The Heart System Chapter 510

"I let them know you were asleep and everything was fine," Eleanor remarked, gesturing toward the chair opposite her. "Come, sit down. Eat."

"Got it." I slipped into the seat and grabbed my fork. "Thanks. For dealing with them."

"I hate meddling in others' affairs, but they wouldn't let up. Shutting off the phone or picking up were my options... I thought answering was kinder."

"You handled it perfectly," I replied, scooping into the eggs. "With all the shouting yesterday, they likely figured I got knifed or worse."

A smirk crossed her face, cheeks tinting slightly pink. "Was our... tussle... that audible?"

"Hey, sounds carry everywhere—upstairs hears it all, downstairs too," I pointed out, grinning.

"True... damn, Evan, you've got impressive endurance. Credit where it's due."

"I aim to please. Next time, just join in, Eleanor. No need eavesdropping through the floor."

She gave a shrug, reclining back. "I'd enjoy that. Group scenes aren't my usual, but for you? Absolutely."

My phone vibrated once more, right on the table. I snatched it up without glancing at the caller, assuming Jasmine, yet a gentler voice greeted me—Mendy's.

"Evan," she murmured, tone a touch timid. "Hi. Sorry if I disturbed your sleep."

"Morning, hey," I answered, easing back in my chair. "What's going on?"

"I... just wanted to touch base," she explained. Silence stretched. "From the other night. We skipped the talk after."

"I get it. Sorry about that. Work's been crushing me, plus all the chaos," I whispered, keeping volume down from Eleanor's ears. "My fault."

"No worries. Not calling for excuses," she laughed nervously, brief. "Uh... Penelope and I are shopping today, and she noticed... well..."

"Noticed what?"

"W-when we did... you know, doggy style... you gripped my waist tight. Left bruises, Evan. Penelope spotted them and knew right away it was sex."

I flinched a bit. "Oof. Sorry 'bout that."

"I admitted it was you. Tried fibbing first, promise, but she pushed and I spilled."

"Crap. My apologies, Mendy."

"She seemed... unsure," she continued, voice confused. "But I think she's fine with it?"

"Naturally, Mendy. She's your pal, not mom."

"I know, yet..." Another nervous chuckle filtered through. "Gotta run anyway. Just needed your voice."

"Sure," I agreed, eyeing Eleanor's amused gaze. "Catch you later, Mendy. Hopefully... real soon."

"Yeah... soon, hopefully," she repeated. A quick throat clear. "Er... bye."

"Yeah. Bye."

Call ended, phone back down, I resumed breakfast.

Yeah... jerk move on my part. Never rang Mendy once. After our intense night, too. She's still figuring our bedroom "dynamic," and I ghosted it.

Even so, fingers crossed she's cool. She might drop by again. Her presence that night stirred something deep. Like trust. Odd feeling, but good—fresh territory unexplored.

Silence fell as we ate post-that. Forks tinkled softly on plates alone. Minutes later, plates cleared, I rose first.

Plate to kitchen, quick rinse, into dishwasher it went.

"Time for me to head out," I announced. "Work calls."

"Likewise," Eleanor agreed with a nod.

"Want a ride?" I suggested. "Slight detour, but the drive'll perk me up."

"Nah," she declined. "Go ahead. Isabella's en route to grab me."

Isabella?

Of course... Eleanor's connected too. Handy info. If Charlotte's intel falls short, query Eleanor. Last ditch, though—her load's heavy enough.

Coat snatched from the rack, door swung open by Eleanor. I exited alongside, halting the door mid-close to snag her keycard from the side table inside.

Soft laugh escaped her as she accepted it.

"Whoa. Nearly spaced it again."

"Yep," I noted. "Good thing I caught it."

Genuine smile lit her face this time. "True... lucky to have you around."

"Stairs for me," I decided. "Gotta change first. Later, Eleanor."

No words back—instead, a cheek kiss from her. She retreated, elevator summoned, while I grinned faintly toward the stairs.

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WOMEN – INTERACTIONS

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Jasmine: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kayla: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Tessa: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Kim: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Delilah: Interest: 75 / 80 ★★★

Cora: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Mendy: Interest: 20 / 40 ★

Nala: Interest: 100 / 100 ★★★★★

Penelope: Interest: 5 / 20

Minne: Interest: 38 / 40 ★

Ivy: Interest: 40 / 60 ★★

Eleanor: Interest: 29 / 40 ★

Amelia: Interest: 12 / 20

Esme: Interest: 60 / 80 ★★

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Hmm. Four points gained from her. Decent haul. Step by step, forty's within reach.

Stairs taken, up to my level, hallway traversed, door knocked.

It cracked open shortly. Minne appeared, improved from yesterday yet weary-eyed.

"Ah... welcome back, Master," she greeted.

"Hey," I responded entering. "Feeling any better?"

"Much," she whispered. "Mrs. Tessa nursed me well."

"Excellent," I approved. "Others' whereabouts?"

"Off to jobs already."

"Understood." Nod given. "Quick change for me, then out. Rest up today."

"I'm okay, I could—"

"Nope," I interrupted mildly. "Sick means off-duty. Ditch the maid getup too—no chores today."

"Y-yes, Master..."

"Call if needed," I reminded.

"I shall."

Drawing near, I bent to plant a gentle kiss on her belly.

"Watch over our little one too," I murmured.

Crimson flooded Minne's cheeks in instant blush. Small smile from me, then past her to the master bedroom, door shut.

Man, she's the absolute cutest, no lie...

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