Hamish’s eyes, filled with a hint of laughter, were deep and bright.
Elisa turned her head to continue looking out the window, but she could feel Hamish’s gaze on her through her peripheral vision. Even though his gaze was faint, it carried a strong sense of dominance, like an arrow with penetrating power, striking directly at her heart.
Elisa spoke, “I wonder if it will snow this year.”
“It’s only July, still early.”
Yes, it was early, but people couldn’t help but think ahead. Bankshire was in the south, where it rarely snowed in winter. It wouldn’t be too hot or too cold. The last time it snowed was three years ago, and it even became a hot topic that year.
Elisa was sensitive to the cold, and her hands and feet would become cold as soon as winter arrived, but she loved watching the snow.
“Do you like snow?”
Elisa pondered for a moment and replied, “I wouldn’t say I like it very much, but it’s rare, especially in the south. People always pay attention to rare things.”
“This winter, we can go to the north where the snowfall is heavy and enjoy the snowy scenery.”
A sentimental female voice came from the car stereo, whispering romantic words: “I am a swallow from the south, why am I infatuated with the cold of the north?”
It was quite fitting. Elisa followed the song and said, “I do like snow, but my body can’t handle the cold, so you should take Lila with you.”
Even though the atmosphere at night was so good, she had to mention Lila.
Even the driver in front could sense that something was off now.
The car drove into a gentle mountain road, leaving only a row of lonely street lamps, while the villa was still lit.
Ariella was still awake and immediately opened the door when she heard the sound of the car engine outside. She stood at the doorway and saw Elisa getting out of the car.
“Miss Powell, you and Mr. Burns are back.”
“Yes.”
“Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something else? It’s only eight o’clock. Ariella received a message in the afternoon, knowing that they would be eating out at night, so she casually made something at home.”
Elisa said, “No need, we’ve already eaten.”
Ariella looked at the figures of Hamish and Elisa. Although they were close physically, they seemed distant in their connection. Was this what they called a superficial relationship?
Ariella stood at the doorway, waiting for the two of them to enter before closing the door and going inside.
The room was much warmer. Elisa took off her coat and threw it on the sofa before going to the bedroom to take a shower and change into comfortable pajamas.
Hamish had had quite a bit to drink today, but he was the type of person who didn’t show it on his face. He could hold his liquor well. His steps were steady, and his speech was clear. However, there was one characteristic: when he drank, he became even more silent than usual, and his eyes became particularly cold. The more drunk he was, the brighter his eyes became.
Hamish drank half a bowl of sobering tea, took out his phone from his pocket, and as soon as he went online, several messages popped up.
Tobias was a workaholic. Nine out of ten messages were work-related, and one was asking if he was available.
Hamish pressed his temples and clicked on it. They were all about South Water Island. He quickly replied.
“I’ve handed South Water Island over to Elisa. She will be in charge from now on. You should coordinate with her.”
Tobias sent a questioning face, but seeing that Hamish didn’t reply, he sent an understanding one.
He merged the messages and forwarded them to Elisa. When Elisa finished her shower and came out, she saw Tobias’s message on her phone.
The screen was too small, and she couldn’t see the content clearly. Elisa opened her computer and found several proposals.
When it came to choosing cooperative companies, Elisa briefly browsed through them but didn’t see Baker Group.
Elisa took a deep breath. Baker Group wasn’t among the options for Burns Group. It seemed like she needed to think long and hard about it.
After reading the documents, Elisa closed her computer and replied to Tobias, “Let’s discuss it in detail tomorrow at work.”
Tobias replied with just two words, “Sounds good.”
Elisa took out a handful of pills from the drawer and poured them into her palm. She used to be afraid of taking medication, but now she could swallow them in one gulp, even getting used to the bitter taste in her throat.
After taking the pills, she felt a bit drowsy. Hamish had finished showeringand entered the room. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through Elisa’s hair.
Thinking about what happened at the restaurant today, Elisa confessed to him that she regretted meeting him and forcing him into marriage. Her heart tightened even more.
If they hadn’t gotten married, he would probably be with Lila now, and Elisa would be in another man’s bed.
If they hadn’t gotten married, perhaps he and Elisa would have become great business partners. After all, she was so outstanding.
But there were no “ifs” like that. They were married, and she would always be his.
With the alcohol taking effect, Hamish pressed Elisa’s head down and kissed her soft lips.
The bedroom became exceptionally quiet, and the increasingly rapid rhythm of their breathing was noticeably evident. The sound of their lips and tongues intertwining made their faces flush and their hearts race.
Elisa was awakened by the kiss, and in retrospect, she realized that there was one important thing about Hamish when he was drunk-he became more aggressive and took advantage of her in various ways.
Under the influence of alcohol, Hamish’s emotions became somewhat uncontrollable. The softness of her lips made him savor the moment. Then he simply pressed her down, with his arm resting behind her neck.
Elisa knew that she couldn’t resist him in such matters. There was no escaping. So she pushed against his strong chest.
“Take precautions. I don’t want to take birth control pills.”