Ellie arrived at the Marco company just as the city's afternoon sun gleamed off the building's mirrored facade. The tall structure loomed above her-cold, sleek and unwelcoming.
Her palms were damped as she clutched the small envelope in her hand, the one she'd brought for Bella.
Bella, the marketing department manager, was taken aback when an intern informed her that Ellie was waiting outside. She came out at once, trace of surprise in her expression.
"Ellie, I didn't expect to see you here today," Bella said.
They had spoken over the phone before, but Bella never thought she would actually come in person about that issue.
Ellie forced a small smile, though her heart was pounding "You know what we discussed," she said, then placed the envelope in Bella's hand. Inside was the money Bella had asked for.
"Ellie, I'm not promising anything," Bella said, lowering her voice. "You know the president has to approve it before the plan can move forward."
"Yes, I know," Ellie replied. "But you have to at least try."
She told Bella that will be expecting a positive response, then turned to leave.
As she exited the building, she noticed Leo and his bodyguards entering.
Ellie's heart stopped.
Instinctively, she ducked behind one of the stone pillars near the entrance, her pulse hammering in her ears.
She was too scared to face Leo. She still didn't know how to look him in the eye after everything that had happened. Besides, she couldn't risk telling him the truth, not while Mafioso still had his eyes on her.
From her hiding place, she saw Leo stride confidently toward the lobby, his tailored suit fitting him like an armor. He carried himself with effortless grace and authority.
What Ellie didn't realize was that Leo had already seen her before she turned away. He had spotted her reflection in the glass doors but pretended not to notice, keeping his gaze fixed ahead as he walked inside.
"She's still avoiding me," he thought.
He had been replaying that day in his mind, the way Ellie's voice had trembled, the fear in her eyes. He knew she had been forced into doing what she did. He had seen the pain in her eyes. His only anger was that she hadn't trusted him enough to him the truth.
He had already asked Harry to investigate discreetly what really happened that day, determined to find the person threatening her. He was resolute about uncovering the truth.
Leo had also looked into her whereabouts and discovered that she hadn't returned to her family's house but had rented a new apartment. He knew where she was staying but chose to keep his distance for now. If he approached her too soon, he might only endanger her further.
Meanwhile, Ellie slipped out through the Marco company's side exit and hurried towards the bus stop.
She thought to herself that she couldn't keep hiding from Leo. She needed to find a way to tell him the truth. She couldn't let him keep on misunderstanding her, and she had no idea what Mafioso might do next. She had to warn Leo so he could be prepared and not get hurt if Mafioso attacked again.