"I just can’t bear to see my dad like that. It feels like he’s truly gotten old. If a house can make him see Alice Lynch clearly, it would be a good thing."
Hugo Quinn hugged her tenderly. Encountering something , anyone would feel uncomfortable.
Eleanor Hollis brushed off his hand and went to sit by the dining table.
This morning, she deliberately didn’t have breakfast before heading over, just to find out whether Nicholas Hollis had spent the night at Alice Lynch’s place. Unexpectedly, as soon as she arrived, she saw them coming downstairs together, confirming they indeed slept together.
She couldn’t tell if she felt disappointed or found it laughable, thinking perhaps that’s just how men are.
By noon, she received a call from a stranger. It was from the man she had saved before, saying she had left something at his place and asked her to come and retrieve it.
"Let me treat you to a meal as a thank you for saving my life."
Eleanor Hollis patted her forehead, recalling that she indeed had a bag that night, a gift from someone else; she couldn’t afford to lose it.
"Alright, let’s meet at the Gilded Spoon."
Hugo Quinn had previously told her about the man’s identity, advising her not to get involved, but she felt he didn’t seem like a bad person, especially since he was just returning her wallet.
She tidied up casually and went to the restaurant.
Hugo Quinn had been very busy these days, leaving no time to accompany her, so no one cared wherever she went.
Arriving at the restaurant, she immediately spotted the man sitting in the corner, wearing a hat, and he saw her too, smiling slightly.
Eleanor Hollis couldn’t deny it; the man was indeed very handsome, the kind of handsomeness that left a stunning first impression.
The man took out a wallet and placed it in front of her.
Eleanor Hollis accepted it, politely responding, "Thank you."
The man raised an eyebrow. He had investigated her identity and realized she was Hugo Quinn’s woman, prompting a furrowed brow.
Given that she was beside Hugo Quinn, she should already know his identity, yet why did she appear completely unafraid?
"Are you not afraid of me?" Read full story at 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲·𝗻𝗲𝘁
Eleanor Hollis’s eyes flashed with surprise, then she chuckled.
"You’re not a ghost."
The man laughed too, his lips curving into a charming arc.
"Order whatever you like. I truly owe you from last time."
He still remembered the fried eggs and small buns she made, but there probably wouldn’t be another chance to taste them.
Eleanor Hollis amiably picked up the menu, ordering two favorites for herself and a signature dish for the man.
"You’re the first woman I’ve seen so close to Hugo Quinn."
The man suddenly spoke, a flash of puzzlement in his eyes.
Eleanor Hollis pondered, was he familiar with Hugo Quinn? Yet Hugo Quinn spoke of him with a tone of unfamiliarity.
The spot they sat was thoughtfully chosen, though in the corner, it allowed them to see the entire scene. It was the man’s choice, likely due to a professional habit.
As soon as Eleanor Hollis finished her words, the man chuckled. Hugo Quinn as a good person? That might be the funniest joke he had heard all year.
Curious about the man’s mysterious identity, Eleanor Hollis wondered if he ever crossed paths with Hugo Quinn, who was a bona fide businessman.
"You could say we know each other; we’ve clashed before."
The man’s eyebrow suddenly raised, noticing Eleanor Hollis’s eyes filled with gossip, warming his heart unexpectedly.
This unexpected warmth was strange to him, yet quite unfamiliar.
She truly treated him like a regular person. Previously, there had been many women who appeared beside him, but upon knowing his identity, they turned into fearful and anxious beings, losing any appeal. She, however, was interesting.
"Neither won, we both got hurt."
Eleanor Hollis nodded, it seemed Hugo Quinn was quite skilled too, the man always hiding his abilities.
The waiter soon brought out their orders, and as Eleanor Hollis was about to eat, she saw the restaurant door being pushed open. The person entering was Hugo Quinn.
She wasn’t afraid of being caught by Hugo Quinn. After all, eating with this man had a reason, and she was just retrieving her wallet, with his gratitude.
But Hugo Quinn was different; he had by his side a woman, engaging in lively conversation.
The man across from Eleanor Hollis seemed to notice as well, curving his lips, finding it amusing.
Having picked this spot, people in the hall wouldn’t notice them, allowing him to brazenly watch Hugo Quinn and the woman converse.
The woman seemed very appreciative of Hugo Quinn, her face always adorned with a smile.
Hugo Quinn showed no sign of impatience either.
Eleanor Hollis’s eyes gradually grew deeper, perhaps due to her instinct, she took out her phone and dialed Hugo Quinn.
Seated at the table, Hugo Quinn saw his phone screen light up, swiped his finger, and hung up the call.
Eleanor Hollis widened her eyes; Hugo Quinn actually hung up on her call. This man had never done that before!
The man across from her began to laugh, savoring Eleanor Hollis’s expression as he gently pushed the juice toward her.
"Men are like that, unfaithful and fickle. Miss Hollis, my condolences."
Eleanor Hollis furrowed her brow, perhaps other men were , but Hugo Quinn wasn’t; she trusted him.
Maybe he just accidentally hung up, so she called again.
She clearly saw Hugo Quinn say something to the woman, who instantly covered her mouth, beaming at him.
Hugo Quinn answered the phone, his voice still gentle.
"Eleanor, what’s up?"
If Eleanor Hollis hadn’t been able to see him at that moment, she’d never have guessed such a gentle man could be meeting another woman.
"Just calling to ask if you’re busy. Want to join me for a meal?"
She had hoped that by saying this, Hugo Quinn would immediately part with the woman and come for her.
However, the reality was, Hugo Quinn lightly furrowed his brow, then began to lie.
"Sorry, Eleanor, I’m very busy; I probably won’t have time today."
Eleanor Hollis gritted her teeth, no time for a meal with her but available for this woman?
She reined in her temper and asked again; her eyes already showed anger. If Hugo Quinn lied once more, she’d truly become upset.
"I’m working overtime at the office."
The man’s lie came effortlessly, a pang of pain flickered through Eleanor Hollis’s heart as she tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Then focus on your work."
Once she finished, she hung up the phone, staring blankly at Hugo Quinn over there.
After he ended the call, Hugo Quinn smiled at the woman, and they continued dining.