sophia had nothing more to say. âAlright⦠Oh, by the way, Marcus. My father will be coming to visit us in a couple of days. Heâll probably stay at this hotel too. When heâs here, we canât sleep in separate rooms anymore. I understand you, but my father wonât. If he finds out that weâre sleeping separately, heâll be angry with you.â
Marcus paused for a moment, then responded without turning to look at her. âAlright, I understand. Iâll cooperate with you when the time comes.â
Sophia smiled. âMarcus, as long as you understand my father, itâs fine. Well, if youâre tired, go to sleep early.â
Marcus didnât look back. He took Adrian back to their room and shut the door.
His gaze darkened. Thaddeus was coming. He wouldnât have the chance to continue his physical therapy.