?Chapter 12:


    Ellie, resting her cheek in her hand, couldn’t hide her amusement. “Mr. Thorpe hasn’t called me shameless yet, have you, Mr. Thorpe?”


    Her gaze toward Kaiden was a blend of innocence and seduction, her eyes dancing with challenge, as if to say, “Will you let me continue this game?”


    It was just a disy of the human body, nothing more than what any adult might have seen in a porn scene.


    Kaiden’s n to make her the butt of jokes was turning on him. Ellie was not about to let him remain a mere observer in this situation.


    Kaiden’s eyes held a dark intensity as he idly twirled a ss of red wine. His face betrayed no emotion, but the tense atmosphere around him was a clear indicator of his displeasure.


    The room fell into a hushed stillness, with everyone too apprehensive to even breathe.


    Was Ellie… witnessing her final moments of peace? Was she pushing her luck too far?


    “Hmm? Mr. Thorpe?” Ellie pressed, her tone yful yet respectful. “Shall I continue the game? I’ll follow your decision.” Her words wereced with a flirtatious softness.


    Such a disy from a woman known for her elegance was disarming, leaving many young men present visibly captivated.


    Kaiden’s expression darkened further. He picked up a piece of clothing and tossed it to Edwin, instructing, “Get dressed.”


    Edwin exhaled in relief, grateful to recover his clothes.


    Ellie pped her hands cheerfully, stood, and moved to a quieter spot in the room. This was the moment she had been waiting for.


    Edwin’s body had never interested her.


    As she walked past Kaiden, he suddenly caught her wrist.


    “Behave,” he warned her, his voice low and for her ears only.


    Ellie gazed at him with feigned innocence, leaned closer, and whispered, “Mr. Thorpe, haven’t I followed your instructions? Am I not merely obeying yourmand? You’re quite hard to please.”


    Kaiden’s gaze drifted downwards. “Tonight, I’ll give you an opportunity to do just that,” he said. “Weren’t you about to share my bed?”


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    Ellie’s face tensed for a brief moment before she quickly retreated to a corner, her pace quickening. She couldn’t risk staying close to him, not when he might make another unsettling remark.


    Kaiden’sugh was low and knowing.


    Ellie might talk a big game, but deep down, she was cautious and wary. During the party’stter stages, Ellie became a mere shadow in the corner, her presence almost unnoticed.


    Kaiden indulged in drinks throughout the party.


    On their ride back to Moon Manor in the Bentley, Ellie and Kaiden sat at opposite ends of the backseat. Kaiden’s scent, heavy with alcohol, permeated the air.


    Kaiden’s gaze inadvertently met Ellie’s, noticing her subtle grimace of distaste. Did she dislike the smell of alcohol?


    Kaiden recalled her refusal to drink in the private room. She clearly preferred to abstain from alcohol.


    A mischievous thought crossed his mind: what if he offered her a shot of strong liquor? He was curious to see how this dignified and defiant woman would react. It would certainly be entertaining.


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