?Chapter 9:


    “Kaiden, what’s with the hold-up? We’ve been waiting for you!” eximed a suave, handsome man as he approached them. In his mid-twenties, with sharp features and dressed in exclusive designer wear, he cut an impressive figure.


    Ellie recognized him from their social circles.


    The man was Jerome Howell, the sole heir of the Howell family, who currently ran one of the top three entertainment conglomerates, wielding significant influence in the industry.


    Ellie had never heard of any close ties between Jerome and Kaiden, yet now Jerome seemed to hold Kaiden in high esteem. Kaiden had kept his connections well hidden.


    “Miss Gordon?” Jerome appeared surprised to see Ellie, his look implying more than casual recognition. “After ending things with Erick, you’re already on the lookout for a new partner? Well, Kaiden is not so easily won over.”


    Ellie’s previous engagement termination with Erick had been widely publicized, with Erick’s family disparaging her background and questioning her suitability for the Thorpe family.


    “Mr. Howell, you’re reading too much into it,” Ellie responded with a smile. She was already Mrs. Thorpe.


    “And why would a demuredy like you be here?” Jerome inquired, a mix of curiosity and presumption in his tone. “Seeking some excitement?”


    Kaiden, idly tapping his fingers on his wheelchair, suddenly addressed Ellie. “I need assistance.”


    As Ellie began to wheel Kaiden into the room, Jerome looked on, puzzled.


    “Bruce, what’s happening?” Jerome asked Bruce.


    He had noticed Kaiden’s earlier disdainful demeanor towards Ellie and assumed she was imposing herself on him.


    Bruce, typically stoic, now wore a slight expression of empathy, which Jerome found odd.


    “Mr. Howell, there’s something Mr. Thorpe hasn’t mentioned to you. He and Miss Gordon are married,” Bruce revealed.


    Kaiden’s marriage to Ellie was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. It had not been publicly announced.


    Check out the newest chapters gαlησν?ls


    “What?! You mean… they’re married?” Jerome was momentarily stunned, mentally kicking himself. “Oh damn… I can’t believe I said that…”


    How was Kaiden married? How could Ellie make a stone-hearted man like Kaiden fall in love with her?


    “Mr. Howell, we must keep this a secret. I trust you understand.”


    “My lips are sealed! I promise!” Jerome assured, miming zipping his lips. He relished the thought of others blundering in ignorance of this development.


    VVIP8, the most exclusive private room at Rich Bar, was seldom open to regr patrons. The waiter ushered them inside.


    Once they entered, they saw a mix of men and women mingling. The women, adorned in eye-catching attire, wore engaging smiles. The ambiance wasvish and uninhibited.


    Ellie recognized many of the men, if not personally, then by reputation. This was a gathering of the affluent, where heirs and heiresses of prominent families frequently socialized.


    “Mr. Thorpe!”


    “There he is…”


    “What? Why is she here?”


    The crowd, initially rising to greet Kaiden, paused upon noticing Ellie. The mood shifted, and the guests exchanged knowing nces. Ellie’s recent, very public split from Erick, followed by her appearance with Kaiden, Erick’s uncle, sparked intrigue and spection.


    “Mr. Thorpe,” one of the men began, uncertainty in his voice, “is thisdy… yourpanion?”


    In this exclusive circle, it wasmon for young heirs to bring femalepanions when they went out to party, but Kaiden was known for only bringing his bodyguard, Bruce, or his assistant, Semaj y. His arrival with a woman marked a notable first.


    Kaiden’s response to the question was a terse, “Hmm.”


    Ellie’s brows knitted together reflexively.


    In this context, panion’ didn’t imply a girlfriend. It suggested something more fleeting, a lover. She hadn’t anticipated ever beingbeled as such.


    Regaining herposure, Ellie elegantly wheeled Kaiden into the room, seemingly oblivious to the inquisitive stares.


    “Mr. Thorpe, may I leave if you have no further need of me?” she murmured to Kaiden, her voice low enough for only them to hear. Unsure why Kaiden had brought her here, Ellie was eager to distance herself from this crowd.


    Kaiden was momentarily distracted by her scent, sweet and milky, and her warm breath tickling his ear, triggering an involuntary shiver. He was reminded of their recent kiss.


    “Stay seated,” Kaidenmanded coldly.


    Momentster, a young man around Ellie’s age, undeniably handsome, broke the tense silence with a smile towards Kaiden. “What’s the n today, Kaiden?”


    Without a word, Kaiden took a sip of his whiskey, then casually asked, “What would you like Miss Gordon to join you in?” Ellie’s astonishment was palpable.


    .


    .


    .