Chapter 222: Two-Faced Person
Ellis considered that a second marriage wasn’t bringing any major benefits and might lead her straight into a third. Edric was momentarily speechless. “I never said I wanted to be Carly’s son-in-law.”
Then why did you add Ellis on WhatsApp!” Tom had never seen Edric so proactive in exchanging contact information with women; to her, it seemed suspicious.
After finishing the wine in his glass, Edric just smiled mysteriously. He admitted that he was initially displeased when his parents suggested he meet a divorced woman for a potential match. He had never been married himself and believed he should be matched with someone unmarried. However, his parents thought his reputation as a playboy made him unsuitable for the noble women of his social circle, and that Ellis would be more than a good match for him. The main reason was his recent breakup. When he proposed ending the relationship, his ex-girlfriend, not taking it well, faked a pregnancy to force him into marriage. When he refused, she created a scandal, accusing him of forcing her to have an abortion, which ruined his reputation.
Introducing him to Ellis seemed like his parents’ desperate attempt to see him married off. However, after meeting Ellis today, he felt a slight change of heart. While marrying a divorcee wasn’t ideal, dating one seemed acceptable. Ellis had caught his eye. Her delicate features, casually flowing wavy hair, and the simple way she dressed that still highlighted her perfect curves, especially those slim, straight legs, stirred his thoughts in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
As for the gifts Carly had given Ellis, she had been selling them off gradually. Once all the money was in hand, she immediately invited Maya to a barbecue, setting the time and place. As the time approached, she planned to leave work and head to the restaurant by cab. Unexpectedly, Maya called first, “Ellis, I’m stuck at work; we can’t make it for the barbecue today.” Maya’s job often required sudden overtime, so Ellis wasn’t upset about being stood up. Whether it was a barbecue for two or one, she wasn’t short on money to afford an extra meal. She decided to go ahead with the plan alone.
Just as she hung up, Zoey came over to remind her, “Ms. Harper, Mr. Morty is at our company.” “Oh,” Ellis responded nonchalantly. Ever since Morty had strangely sent her flowers, she had avoided him for days. Even if she ran into Morty walking his dog at Petal Estates, she could pass by without a glance, not even acknowledging his dog, Malt, fully committed to distancing herself from Morty. So, Morty’s presence here didn’t catch her interest.
As Zoey walked away, another shadow blocked the light, and Ellis reluctantly looked up. Morty appeared before her, and she fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Busy?” Morty asked. “No kidding,” Ellis wanted to tell Morty to keep his distance. She had already expressed that his presence was bad luck; why couldn’t he take a hint? Then you’re busy, Morty said and walked away. Ellis watched his retreating figure, feeling too drained to comment internally.
After sending Morty on his way, she checked her phone for new WhatsApp messages. “Ms. Harper, my parents and Carly reached an agreement this afternoon to set up a meeting between us tomorrow night. Are you available?” Ellis, of course, was not available, her face a mask of confusion. Adding Edric on WhatsApp was a mere social formality. This was only the second message from Edric after several days. What is his deal? Is he actually eager about the match making? And what was Carly thinking? Massaging her temples, Ellis didn’t reply immediately, leaving Edric hanging.
As quitting time approached, she grabbed her bag, ready to leave. Just as she was about to take the elevator, Morty popped up out of nowhere, stepping in before her. With the elevator too small and his annoying presence too much, she decided to wait for the next one. Morty, oblivious to her disdain, asked, “Aren’t you coming?” Ellis responded with a silent, expressive look of refusal. Morty didn’t ask further, and the elevator doors slowly closed. She took the next one alone.
Unbeknownst to her, Morty lingered like a bad spirit, standing at the company’s main entrance, apparently waiting for someone. She walked straight past him, but Morty called out to her. “Ms. Harper, I have something important to tell you, concerning your personal safety.” At his words, Ellis stopped and gave Morty a sideways glance. Was he finally showing his true colors? Morty looked around thoughtfully and then suggested, “It’s about your privacy. Can we talk in my car?” “No, if you have something to say, say it here,” Ellis’s expression and tone were filled with impatience and caution. “Victoria is looking for someone. Be careful with your comings and goings.”