Unwanted Intrusions

Even if Elli felt a tiny ripple of gratitude because Mort had helped her, she quickly regained her composure, understanding that gratitude and romantic interest should not be confused. At that moment, Kelly found herself in an awkward position. Mr. Zion never said it was all just Morty’s wishful thinking!

Kelly sheepishly touched her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

“Knowing you’re sorry, please tell Mr. Zion that I have no romantic interest in Morty whatsoever. He can rest easy: I’m a person of integrity,” Ellis spoke without any expression.

Escaping miles away and still not avoiding this mess was infuriating! Even if she were to consider Morty’s advances, she’d have to think hard about his ties to Easton. He was her ex’s childhood friend, and becoming his girlfriend would spark rumors and awkward situations she might not be ready to handle.

Ellis spoke bluntly, her words tinged with anger, and Kelly understood her feelings. Being disliked by someone and then having to deal with that person’s relative trying to intervene was aggravating for anyone, as no one appreciated being treated that way.

Kelly offered an apologetic smile. “Okay, Ms. Harper, I’ll relay your exact words to Mr. Zion.”

As Kelly prepared to leave, Ellis added, “If you can, ask Mr. Zion to keep Morty from coming after me. As for Easton…”

Although she had told Easton she wasn’t interested in Morty, with Easton’s character, it was hard to guarantee he wouldn’t act irrationally later on. It might not end badly for her, but Morty could likely end up worse off. Considering the times Morty had helped her, she felt obliged to help him avoid unnecessary trouble.

Being decent is still worth something, right? Ellis’s unspoken thoughts were clear to Kelly. Easton was the powerful head of the massive Hudson Group! His words could turn the world upside down.

Zion had sent her to talk to Ellis, worried about offending Easton. As a woman herself, she felt sympathy for Ellis. Having ended her marriage, her emotional life was still under Easton’s shadow.

Kelly stood up. “I’m sorry for the disturbance, Ms. Harper.”

After making her apologies, Kelly left the cafe and immediately reported back to Zion. Upon hearing the report, Zion didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. What has Morty done to make both Ellis and Easton dislike him? But it did indicate that Morty was tricky to handle. The priority now was to stop Morty from pursuing Ellis.

Chapter 3.10 Unwanted Intrusions

It seemed odd for him to be concerned about his ex-wife’s unlikely relationship with his childhood friend. After a brief analysis, Zion sensed that the situation wasn’t so straightforward.

Looking out into the night, he called Easton directly, “Aside from Easton knowing you like his ex-wife, what else have you done?”

“Uncle Morty, I’m well into my twenties,” Morty reminded him flatly.

The implication in Morty’s words was not lost on Zion. This kid must have crossed Easton behind my back! Otherwise, why would Easton act like there was a storm brewing?

“You could be in your eighties, and I’d still be your uncle,” Zion commanded forcefully. “You’d better tell me everything straight, and don’t try to lie to me.”

“You can’t guess, Uncle Zion?”

“If I could guess, would I be asking you?”

“It’s late; I’m going to sleep.”

As Easton’s voice trailed off, the call ended, leaving Zion seething with frustration. Unable to make sense of the tangled relationships between Easton, Morty, and Ellis, Zion found himself unable to sleep.

He redialed, not even asking how Easton was doing, and stated bluntly, “I spoke to Ellis. She said she despises you and has absolutely no romantic feelings toward you.”

Morty, already impatient, frowned deeply at Zion’s words, his displeasure evident.

“Uncle Zion, aren’t you being a bit harsh?”

It was he who liked Ellis, not the other way around. Zion sending someone to speak with Ellis undoubtedly increased her disdain for him.

“Whether it’s harsh isn’t for you to judge. Just take care of it,” Zion responded, not wanting to push Morty to give up hope, but it was clear Ellis had no interest in Morty. There was no point in Morty suffering needlessly.

Zion’s advice, meant to be kind, fell on deaf ears as Morty pondered how to fix the mess Zion had made.

After sending Kelly away, Ellis was speechless. Would my life only get better when I turn twenty-five?

Fed up with these unlucky events and annoying people, back in her room, she could finally lie down. She closed her eyes, planning to rest before going to freshen up. But just then, a jarring ringtone disrupted her peace.