âSo, if you ever need help with anything, donât hesitate to reach out to me, not him, okay, Ms. Howard?â
Ellinorâs voice was gentle, and her words left no room for objection.
At the same time, she kindly took Patriciaâs hand and personally slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.
âJust like that, Ms. Howard. If you ever need help with anything, come to me. Weâre both women, itâs much easier for you to ask for my help than his.â
Ellinor had forced Patricia to accept not only the bracelet but also this seemingly considerate arrangement.
Who would have thought that Ellinor would play this card, effectively cutting off any chance for Patricia to contact Theo privately.
Ellinor was too cunning!
After all that talking, Ellinor was tired. After she put on the bracelet for Patricia, she lazily stretched, âLetâs go, Theo. Iâm tired. Letâs go home and sleepâ
Theo agreed with a smile. He had been quietly enjoying his partnerâs balanced mix of grace and assertiveness. It was simply adorable.
In his nearly thirty years of life, this was the first time someone had stood up for him and fought for his rights, with a hint of possessiveness towards him.
He had to admit, he enjoyed the process; hence, he hadnât interrupted.
Everything Ellinor had said made sense; her arrangements were appropriate, and Theo felt good about it.
Before leaving, he said to Patricia, âMs. Howard, Iâm married now, so itâs not really appropriate for us to keep in touch privately. Donât worry, Iâll find the best nanny in the world to help you with the child.
If you have any problems in the future, please go directly to my wife. Collin will assist her in resolving any issues you have. If thereâs anything they canât handle, my wife will let me know.â
Patriciaâs heart was shattered, âTheoâ¦â
Theo didnât give her a chance to say anything else. He had already turned around to follow Ellinor, gently taking her hand and wrapping it tenderly in his own.
Patricia stood there alone, watching Theo and Ellinor leave. Jonah and Kemp exchanged glances, knowing they should not interfere in this love triangle.
Jonah changed the subject with a laugh. âKemp, now that Theo, whoâs tightly controlled by his wife, has left. Letâs have a few more drinks!â
Bartlett also took his eyes off Ellinor, smiling and nodding in agreement. He was ready to join them back at the bar when Patricia suddenly called out to him.
âBartlett!â
Bartlett stopped, âHmm? Whatâs up, Patri?â
Patricia said seriously. âI have something to tell you. Can we talk in private?â
Bartlett was slightly puzzled, but he nodded gently, âSure.â
So they both headed to the terrace.
âPatri, what did you want to talk about?â Bartlett asked.