Chapter 400 Your Face Turned Red
Elissa rolled her eyes at him.
Francis, on the other hand, had a playful glint in his eyes.
"You hang out here and have fun. I've got some stuff to handle. We'll hit the party together tonight," he said.
Elissa was more than happy to see him leave and waved him off.
Francis patted her head and walked away.
A young girl nearby teased with a smile, "You and your boyfriend seem really close."
Elissa thought about explaining but decided it wasn't worth it. She might never come back to this place again. Even if she did, there would be time to explain later.
She smiled, "Could you teach me how to do rock paintings?"
The girl agreed happily.
Rock painting was quite time-consuming and required a lot of focus.
Elissa spent the entire day painting, only taking breaks to eat and use the restroom. She learned a technique and managed to create a small design.
She stood up to stretch her stiff back and neck, just as Francis walked up to her.
"Did you have fun?" he asked.
Elissa tossed the painting to him nonchalantly, "Here's your birthday gift. Consider it a thank you for bringing me here."
She hurried off to change clothes.
Francis looked at the painting. It was of bamboo, with his name written in the corner.
"Sir," the young girl said with a bright smile, "a gift like this is a confession of love."
Francis put the painting away, smiled slightly at the girl, and asked, "Did she paint this herself?"
The girl nodded, "She was very serious about it. It seems like she really loves you."
Francis's entire demeanor seemed to be filled with joy.
When Elissa came back, she noticed from a distance that he seemed... elated?
As she got closer, his gaze was so intense it made her uneasy.
She glanced at the girl, who was smiling brightly.
She had a pretty good idea of what was going on.
She dragged him away, and once they were in the car, she explained, "I'm just a beginner. The painting is simple and doesn't mean anything special. Don't overthink it."
Francis responded with a meaningful smile.
Elissa couldn't get through to him, so she turned to look out the window.
Francis leaned in, half-embracing her, his chin resting on her shoulder, his warm breath tickling her ear.
His deep voice, laced with a smile, was full of hidden affection. "I'll cherish it. If it's with me, I'm here. If it's not..."
Elissa turned to cover his mouth, but before she could raise her hand, her lips met his.
She pulled back in a panic, but there was no room to retreat.
Francis was so close she could see every lash.
The emotion in his eyes made her heart race.
"Stay away from me," she said through gritted teeth.
Francis placed a gentle kiss on her nose, "No need to be so dramatic."
"I just don't want you talking nonsense. Who links their life to a painting?"
"But you still care about me."
In the front seat, Hayden floored the gas pedal. Damn it, why wasn't this car moving faster?
Elissa, usually so shameless and carefree, felt her ears burning.
"Your ears are red, Elissa."
His low, cool voice was soaked in intimacy.
Elissa felt her face heating up too.
"Elissa, your face is red too."
Hayden wished he could floor the gas pedal even more. Why did they have to take a car without a partition today?
"Get lost," Elissa pushed him away and tapped Hayden's seat. "It's too hot, turn on the AC."
Seaside City was warmer than Maple Valley, but it was still winter, and there might even be snow soon.
How could it be hot?
Hayden didn't dare argue and obediently turned on the AC.
Elissa fanned herself with her hand, trying to cover up her embarrassment.
"This car is terrible, it's so stuffy," she complained.
Hayden agreed, a car without a partition was indeed bad.
Francis chuckled softly, "Alright, we'll switch cars."
Elissa was taken to a private styling studio.
She chose a red dress without hesitation.
But Francis, seeing the large expanse of her bare back, instructed the stylist, "Add a shawl, it's cold."
The stylist hesitated, "Mr. Peterson, the dress's design features a lace butterfly on the back, showcasing the shoulder blades and a hint of the waistline..."
Facing Francis's icy stare, the stylist fell silent.
Though Francis wasn't from Seaside City, he knew the city's leader.
Their studio was funded by the Larson family.
And they had received instructions from the Larson family to treat Francis and his wife well.
They couldn't afford to slack off.
"No need for a shawl," Elissa said, spinning in front of the full-length mirror. "Please, give me an updo that shows off my back."
Francis's lips tightened.
The stylist didn't dare move.
Elissa said, "Don't look at him. It's my dress, I decide."
She sat in the swivel chair, "And for my makeup, make it a bit vintage but not too bold. It's someone else's party, they're the stars."
"Goy it."
The stylist got to work immediately.
When he finished, he was amazed. "Have you considered modeling for us? Or maybe becoming a style consultant? You have a natural talent for this."
Elissa adjusted her dress and smiled, "I just know myself well. I'm not cut out to be a consultant."
The stylist wanted to say more but fled under Francis's murderous glare.
Elissa picked a purse and walked over to Francis, twirling.
She winked at him, the sparkly eyeshadow on her lids catching the light like stars.
It was captivating.
But Francis's jaw was clenched tight.
Elissa, however, was in high spirits and walked out on her own.
This time, Felix was driving, and she noticed the car had been changed.
As soon as she got in, it was refreshingly cool.
She shivered involuntarily.
The next second, a man's suit jacket was draped over her shoulders.
Francis looked at her impassively, but his voice held a hint of pride. "I knew you'd be cold."
Elissa was speechless, "It's freezing out, with the AC on full blast, aren't you cold?"
Felix was stunned.
Didn't Hayden say the AC in the other car wasn't working, and Elissa felt hot?
That was why Francis had them switch cars.
Now she was cold?
Women's minds were truly unfathomable.
"Turn up the heat," Francis ordered.
Felix quickly adjusted the temperature and silently raised the partition.
Elissa was speechless again. "Indeed, with a crazy boss, you get crazy subordinates."
Francis nodded in agreement, "You're always right."
When they arrived at the party venue, Elissa took off the jacket as she got out of the car.
But as soon as she stood up, the jacket was back on her shoulders.
She was about to refuse when Francis said, "At our age, if we're not careful, we'll get shoulder pain."
In the end, Elissa didn't wear the jacket.
As she walked into the banquet hall, she undoubtedly attracted a lot of attention.
Firstly, she was a new face in Seaside City. Secondly, her outfit, while not overshadowing the hosts, was perfectly suited to her, making her stand out and easily capturing everyone's gaze.
Some people were eager to approach her but stopped in their tracks when they saw Francis's arm around her waist.
"Mr. Peterson's woman?"
"Definitely. His possessiveness is off the charts, and he hasn't had any women around him for years. This kind of declaration of ownership means she's his wife."
"Sylvia? I heard he brought Sylvia this time. There's talk of a family alliance."
"No, I've seen Sylvia before."
"Haven't you heard? Mr. Peterson has a woman he loves deeply, but she doesn't have any background. Her name is…"
"Elissa."
"Yes, Elissa!"
The person who answered turned around and quickly bowed. "Mr. Larson."
Willard nodded slightly and walked over to Francis, handing him a glass of wine. "This time you didn't come alone. Congratulations."
Francis handed the wine to Elissa, using half his body to shield her back, and introduced her. "Willard."
Elissa was about to take a sip but stopped when she heard the name, the wine flowing back into the glass.
She exclaimed, "Willard!"
Willard's lips held a slight smile, but his eyes remained unaffected.
His handsome face carried the weight of years in a high position.
Elissa, realizing she was standing before someone she could never reach on her own, felt she had been too forward and disrespectful, even if he was Francis's friend.
She quickly apologized, "Mr. Larson, I'm sorry for my abruptness."
Willard's eyes held a hint of meaning as he glanced at Francis and said, "Mrs. Peterson, no need to be formal. Francis and I have been friends for years. We're like family, so feel free to joke around."
Elissa tried to explain, but Francis interrupted, "She's here in Seaside City to research ancient culture. Didn't you plan to develop that area in the future?"
Willard nodded, "Yes, that's the plan."
"If Elissa wants to take it on, I'll leave it entirely to her. She's family, so I trust her more."
Talking about work, Elissa relaxed a bit, "Mr. Larson, I have a classmate who specializes in this. He's more experienced than I am. I think he could join us."
Willard's eyes showed some interest, "A classmate, huh?"
Francis gritted his teeth and shot him a cold glare.
Willard's smile deepened, "An experienced family member is good too. Let's have him join us."
Francis was speechless.
Elissa was thrilled and quickly stepped aside to call Finn.
Finn had been waiting and answered immediately, "Elissa."
Elissa saw him in a formal suit and joked, "Looking sharp."
"Of course, I can't embarrass you."
Elissa introduced him, "This is Mr. Larson."
Finn was stunned, stuttering, "What?"
Elissa patted his back, "Don't mess up. It's exactly who you think."
Finn was so excited he was at a loss for words.
Elissa glared at Finn and apologized to Willard, "Please forgive my classmate. He's a bit nervous."
Willard watched their natural interaction, took a strong drink from a server, and handed it to Francis. "I know you need this. No need to thank me."
Willard didn't mind when Francis didn't take it. He turned to Elissa, "You can arrange this however you like. Just do a good job. I don't have many requirements, but I'll have my secretary send you some guidelines."
Elissa bowed slightly, "Thank you for your trust."
Willard had other people to greet and told Francis, "Take Elissa to get some food. We'll play cards upstairs later."
"Elissa's classmate should stay and join us. Some people might collaborate in the future, so it's good to get acquainted."
Finn was too excited to speak, so Elissa thanked him on his behalf.
After Willard left, Elissa patted Finn's back. "Finn, don't be nervous! I don't understand the culture here. You need to highlight your strengths."
Finn scratched his head, "You're right, Elissa. I'm just a bit nervous."
Elissa understood. She had been nervous too when she realized who Willard was.
She didn't say anything more, "Let's get some food and sit over there."
"Okay."
Finn went to get food.
Elissa was about to walk away when she felt an arm around her waist.
She turned to see Francis's cold, resentful eyes.
"Shouldn't you thank me?" he asked.
He had a point.
Since she had received help, she should be grateful.
"Thank you, Mr. Peterson. I'll treat you to dinner."
Francis leaned in, lowering his voice so only they could hear. "I only accept gratitude in bed."
Finn returned with food and saw them almost kissing. He suddenly realized.
"You were at dinner that day! You're Elissa's boyfriend!" he exclaimed.
Francis took Elissa's hand and showed off the dazzling diamond ring. "She's my fiancée."
Finn exclaimed, "Congratulations, Elissa! Why didn't you tell me earlier? I didn't prepare a gift. Never mind, invite me to your wedding, and I'll give you a big present.
Francis's hostility immediately turned into a smile. "Of course, I appreciate how you've taken care of Elissa."
"We're family, no need for formalities. Elissa is like a sister to me. Taking care of her is my duty. But no matter how capable you are, if you make Elissa sad, I won't let you off."
Francis's humility surprised Elissa, "Don't worry, I'll make sure she's happy."
"That's great."
Finn found a place to sit and happily ate the food.
After all, it was his first time at such a high-level banquet. He wanted to enjoy it.
Elissa elbowed Francis. "What's wrong with you? Why are you acting like we're really getting married?"
"We agreed to get married, but something came up when we were getting the license."
"If even fate doesn't want us to marry, don't you get it? We're not meant to be together!"
Francis's expression darkened, "Our marriage issue was man-made, not fate. I'll handle it. You won't have to wait long."
Elissa shook off his hand, mocking, "Fine, I'll wait for you to sort out your family and get the license with me."
Francis's eyes lit up, gripping her hand tightly. "You agreed."
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