51
Standing nearby, Ellsworth looked down at Harriet as she
efficiently packed her things. He put both hands in the pockets
of his gray lounge pants, looked down at her, and asked in a
calm voice, “Are you dissatisfied with how stable the Townsend
Group’s stock has been lately?”
Harriet paused in her packing and looked up at Ellsworth.
Their eyes met. Ellsworth stared at her for a moment, then
turned and walked to the window, picking up a cigarette and a
lighter from the side cabinet.
He lit a cigarette for himself, while Harriet remained crouched
on the floor, unmoving.
Now she understood-it was the organizers who had arranged
for her and Ellsworth to share a room.
Thinking of the things she overheard in the lobby that
afternoon, Harriet really didn’t want to share a room with
Ellsworth.
Ellsworth had many friends and a lively life.
Chapter $1
But she wasn’t in his social circle. If others came to see him
and she was there, it would only make things awkward. She had no interest in being part of his life.
After thinking for a while, Harriet looked at Ellsworth’s back and said, “Then I’ll go squeeze in with Jolene.”
Ellsworth’s expression darkened. He turned his face and just
looked at her.
Seeing Ellsworth’s unpleasant expression, Harriet avoided his gaze, not wanting to look at him.
When the smoke drifted toward her, Harriet raised her right
hand and waved it in front of her nose.
Seeing this, Ellsworth casually stubbed out his cigarette.
Then, looking down at Harriet, he said flatly, “There’s a meeting tomorrow. Finish up and get some rest early.”
Ellsworth’s order was already an answer. Harriet didn’t look at
him and replied softly, “Okay.”
Ellsworth’s meaning was clear. After hanging up her clothes,
Harriet took her pajamas and went to the bathroom.
Chapter 51
The suite had a separate study, two bathrooms, and even a
small internet cafe.
The hotel’s luxury suites could have multiple bedrooms, a gym,
and a game room, but she didn’t know why the organizers had
arranged a small room for her and Ellsworth.
She wasn’t worthy of the presidential suite-Ellsworth was.
When she arrived that afternoon, she thought this room was
hers alone.
After showering and coming out of the bathroom, she saw
Ellsworth working at the desk in the bedroom.
Harriet went back to the study, sent Kathie some photos she
had taken, and video chatted with her.
Kathie told her to take the opportunity to relax for a couple of
days, saying she herself had been slacking off lately, staying
home with Kenneth.
While video chatting with Harriet, Kenneth passed by. Kathie
turned the camera toward Kenneth and said, “Ken, say hi to
Hara.”
Looking at Kathie’s camera, Kenneth smiled and said, “Hara,
Chapter 51
have fun over there.”
Harriet waved at Kenneth and replied with a smile, “Okay, Ken.”
In the bedroom, Ellsworth listened to the sounds coming from
the study. His hands hovered above the keyboard as he turned
to glance in that direction.
In the past, when they were alone, Harriet would always try to
make her presence known, actively finding topics to talk to him
about.
Now, she spoke very little and almost never initiated
conversation with him.
Hearing Harriet finish her video call with Kathie in the study,
Ellsworth put down his work, got up, walked to the study door,
knocked, and asked in a calm voice, “Not planning to sleep
tonight?”
Ellsworth’s appearance made Harriet sit up straight at once.
Embarrassed, she said, “Did I disturb your work? Sorry.”
She added, “I forgot you were here too.”
Chapter 51
If Harriet hadn’t explained, it would have been fine, but once
she did, Ellsworth’s expression grew a bit complicated.
At least she was honest.
However, he didn’t press her on it and simply turned and went
back to the bedroom.
Watching Ellsworth’s departing back, Harriet exited WhatsApp,
shut her laptop, and followed him.
Just as she returned to the bedroom, Ellsworth’s phone rang.
Ellsworth took his phone out of his pocket, glanced at the caller
ID, and walked over to the window to answer.
On the other end, Kelsey’s gentle voice came through: “Ells,
everyone says they’re going to the bar downstairs for a bit. Do
you want to join us?”
Looking at the night view outside the hotel, Ellsworth replied
calmly, “I’ll pass. You all have fun.”
Kelsey, sounding a bit coquettish, confirmed, “Really not
coming down?”
Ellsworth said, “No, I’m not going.”
Chapter51
Kelsey replied, “Alright, then I’ll come find you.”
Ellsworth answered her directly, “It’s not convenient.”
After Ellsworth spoke, Kelsey fell silent.
After a long pause, she finally said with a laugh, “See you
tomorrow, then. Good night.”
“Mm,” Ellsworth replied gently.
After hanging up and turning around, Harriet didn’t look at him,
as if she hadn’t heard his phone ring or knew who he was
talking to.
