Chapter 252
Facing Franco’s inquiry, Eliana replied softly, “You haven’t done anything insufficient.”
“Why haven’t you contacted me proactively then?” Franco’s tone was as casual as chatting, never making Eliana feel pressured.
“I was afraid you hadn’t thought it through, so I didn’t dare to contact you rashly. Please don’t blame me,” Eliana held the phone with both hands, sounding childishly coy.
Theodore couldn’t help thinking, ‘Franco seems more like her Dad.’
“I see,” Franco laughed heartily on the other end. “I thought I wasn’t sincere enough and even considered visiting you at Russell Manor one day.”
Horrified, Eliana blurted out, “Franco, there’s no need for that.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. Seeing her relaxed smile, Theodore asked, “Happy?”
“Yeah. Mr. Jean calling me means he’s serious,” Eliana said.
She also found Franco approachable. “Though big shots usually have strong charisma,” she said, “I think his warmth toward me is to win you over.”
“Why not because he admires you?” Theodore flicked her nose gently. “Let it take its course.” Eliana nodded.
At dinner, the chef said, “Mrs. Russell, this is your soup.”
Glancing at it, Eliana asked, “Why am I having this again tonight?” She knew the Russell family served diverse dishes and rarely repeated soup two nights
in a row.
Alice tensed up but forced herself to focus on her food.
“The weather’s hot lately, so the kitchen prepared this soup to soothe the heat,” the chef explained.
“I see.” Eliana had only asked out of curiosity and said no more after hearing the explanation.
Just as Alice relaxed, Theodore suddenly said, “If you don’t like it, we can swap.”
Alice snapped her head up as Theodore exchanged their bowls. This birth control soup was meant for Eliana–if Theodore drank it, it would be useless.
Seeing the swap, Mindy behind Alice sighed in relief. The soup had no effect on men, so her guilt lessened. Alice frowned, deciding to change Eliana’s dish tomorrow.
The next day, Stanley led Hudson into Theodore’s office again. Theodore, sitting by the table, stood up. “Have a seat.”
Hudson remembered the first visit when Theodore hadn’t moved an inch. Being greeted now made him feel flattered. Taking a seat, he asked awkwardly, “Mr. Russell, why did you call me here?”
Watching Hudson’s cautious manner, Theodore was sure he’d made the right choice. Supporting Hudson as the true head of the Burke family was better than favoring Belinda and Hannah, who never knew when to yield.
Theodore poured Hudson coffee personally. “Ellie told me you’ve been in a bad mood, so I invited you over. After all, you’re her father. Your unhappiness
concerns her.”
Hudson broke into a cold sweat. “Mr. Russell, I… I didn’t mean to upset Ellie yesterday.” This thought came from Theodore’s warning last time.
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Chapter 252
“That’s not what I meant. Have some coffee,” Theodore said calmly.
Hudson nodded vigorously and took the cup, jumping in pain as the coffee burned him.
Noting Hudson’s inability to converse normally, Theodore gestured to Stanley.
Stanley left and returned with a woman in a black pantsuit and black–rimmed glasses. Wiping his mouth, Hudson asked, “Mr. Russell, who is this?”
“She is Linsey Dowen,” Theodore said. “I transferred her from Peregrine’s branch to be your secretary.”
“What?” Hudson sprang up again, nearly falling back into his seat.
Linsey extended her hand, deadpan. “Mr. Burke, hello. I reviewed your files overnight. Frankly, it’s a miracle Burke Group hasn’t collapsed with your capabilities.”
Hudson frowned. Linsey was pretty but always poker–faced and blunt. If she became his secretary,
he might have a heart attack daily.
Afraid to displease Theodore, he hesitated, “Is this appropriate? She’s the same age as my daughters.”
“She’s just your secretary. What are you implying?” Theodore sneered.
“No, that’s not-” Hudson blushed in embarrassment. He had been undersexed for a long time, which was why Belinda grew increasingly dissatisfied. “If my wife finds out, she’ll make a scene.”
Theodore tapped his knee. “I hear your current assistants are all your wife’s relatives. They flatter you but bring no real benefit.”
Hudson admitted, “Yes, they’re my wife’s favorite nephews. They slack off at work, and I can’t be too harsh.”
Theodore nodded. “Linsey is like a precision instrument–highly capable, no personal feelings. She’ll cure your i consult.”
indecisiveness and give you someone to
He added, “Didn’t you complain to Ellie that Belinda and Hannah look down on you? This is your first step to reverse your fiasco.”
AD
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