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 beentely?”

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 cab.

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 tly, “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.

The suite had a separate study, two bathrooms, and even a

small inte 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 anding 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 rx for a couple of

days, saying she herself had been cking offtely, staying

home with Keh.

While video chatting with Harriet, Keh passed by. Kathie

turned the camera toward Keh and said, “Ken, say hi to

Hara.”

Looking at Kathie’s camera, Keh smiled and said, “Hara,

have fun over there.”

Harriet waved at Keh and replied with a smile, “Okay, Ken.”

In the bedroom, Ellsworth listened to the soundsing from

the study. His hands hovered above the keyboard as he turned

to nce 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 nning 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.”

If Harriet hadn’t exined, it would have been fine, but once

she did, Ellsworth’s expression grew a bitplicated.

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 herptop, and followed him.

Just as she returned to the bedroom, Ellsworth’s phone rang.

Ellsworth took his phone out of his pocket, nced 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

Ellsworth said, “No, I’m not going.”

Chapter51

Kelsey replied, “Alright, then I’lle find you.”

Ellsworth answered her directly, “It’s not convenient.”

After Ellsworth spoke, Kelsey fell silent.

After a long pause, she finally said with augh, “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.