Something was definitely fishy with this urgent sale.
Ellinor was carefully going through the email from Ida when her phone rang.
Despite the jingle of her cell, her gaze was glued to the laptop screen. She was quickly scanning the lines while her hand automatically reached for the phone to answer the call.
âEllinor, what are you up to?â
That was Bartlett Rexâs voice, a person she hadnât seen in a while and had almost forgotten about.
âWhat do you want?â
Her tone was both cold and sharp. She was all business with him.
Bartlett let out a disappointed sigh. âEllinor, canât you be a bit warmer towards me? After all, our families are business partners now. Is this how you treat your partners?â
Ellinor arched an eyebrow. âHow should I treat you then? Call you Bartlett in a chipper voice?â
Bartlett chuckled. âI wouldnât mind that! I would be quite happy if you called me Bartlett.â
Ellinor had no time for his antics. âDo you actually have something to discuss? If not, Iâm hanging up!â
âNo, no, no!â Bartlett quickly interjected. âI called about work. Weâre friends, arenât we? I just thought a friendly icebreaker would be nice. Look at you, acting like Iâm a bother.â
Ellinor certainly found him bothersome. There was no doubt about that.
âWhat work-related issue?â
Bartlett, fearing she might hang up, finally got serious. âItâs not convenient to discuss over the phone. Iâll come to your office later to talk in detail, so make sure to clear some time for me.â
Ellinor frowned at Bartlettâs mysterious act, but she couldnât be bothered to argue, so she agreed and hung up.
After the call, she finished reading the contents sent by Ida and got a rough idea of what was going on.
She then got dressed, instructed her family to drop the kids off at preschool, and hurried out the door.
When she arrived at the office, she had initially planned to tackle a lot of tasks, but she was surprised to find Bartlett already waiting by her office door.
After seeing her annoyed expression, Bartlett instinctively felt unwelcome.
Bartlett was a smart man. How could he not sense Ellinorâs reluctance?
But he didnât care and gave her a casual smile. âEllinor, youâre a minute late. Even as the companyâs president, being late isnât a good look. As leaders, we should set an example.â
Ellinor shot him a disgusted look. âThanks for the reminder. But perhaps you should start by managing yourself, Mr. Rex. On a Monday, no less, instead of going to work at your own company, youâre here loitering. Is this leading by example?â
While mocking him, Ellinor pushed open the door to her office.