Balfour picked up his utensils but didnât start eating. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on Ellinor, his eyes still filled with warmth.
Seeing this made Patricia feel like she had a knot in her stomach. Still, she maintained a polite smile while pushing a dish towards Ellinor. âEllinor, why donât you give this a try?â
Ellinor thanked her but didnât eat the dish Patricia had offered.
With no response from Ellinor, Patricia felt awkward standing there. She felt like a servant, yet she couldnât show her dissatisfaction. She pulled out a chair and sat next to her brother.
When she arrived, the conversation between her brother and Ellinor halted. Patricia grew more suspicious of some secret between Balfour and Ellinor.
She pulled out her phone to check the photo sheâd just sent to Theo. It had been successfully sent, but he hadnât responded yet.
After thinking for a bit, Patricia sent another message to Theo. âMr. Blanchet, I know Iâm not in a position to bother you, but I thought I should give you a heads-up after seeing this situation.
Ellinor doesnât seem to know how to act around men. Sheâs already your wife; she should avoid being overly close with my brother in public. I donât think itâs very appropriate.â
After a while, Theo responded, âWhere is this happening?â, Feeling like her plan might be working, Patricia quickly replied, âEllinor is currently at my brotherâs company, having lunch with him. Mr. Blanchet, didnât Ellinor tell you she was coming to my brotherâs company?â
Theo didnât respond again.
When Ellinor was full, Quinton brought her an ice cream. He had been waiting in line for a long time.
âMs. Mendoza, your ice cream.â
Ellinor was in the mood for dessert. She stood up to take the ice cream. âThanks, bro, youâre a lifesaver.â
Balfour felt a pang in his heart after hearing Ellinor address Quinton as âbro.â He could only be called by his name, while Quinton got to be her âbroâ.
Quinton felt a chill run down his spine, sensing his bossâs disapproval. But he had no idea what he had done wrong.
Quinton handed Ellinor the change from the ice cream. âMs. Mendoza, this is the change from the ice cream.â
Ellinor waved him off. âNo need; this can cover the meal! Iâm full now, and Iâm about to head off. Bye!â
With that, Ellinor headed towards the exit.
âEllinor, wait up; Iâll go with you.â
Patricia followed Ellinor towards the elevator.
Quinton watched the two ladies leave, then heard Balfour ask in a displeased tone, âWhy did you take her money?â
Quinton turned to Balfour, answering helplessly, âMr. Howard, Ms. Mendoza insisted on paying. If I didnât take it, she wouldnât have come up.â