Chapter 30
This particular point, however, Logan had no desire to discuss. He simply gave a noncommittal grunt in response. Hannah, now preoccupied with fussing over Isabella’s injuries, didn’t press the matter further. She just instructed the new tutor to take Samuel upstairs for his lesson. Samuel spent the evening with the tutor but understood almost nothing. The tutor’s teaching method was essentially the same as his preschool teacher’s. It suited for children of average or above–average intelligence, which Samuel was not. His intellect was simply ordinary. It was only due to the immense expectations Logan and old Mr. Eliot placed on him that he was pushed to learn advanced material so early. Eliana had once felt this was like “pulling up seedlings to help them grow,” believing Samuel wasn’t cut out for it and that excessive pressure would backfire. Unfortunately, she’d had no say in the matter and could only develop her own patient way of explaining things to him—a method only he could follow. Now, listening in utter confusion, when Hannah came to check on his progress, Samuel could only blame the tutor for being bad at his job. Left with no choice, Hannah went through several more tutors in quick succession. Each time, the result was the same: Samuel couldn’t understand, so he declared the tutor incompetent. After three or four days and just as many tutors, Hannah was at her wit’s end. She finally looked at Samuel and asked, “Then you tell me, what kind of person can teach you?” Samuel thought for a moment, then answered earnestly, “Mom. I can understand when she teaches me. ‘I don’t want her to be my mom anymore. But we could hire her back as my tutor. I just want her to come back and teach me. Hearing this, Hannah turned an awkward look toward Logan. “Will you talk to her about it?” Logan’s frown deepened. The memory of Eliana coming to his office left a complex feeling in his chest. He had been waiting for her to come crawling back, begging for his help. But for him to seek her out first? Absolutely out of the question. Ignoring Hannah’s question, Logan stood up. “Keep looking. I refuse to believe that in such a big city, we can’t find a single person capable of teaching Samuel.” With that, he walked out. Truthfully, he had no particular destination in mind–he was just avoiding the uncomfortable topic. Yet, the moment he sank into the driver’s seat of his car, the unwanted thoughts followed him. Feeling nervous, Logan dialed Andrew’s number. “The Westridge land. What’s the situation now?” “It’s at a standstill. Many workers have already gone to protest at Lyons Group. Mrs. Eliot managed to send them away temporarily. “But if she can’t resolve the funding issue soon, the protests will undoubtedly start again,” Andrew reported honestly. He hesitated, then added, his conscience getting the better of him, “Mr. Eliot, I don’t think Mrs. Lyon’s family can hold on much longer. Perhaps you should-” I’m aware.” Logan cut him off before he could finish. Hanging up, he actually felt a sense of relief. As long as that colossal problem remained, he had no doubt Eliana would eventually come to him, ready to compromise. Therefore, now more than ever, he could not be the one to yield first. If he set that precedent, she might think she could run back to her parents and threaten divorce every time she felt slighted in the future. With this thought, Logan straightened his tie with a sharp tug and drove to the office. At that very same moment, Eliana had just received a call from Nathan. “The charity gala. Be my date?” Eliana repeated, disbelief coloring her tone. Hearing her reaction, Nathan’s brow instantly furrowed. “What? Is being my date beneath you?” ‘Of course not,” Eliana quickly clarified. “But I’m still in the divorce cooling–off period. I’m worried if Logan gets wind of his, he might use it against me and complicate the divorce proceedings.” ‘So you’re determined to go through with it?” Nathan’s voice softened noticeably, a hint of something lighter entering his one. Yes. Once I’ve made this decision, I’m committed to seeing it through.” She replied. On the other end of the line, Nathan’s expression relaxed, a faint but genuine smile touching his lips. It took him a moment o school his features and keep his voice casually even. In that case, you needn’t worry. Do you really think Logan won’t have a date of his own? If he can bring someone else, what’s wrong with you having an escort?” He continued, a trace of dry amusement in his voice now. “Word is he dropped over a million on a gown for Isabella Hewitt. Specifically for this gala. He’s already going that far. What are you still holding back for?” Nathan’s words struck a nerve. Eliana’s face paled slightly. She remembered past galas Logan had taken her to. He’d never shown the slightest concern about her attire. Back then, the Lyons family’s fortunes were waning, and as a stay–at–home wife, she had no money of her own. She’d had to alter and re–wear an old dress. The result, unsurprisingly, was that she became the laughingstock of the event. People praised her “frugality,” commenting on her mended gown–in their circle, such “praise” was anything but a compliment. Logan had been furious, berating her for embarrassing him. He never once asked why she had to wear an old dress. She had tentatively asked him for money to buy a new one, but he’d immediately shut her down with talk of “boundaries,” refusing to even hear her out. In the end, he simply couldn’t be bothered to listen. But for Isabella, there was a million–dollar gown, prepared well in advance. Even though she already knew his heart belonged entirely to Isabella, having the fact laid bare so starkly still caused a pang of sharp, familiar pain. Hearing her prolonged silence, Nathan’s impatience surfaced. “Eliana. Say something.” She snapped back to the present. “I don’t have a dress,” she stated flatly. For a second, there was silence. Then Nathan couldn’t help but let out a short, incredulous laugh. ‘So that’s what had her hesitating?‘ He thought. “Eliana, do you honestly think I’d let my date show up without a gown? Has living with Logan Eliot addled your brain? “Relax. Your dress is already taken care of. All you need to tell me is whether you’re coming or not.” He said. “If I go, will we discuss the investment?” Eliana asked, getting straight to the point. “Yes. Nathan answered. “Alright,” she said, her decision made. “I’ll go.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
