?Chapter 22:


    Amidst the apuse, the smiles of Litzy and Houston were strained.


    Once again, their adoptive daughter had overshadowed their own. Demi’s and Litzy’s expressions darkened.


    Since when did Ellie y the banjo? How was she able to y it so well?!


    “Even if my violin skills aren’t what they once were, Mrs. Thorpe’s faith in my musical abilities wasn’t misced. She believed my talent extended beyond the violin.” Ellie’s performance was a testament to Brisa’s urate judgment.


    Ellie then looked up, addressing the room. “Also, Brisa Thorpe is Mrs. Thorpe, not the former Mrs. Thorpe. She remains the only Mrs. Thorpe in this generation of their family!”


    Her words subtly highlighted the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate rtionships within the Thorpe family.


    After her performance, Ellie thanked the waiter for his assistance. But the waiter corrected her, “Miss Gordon, your thanks should go to someone else. Mr. Howell is waiting outside for you.”


    Jerome, d in a suit and vest, stood outside on the porch. He acknowledged Ellie with a nod as she approached.


    “Mr. Howell, thank you for the banjo,” Ellie spoke graciously.


    With a knowing smirk, Jerome responded, “Ellie, you’re thanking the wrong person here.”


    Ellie paused, slightly confused by his remark.


    “The banjo is your husband’s. I needed his permission to lend it to you,” Jerome gestured towards the parking lot. “The one you should be thanking is over there.”


    Her… husband? This term still felt alien to Ellie. She hesitated before asking, “You mean… Kaiden?”


    “Who else?” Jerome nodded, adding with a wry grin, “Don’t worry, Ellie, your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone about your marriage.”


    Ellie suspected that Jerome’s discretion had more to do with Kaiden’s instructions than his own will. Their marriage hadn’t been made public, making it a matter of confidentiality.


    Approaching the parking lot, Ellie recognized a Bentley Mulsanne, particrly its license te.


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    She saw Bruce in the driver’s seat and promptly stepped in front of the car to halt it.


    “Mr. Thorpe, Mrs. Thorpe is here.” Bruce immediately hit the brakes and ryed the message to the person in the back seat.


    Ellie circled to the other side of the car and tapped on the rear window. As it lowered, Kaiden’s face came into view.


    His gaze was icy, his expression stern. “Ellie, stopping in front of a moving car? Are you that tired of living?”


    Ellie’s intended words of gratitude were swiftly stifled by his cold demeanor.


    She first made sure that the car was slow enough as to not hit her. Why did Kaiden, despite his handsome features, have to speak so harshly? She shoved herints down her throat and stared at Kaiden for a moment.


    Kaiden sat back, eyes closed, hands crossed as if to say, “Speak up or leave.”


    “Did you wait for me, Kaiden?” Ellie finally broke the silence.


    If Jerome hadn’t told her, she might never have known Kaiden’s role in her essing the banjo.


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