Chapter 17
The next day at Starlight Media, Eliana had just arrived at the department when she saw a crowd gathered, deep in conversation.
Someone said, “Hey, did you hear? The reason our department landed the new project this time is all thanks to our director, Ms. Hannah Burke –
Another added, “Please, when has a new project not been because of her?”
Then someone else chimed in, “She’s basically born to shine. Plus, she’s with our CEO, Mr. Hall. Sooner or later, she’s gonna be the boss’s wife
Just then, someone noticed Eliana standing by the door and said to her with a hint of envy, “Eliana, having such an amazing sister must be great, right? You probably don’t even need to worry about anything.”
Eliana thought, ‘It’s the opposite. Hannah is like my walking comparison–always making me look larne by contrast
The next second, someone tapped her lightly on the shoulder and asked, “Eliana, we’re having a department party tonight. Want to come?”
But that just reminded Eliana of Theodore. If she didn’t go back, there’d be no one to bring him dinner.
She gave her coworker an apologetic smile. “I’ve got something going on. Maybe next time.”
At six p.m. sharp, Eliana clocked out on time. While getting her scooter in the parking garage, she happened to run into her sister Hannah and her future brother–in–law, Nolan Hall, who were also heading out.
The difference was, Eliana’s ride was a scooter, while Hannah and Nolan were getting into a Maserati.
Eliana only glanced once before quickly looking away, ready to take off on her scooter.
“Ellie,” Hannah called out.
Eliana thought, ‘Great. Busted.‘
She pressed her lips together and stopped. “Hannah,” she greeted.
Hannah walked over briskly, but it didn’t take away from her appearance at all–if anything, it made her look even sharper, like the perfect career woman. “Ellie, why haven’t you been answering my calls?”
“I’ve been busy. I’ve got no time,” Eliana replied.
Hearing Eliana’s dismissive tone, Hannah frowned slightly and asked, “Are you still upset that I convinced Dad to arrange your marriage to Mr. Russell?”
Eliana shot back, “What’s the point of asking something we both know the answer to?”
She thought, ‘Hannah pushed me to marry a blind man and tried to convince me that everyone would envy me for becoming Mrs. Russell. What a joke.‘
“But it was the fastest way to solve Burke Group’s crisis.” Hannah grabbed Eliana’s shoulder and started lecturing her. “Ellie, we were born into this kind of family. Sometimes, we don’t get to make our own choices.”
Eliana couldn’t help but gesture with her lips toward Nolan, who was sitting in the Maserati. “Then why didn’t you marry Nolan? He’s the CEO of Starlight Media, and he’s your fiancé,
“If you asked him, I’m sure he’d jump at the chance to save Burke Group.”
Hannah shook her head. “You don’t understand. It’s because Nolan and I are in love that I can’t just ask him for something like that. I can’t let him think I’m that kind of woman.”
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Chapter 17
Eliana thought, ‘That kind of woman?‘
She felt insulted and pushed Hannah’s hand off her shoulder. “So what you really mean is, once you get married, you’re no longer a Burke Anythi Nolan does for our family after marrying you would be at the cost of your benefits, right?
“Or maybe you just don’t want to marry him yet. After all, keeping your options open has always been your specialty.”
Eliana’s ex–boyfriend had been stolen by Hannah in just that way–and to this day, he was still waiting for her to come back.
Thinking of that, Eliana couldn’t help but give her a sarcastic thumbs–up. “Hannah, you really know how to run a business. Just like Dad.
Hannah didn’t look too pleased at the moment. “Ellie, so that’s what you’ve really thought of me all this time?”
“Does it even matter what I think? You and Dad already mapped out my life like a business plan.” Eliana wasn’t in the mood to play dumb anymore. If there’s nothing else, please move. I’ve got to get home and feed my husband.”
Seeing that Eliana had already started up her scooter, Hannah had no choice but to step aside and say, “Come home if you have time. Isaac’s been cry and asking for you nonstop.”
“I will.” Eliana really meant it. Her big brother, Isaac Burke, was the person she was closest to in the Burke family.
