?Chapter 2798:


    “Why not my ce?”


    By then, the car had already rolled past the gates.


    They wove between several apartment blocks until Ellis pulled into a garage and parked neatly.


    “Here we are.” He unfastened his seatbelt and stepped out.


    Circling around, he opened the door for her.


    “Come on, this way.”


    Hadley stayed seated, hesitant, her fingers still on the seatbelt.


    “What’s wrong?” Ellis studied her expression, and then asked, “You don’t want to see my ce?”


    She didn’t answer, but her silence was telling enough.


    Truthfully, she didn’t.


    Their rtionship hadn’t blossomed naturally; it was built on a kind of arrangement rather than affection.


    Even if she had agreed to this “deal,” the truth was, she felt little for him—least of all trust.


    “Let me guess…” Ellis arched a brow.


    “You think I might try something?”


    Hadley stiffened.


    He had read her thoughts exactly.


    “Heh.” A faint, self-mocking smile tugged at his lips—annoyed, yet not quite angry.


    “Rx.” His tone softened.


    “I meant what I said back then—it was only that once. I’d never force you into anything again. You won’t have to suffer anything unwillingly… We can take this at your pace.”


    He paused briefly, and then added, “It’s been a short while, and the way we started was… unusual. I don’t expect instant trust. But think about it…”


    His gaze held hers steadily.


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    “You know my job, my position. Doesn’t that count for something?”


    Put like that, Hadley’s wariness began to ease.


    He had a point.


    His line of work couldn’t afford the risk of scandal. If he ever crossed that line, one word from her could ruin himpletely. He was still young, his future bright. Surely, he wouldn’t gamble it so recklessly.


    “Alright.” Hadley exhaled, the tension leaving her shoulders as she stepped out atst.


    Ellis let out a subtle breath of relief and walked beside her.


    “This way—the top floor’s mine.”


    They entered the lobby and took the elevator up.


    When Ellis said “top floor,” it wasn’t entirely urate. It was actually two floors, merged into a spacious duplex.


    The moment they stepped inside, a light, savory aroma greeted them.


    “This smell…” Hadley’s brows drew together slightly.


    “You’re cooking something already?”


    “Yes.”


    Ellis smiled, nodding.


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