Hiding Behind Her Superficiality

Chapter 60

Chapter 60 Ophelia Is Back

To that, Elspeth merely sighed in response. “Max, you don’t understand…”

However, Max cut her off and said, “I’m only two years younger than you, and I understand Callum better than you do. Though he appears to speak to you coldly, he cares a lot about you.”

“I’ve decided to move out from the Winthrop Residence, Max, so you don’t have to go on any longer.”

Max was shocked when he heard that. “You’re moving out from the Winthrop Residence? Why?”

Looking at his stunned expression, Elspeth then explained, “As what you’ve said, my relationship with Callum is strained. It’ll be even more awkward if we continue to stay together.”

“You have feelings for Callum, right?”

“No!” Elspeth quickly denied it.

Max let out a light chuckle in response. “Why did you want to avoid him if you didn’t? The Miss Elspeth that I know would never try to flee from someone she dislikes.”

Elspeth was so taken aback by his words that she had no idea how to respond.

“Just admit it if you truly have feelings for him. After all, I can tell Callum likes you as well.”

Max had already made it so clear that whatever Elspeth was about to explain would merely be seen as her attempt to conceal her feelings.

Thus, she shut her mouth and remained silent for a long while.

After hesitating for a few moments, she decided to go to the company.

Just as she stepped into the company, she saw a familiar figure.

Ophelia?!

Elspeth furrowed her brows, preparing to turn around and walk away. But, before she could, Ophelia noticed Elspeth and began smilingly approaching her.

“It has been a long time since we last met, Elspeth.”

Elspeth was disgusted by Ophelia’s words, but her expression remained calm and aloof. “It has indeed been a long time. I thought you were still paying for your wrongdoings.”

She expected her words to enrage Ophelia, but to her surprise, Ophelia merely responded with a smile. “Thank you for your concern, Elspeth. I know I’ve made numerous mistakes in the past. Hence, I returned this time to make amends.”

“I hope so.”

Elspeth knew Ophelia wasn’t as simple as she made herself out to be, so she didn’t take Ophelia’s words seriously.

“Elspeth, could I treat you to lunch later? I’d like to properly apologize to you as well.”

However, Elspeth turned Ophelia down right away. “That’s not necessary. I’ve got something on at noon.”

A disappointed look appeared on Ophelia’s face. “Is it because you still harbor resentment toward me that you’re turning me down? Elspeth, I’ve truly turned over a new leaf. Could you please forgive me?”

Her pitiful appearance drew sympathy from the onlookers.

“In fact, Ophelia is somewhat pitiful. After all, she was simply overly obsessed with love.”

“She already knew where her problem lies. Everyone deserves a second chance. I think Elspeth is too cold-hearted.”

“Hey, tone it down! You’ll be in trouble if Miss Lynwood hears it!”

Hearing the onlookers’ comments and seeing Ophelia’s pitiful yet detestable expression, Elspeth suddenly understood everything.

Ophelia had intentionally returned to act pitifully this time in order to gain everyone’s sympathy, and with that, everyone would see her in a new light.

She had indeed changed significantly after spending a few months in jail.

“What do you suggest for lunch, then?”

Ophelia immediately smiled when she heard Elspeth’s words. “You’re so nice, Elspeth! I’ve also asked Callum for lunch. The three of us can discuss where to eat lunch later.”

When Elspeth heard that Callum would be joining as well, her heart sank.

But she did not have the chance to change her mind, as Ophelia quickly left the office with the clacking sound of her high heels.

That left Elspeth with no choice but to join them for lunch later.

At noon, Callum had some extra work to deal with, leaving both Elspeth and Ophelia waiting for him by the entrance.

Since he wasn’t there yet, Ophelia began initiating some conversation topics.

“I heard that the Winthrop Group soars to new heights when I’m not around. It’s all thanks to you, Elspeth.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Ophelia’s eyes were filled with admiration as she said this, as if she was sincerely congratulating Elspeth on her accomplishment.

“Thank you for saying so, Miss Fleming, but that is not my effort alone. It is the result of the hard work of all the Winthrop Group’s employees.”

“Don’t be so humble. Callum has already told me everything. He said that you truly worked hard and that your capability is unrivaled. It would be the Winthrop Family’s blessing if you could marry into their family… Hey Callum! We’re here!”

Ophelia saw Callum as she spoke and quickly waved her hand, signaling to him to come over.

Callum, on the other hand, had not expected Elspeth to join them for lunch. Hence, his gaze flickered when he saw her.

“Callum, I was just discussing what to have for lunch with Elspeth. Do you prefer Japanese, French, or Chinese cuisine?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

Ophelia then smilingly asked Elspeth, “How about you, Elspeth?”

Faced with Ophelia’s question, Elspeth simply suggested Japanese cuisine.

But Ophelia immediately displayed a troubled expression. “Oh… But Callum has a sensitive stomach. He shouldn’t eat Japanese food because it’s mostly cold and uncooked.”

She was obviously attempting to sow discord between Callum and Elspeth.

That came as no surprise to Elspeth. Ophelia had always wanted Elspeth to stay as far away from Callum as possible, but she purposefully asked both of them out now. Clearly, she had no good

intentions in doing so.

“Anything else is fine, then.”

Ophelia, however, suddenly became aggrieved right after Elspeth’s words. “Do you dislike me, Elspeth, and that’s why you don’t want to have a meal with me?” she asked, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Elspeth was getting irritated. “Stop with the pretense. Are we still going for lunch or not?”

However, Ophelia sobbed even more pitifully. “I’ve already apologized to you, Elspeth. Even if you don’t want to forgive me, you don’t have to be so aloof…”

“Are you done yet?”

Elspeth was disgusted with Ophelia’s words.

“That’s enough. Stop being so fierce to Ophelia,” Callum opened his mouth unexpectedly.

Fierce? Me?

Elspeth responded with a scowl. “I don’t need you to teach me what to do, Callum. Since both of you think I’m being ridiculous, I better not disturb your lunch. Enjoy.”

To that, Callum merely shot her a nonchalant glance before turning to Ophelia and saying, “Fine. Let’s go, Ophelia.”

Elspeth was stunned as she saw that. She did not expect Callum would actually let her leave.

But, aside from being shocked, she was also disappointed.

She was disappointed in him for failing to recognise Ophelia’s deliberate words.

Since that was the case, she had no reason to stay in the Winthrop Group anymore.

Hence, she went back to her office, drafted her resignation letter, and immediately emailed it to Callum.

After that, she returned to the Winthrop Residence to pack her belongings, preparing to leave.

Arthur, who was at home, witnessed everything. He couldn’t help but laugh lightly as he said, “What exactly are you doing? Do you no longer want to stay at the Winthrop Residence?”

“I simply felt that it is not suitable for me to stay here; I don’t mean anything else,” Elspeth replied indifferently.

“I’ve already told you long ago that Callum is a heartless fellow. The only thing in his heart is his work. In other words, all of his feelings had died three years ago. Even if he had some feelings for you, those are worth nothing. Given your intelligence, you should understand what I mean.”

She nodded in response. “So?”

“So… Do you want to consider being with me? I promise I’ll be more than a thousand times better than Callum.”

Elspeth, however, stared right into Arthur’s smiling eyes and asked solemnly, “But Arthur, do you like me?”

When Arthur heard that, his smile immediately stiffened.