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 exined, “I’ll just go with Kat.”

After a pause, she added, “It’ste. 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 nket, 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.

Hey down and turned off the main light, while the bump

under the nket still remained motionless. He stretched out a

leg and nudged her lightly through the nket. “Get out before

you suffocate yourself. I’m not a perv.”

Only then did she pull back the nket.

ncing 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 withughter 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 ce 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 nce.

She identally 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 gazending on Harriet, who was sitting

diagonally across from him.

She was chatting with Johnathan. Unlike before, she didn’t

steal nces at him.

It seemed she didn’t know him at all.

Oblivious to Ellsworth’s nce, 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 nced at Harriet

again as she was tasting the soup.