?Chapter 23:


    Kaiden opened his eyeszily, his look one of indifference. His gaze seemed to mock her, questioning why he would wait for someone like her.


    Frustrated yetposed, Ellie took a deep breath. “Thank you for lending me the banjo. Mr. Howell informed me.”


    After expressing her thanks, she couldn’t resist adding, “Had I been anyter, you wouldn’t have heard my gratitude.”


    This caught Kaiden’s attention. “And how do you n to thank me?”


    “I just did,” Ellie said, her head tilting in confusion. Her eyes, enhanced by subtly winged eyeliner, held a mix of charm and innocence.


    “Ellie,” Kaiden pointed out, “mere words of thanks carry little weight.”


    Ellie blinked, unsure how to offer a more meaningful gesture. Invite him to dinner, perhaps?


    “Aren’t you usually more assertive?” Kaiden snorted contemptuously.


    “What?”


    His words left Ellie perplexed.


    Kaiden, recalling what he had witnessed at the banquet, reached out and gently held her chin. “Why did you seem so pitiful at the banquet? Hmm?”


    Ellie struggled to break free from his touch but eventually allowed him to study her.


    Memories of Houston and Litzy’s actions brought a cold sensation to her heart, as if a void had opened, ushering in a chilling wind. Although it wasn’t a major issue, it was still unpleasant.


    “Mr. Thorpe, that’s not quite right. I’m known for my gentleness and decorum in our circles. When have I ever been assertive? And when did I appear pitiful? I certainly didn’t let them get the better of me.”


    Withdrawing his hand, Kaiden said simply, “Get in the car.”


    Ellie, used to Kaiden’s unpredictable nature, didn’t question his request. She rubbed her chin, slightly sore from his touch, and entered the car from the other side.


    Unbeknownst to her, Demi and the Gordons were exiting the hotel, theirughter reaching the car.


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    Kaiden recalled Ellie’s demeanor today. She hadn’t let the Gordons get the upper hand, though she hadn’t initially resisted them. He had observed the shift in her attitude, especially after Litzy’s disparaging remarks about Brisa.


    Ellie had even defended Brisa’s honor before leaving.


    The Thorpe family’s favoritism towards their illegitimate son was no secret, yet Ellie firmly maintained that Brisa was the true matriarch of the Thorpes. To some, her actions might seem naive, but to Kaiden, they reflected sincerity.


    He mused that his mother would have been pleased to see Ellie using her banjo.


    As the Bentley Mulsanne made its way back to Moon Manor, Ellie gazed out at the city lights and felt a strange sense of gratitude towards Kaiden for marrying her. This marriage distanced her from the Gordons and their toxic environment.


    Kaiden retired to his study and called Jerome.


    Hearing Kaiden’s request, Jerome chuckled. “Kaiden, is this the first time you’re doing something for a woman’s sake? Are you feeling sorry for your wife?”


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