?Chapter 1156:


    “I do.”


    “You clearly don’t.”


    Ellis nced into the bathroom, the corners of his eyes still crinkled with that annoying, knowing smile.


    That look threw her off just enough to rattle her.


    “Whatever. Think what you want—I’m heading downstairs.”


    “Next time, remember to flush before trying to pull a fast one,” Ellis saidzily, effortlessly calling her bluff. “Details matter.”


    Herposure cracked.


    She opened her mouth to spin an excuse and maybe even rush back to fix her oversight.


    But Ellis was faster. He took her hand and led her downstairs before she could make a move.


    “What are you in the mood for, dinner-wise?” Ellis asked.


    “Huh?”


    Ellis nudged her into a chair like nothing had happened. “Not nning to eat tonight?”


    “Of course I am,” Freya muttered, still a little thrown. “But I need to run out first. n just messaged me about some emergency. No clue what’s going on.”


    “Want me toe along?”


    “No need.”


    “When’ll you be back?”


    “No idea yet. I’ll let you know once I figure it out.” Ellis nodded without fuss.


    They were a couple, but not codependent. If she needed him, he’d be there in a heartbeat. But if she wanted to handle something solo, he wouldn’t stand in her way.


    Once everything was in ce, Freya grabbed her phone and drove out to the location n had sent.


    As she drove, a quiet sigh slipped from her lips—Ellis really was sharp-eyed. Even now, long after leaving the organization, he could still spot something off without even thinking.


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    Thankfully, the proposal was right around the corner, and she was clever enough to stay one step ahead—or else he would’ve dismantled her entire n before it even got started. Still, a small wave of worry hit her.


    If they ever had kids and she wanted to pull off some silly surprise with them, there’d be no keeping it from Ellis. The man could practically read minds.


    Just as the thought passed, n sent her a message: “Are you here yet?”


    Freya nced at it but didn’t respond. She kept her eyes on the road, focused. What kind of emergency had him acting like this?


    Meanwhile, n sat in a sleek restaurant, every inch theposed and charming president of the Briggs Group. Across from him sat a chic young woman with a pleasant, graceful face.


    No need to guess—this was clearly a blind date.


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