Chapter 241
Chapter 241
Franco flinched, then forced a helpless chuckle. “No, what I meant was, Ellie hasn’t had dinner yet. Why don’t I host a private meal for the three of us?”
Theodore narrowed his eyes, actually seeming to consider it.
Seeing this, Eliana stepped in as a peacemaker. “Theodore, I think Mr. Jean hid things from you purely for Russell Group’s benefit.
“Besides, he rushed over right after I fell, handled everything perfectly, and even helped catch the culprit. Please don’t stay mad on my account, okay?”
Her gentle words defused Theodore’s anger. “Fine.”
Watching this, Franco was more convinced than ever that “winning over Eliana is the key to winning over Theodore.” His gaze toward her turned as eager as if she were a magical amulet, making Eliana fight off a shiver.
The scene of Franco dining with Theodore and Eliana didn’t escape notice, prompting envious whispers.
“God, when will I get to have a meal with Mr. Jean?” one person sighed.
“Only when you’re as powerful as Mr. Russell,” another scoffed.
“His wife is also riding his coattails, getting a chance to dine with Mr. Jean,” someone else remarked.
“Wait, is Mr. Jean only talking to Mrs. Russell?” another said.
On closer look, they saw Franco laughing and chatting with Eliana while Theodore sat alone, sipping wine and looking slightly forlorn.
After a long silence, someone muttered, “Could Mrs. Russell be Mr. Jean’s illegitimate daughter?”
Another warned, “Either way, she’s no pushover. Let’s all be careful not to mess with her.”
In the dining room, Franco shared a laugh with Eliana. Seizing the lighthearted moment, he half–joked, “Ellie, ever thought about getting a godfather?”
Eliana blinked in confusion. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
Franco slowly wiped the smile from his face, his voice dead serious. “The truth is, I’ve always had a soft spot for Theodore.
“Once tried to take him as my godson, but he told me he’d put his own father in prison and warned me not to be the next poor sap. Then I met you today, and I’m hoping you can help me fulfill that old wish.”
The next instant, as Theodore set down his wine glass and fixed him with a look, Franco asked, “Why the hell are you staring at me?”
Theodore gave a dry laugh. ‘Does he really think I’m clueless? Making Eliana his goddaughter will give him leverage over me,’ he thought.
But knowing Franco–sly but honorable–he decided to let it play out.
Relieved by Theodore’s silence, Franco turned back to the stunned Eliana. “Oh, right, my wife and I had twins–both older than you. If you ever come by, they’d dote on you like crazy.”
Eliana shook herself awake. “Mr. Jean, I don’t deserve to be your goddaughter.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Franco had weighed this decision carefully.
First, he needed to build bridges with Theodore. Second, he respected Eliana’s grit–staying calm in a crisis, solving problems rationally, and even smoothing over Theodore’s anger toward him. Rare qualities these days.
After a moment, Eliana said, “I appreciate the offer, but it’s a lot to take in. Can I have some time to process this?”
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Chapter 241
Franco respected her even more for not jumping at the chance. “Take all the time
you
need.”
Half an hour later, Randy tracked down Franco, panic creeping into his voice. “Mr. Jean, I can’t keep the foreign investors upstairs under control much longer.”
Franco shot him a withering look. “Can’t you see I’m having dinner with Theodore and Ellie? Tell everyone else to back off now.”
Hearing this, Randy broke into a cold sweat. “But with you and Mr. Russell both here, the foreign investors are starting to chat among themselves. Aren’t you worried about the deal falling through?”
Franco shot back coldly, “That’s on you. If you can’t keep them engaged, consider yourself fired when I get back.”
Randy’s knees went weak, nearly buckling. He suddenly realized Franco was laying it on thick for Theodore’s sake.
He wheeled toward Theodore, bowing and groveling, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Russell. I never should’ve pressured you to stay and talk business. Please forgive my insolence.”
Theodore took a sip of wine and drawled, “Knock it off, Mr. Jean. Cut the performance.”
Looking sheepish, Franco dabbed his mouth with a napkin and stood. “Well, then, Theodore, Ellie, enjoy the rest of your meal. I’ll head upstairs to schmooze with our guests.”
Theodore grunted in reply.
Eliana rose to see him out. “Goodbye, Mr. Jean.”
“Oh, and Ellie,” Franco added warmly before leaving, “Don’t forget to think about what we discussed.”
Eliana gave a slow nod, then turned to Theodore once Franco was gone. “I’m done eating, Theodore.”
He frowned at her barely touched steak. “Why so little?”
“Just not hungry.” She’d been busy chatting with Franco.
Noticing her listlessness, he said, “Alright, I’ll walk you back to rest. If you get hungry later, I’ll order room service.”
Eliana was on the verge of agreeing when a face popped into her head. She jolted. “Oh, crap. Harper?”
How had she forgotten Harper?
“Eliana?” Theodore took off after her as she dashed outside.
Night had fallen by now, the air turning nippy and the sea wind picking up. Eliana coughed from the chill, then spun to Theodore. “You got Harper’s
number?”
He gave her a strange look. “Why the sudden need?”
“No time to explain. Give me your phone.” Eliana’s cheeks flushed with panic.
‘Stupid seawater ruined my phone,’ she thought.
Theodore shoved his phone into her hand. “She’s in the group chat.”
Seconds later, Eliana found Harper’s profile pic and hit video call.
Soon Harper’s face filled the screen, one hand on her chest. “Ellie. Jesus, I thought your husband was calling. Where’s your cell?”
Eliana skipped the part about being pushed into the ocean, too worried to do anything but ask, “Harper, you good?”
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Chapter 241
Harper raked a hand through her wind tangled hair. “I’m golden. Laid into that jerk and his side piece–officially dumped his ass. Feeling freaking amazing.”
AD
