Chapter 24
He seemed indifferent again, and she guessed he was irritated by Johnathan creating another opportunity for them. Not wanting him to think she was trying to get closer, she quickly explained, “I’ll just go with Kat.”
After a pause, she added, “It’s late. I’m off to bed. You should get some sleep, too.”
With this, she sat on her side of the bed, put on the earplugs and eye mask, and wrapped herself in the blanket, going to sleep.
Ellsworth looked down at her, his eyes devoid of any emotion.
Everyone thought she loved him and had endured enough. He
was the only one who knew the truth-she was into someone
else.
Marrying him was simply a pragmatic choice in line with her
interests.
Seeing her so wary of him, he lost all interest.
Everyone always fawned over him. Forcing a woman was
beneath him.
He lay down and turned off the main light, while the bump
under the blanket still remained motionless. He stretched out a
leg and nudged her lightly through the blanket. “Get out before
you suffocate yourself. I’m not a perv.”
Only then did she pull back the blanket.
Glancing at him, she said, “I’ll talk to Patsy. You’ll be free from
this awkward position. Just focus on those projects.””
Without responding, he said coldly, “Go to sleep.”.
She had no objections. Closing her eyes, she soon drifted to
sleep.
***
It was Friday the next day.
After work, Harriet hopped into Kathie’s car and went to the
hotel with her gift for Johnathan in her bag.
She had always attended social gatherings like this together
with Kathie.
By the time they
buzzing with laughter and chatter.
With a grin, Kathie handed Johnathan her gift. “Happy
birthday, Nathan.”
He took it with a smile. “Thanks, Kat. Just having you here
means the world to me-no need for gifts from now on.”
Then he turned to Harriet, the grin on his face widening. “Hello,
Hara.”
She gave him her gift, too, smiling, “Happy birthday,
Johnathan.”
She was good-looking, gentle, and elegant.
On top of that, her voice was pleasant to the ear, making her all
the more likable.
Even Johnathan’s voice became much gentler. “Thanks, Hara.
Take a seat. See if there’s anything you like on the menu. You
and Kat can order whatever you want.”
“Alright.”
After saying this, Harriet looked around. The seat on
loyal admirer-sat on his left side.
She quickly looked away. She knew her place and wouldn’t
humiliate herself by sitting next to him.
After all, he had been on his phone throughout this entire time,
not even sparing her a glance.
She accidentally met eyes with Brittany, who sneered, “My, my.
Ms. Chavez? I guess I gotta give up my seat for you, huh?”
Though she said so, she showed no intention of standing up at
all.
Harriet said casually, “You don’t have to. There are other seats.”
Turning to Kathie, she continued, “Kat, shall we sit over here?”
“Sure.” Kathie shrugged.
Shortly after they sat down, Johnathan finished greeting his
guests and sat to Harriet’s right.
When the waiters started to serve dishes, Ellsworth finally put
down his phone, his gaze landing on Harriet, who was sitting
diagonally across from him.
She was chatting with Johnathan. Unlike before, she didn’t
steal glances at him.
It seemed she didn’t know him at all.
Oblivious to Ellsworth’s glance, Harriet was discussing work
with Johnathan.
He asked, “Hara, has the Southern Suburb project started
construction yet?”
She nodded. “Yeah. Phase one construction is underway!”
Ellsworth stared at her for a while. As he looked away, Brittany
said, “Mr. Townsend, what’s gotten into Ms. Chavez today? She
actually turned down the seat next to you.”
But he didn’t say anything in response. He glanced at Harriet
again as she was tasting the soup.
