Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 339

Before she had a chance to think deeply, the sound of the toilet flushing came from the bathroom. Ines immediately put the phone back where it was, acting as if nothing had happened, and focused back on her files.

When Ethan came out, he saw Ines still engrossed in her files. It wasn't too late yet, so he pulled a book from the shelf and began to flip through it casually.

Ines was feeling a rush of emotions and couldn't concentrate on her files, instead she found herself daydreaming. After reading for a while, Ethan glanced up at Ines and was surprised to find her daydreaming. It was unusual for Ines, who was always serious about her work.

He got up with a smile, walked over to her, and knocked on the table, jokingly saying, "Ms. Galeana, you look bushed, your mind's wandering. If the files aren't urgent, why not take a break until you're back in the game?"

Ines forced a smile, hid all her emotions, stretched lazily and murmured, "I think I'm really beat."

Ethan didn't suspect anything and thought she was genuinely tired. He walked behind her and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze, "Izzy, you gotta take care of yourself. If you're tired, let's head home early, don't make me worry, okay?"

Ines took a deep breath, forced herself not to think about what she had just seen, and replied, "Okay, I'll take care of myself, you don't have to worry."

On the way, Ines was in a bad mood. Ethan originally wanted to take her home, but she insisted on going, saying she didn't want that person to overthink.

Russel's 55th birthday party was held at his own home, a modest two-story villa, nothing extravagant, nothing like the Galeana family's mansion.

For a man of his stature, it seemed a bit shabby.

If Ines didn't know some inside stories, she would definitely consider him an upright man.

Maybe because she was on guard for the party tonight, Ines managed to put her wild thoughts aside for a while and was in a much better mood.

Ethan linked arms with Ines, holding a prepared gift in his other hand, a playful smile in his eyes, and half jokingly said, "Izzy, don't sweat it."

"I'm not nervous." Ines laughed. She had attended many such events and was no longer as uneasy as she was in the beginning. Especially with him by her side, she didn't feel nervous at all.

Ethan noticed that Ines indeed showed no signs of nervousness. He linked arms with her and they walked inside. There were many people in the yard, most of whom Ines had seen before. People from the business and political circles were present, but she had only encountered them in various occasions and could barely recall their names.

Ethan only gave them a slight nod, not showing too much enthusiasm, and Ines was the same. Not far away, she could see a group of people gathering. She looked carefully and immediately spotted Jacob and his family. Ashley's usually lively and casual personality was gone; she was dressed like a noble princess, staying close to Jacob and Lauren. Unlike usual, Lauren now looked like an elegant lady, arm in arm with Jacob.

A man was talking to Jacob. Because he often appeared with Jacob, Ines knew who he was, that was the host of the party, Russel.

"Izzy, see the man talking to Jacob? That's Russel. Just call him Mr. Russel like I do." Ethan informed her.

"That's because Grandpa Luis spoils me. I'm not as good as they imagine." Ethan handed over the prepared gift to Russel, "This is a little something from my wife and me. Hope you like it."

"You're too kind. It's already an honor for me that you're willing to attend my party. You do not need to bring a gift."

"It's only right." Ethan said flatly.

Russel nodded at a man, and Ethan handed the gift to him, Ines felt the man looked familiar, but couldn't remember where she had seen him.

People kept flocking to Russel, showering him with good wishes. Ines and Ethan stood by, until Jacob found the right moment to chime in, "Russel, Izzy's situation is a bit tricky. Maybe she should take a break."

Suddenly, Russel got it and looked guilty as sin. "Ethan, Izzy, I'm really sorry. I'm getting old, and my memory isn't what it used to be. Izzy, you should rest up right away. You need to be extra careful."

His words were full of remorse, but Ines sniffed out an undercurrent of threat. She just smiled and said breezily, "Thanks, Mr. Russel."

Out of the blue, Ashley piped up, "Mr. Russel, I'll go with her to rest. You guys keep chatting." She'd been silent for a while.

"Go ahead, Ashley. Take good care of her." Russel waved them off. Ashley came over and took Ines by the hand. Ethan gave her hand a subtle squeeze, signalling her to follow Ashley.