?Chapter 24:


    “You seem to have too much free time on your hands,” Kaiden retorted. Why else would Jerome talk so much?


    Even through the phone, Jerome could envision Kaiden’s stoic, unemotional face.


    With an awkward chuckle, he replied, eager to stay in Kaiden’s good graces, “Of course, I’ll handle it right away!”


    Jerome knew well that upsetting Kaiden could result in severe consequences, like being reassigned to a remote mining operation.


    Did Kaiden feel sorry for Ellie? He wouldn’t admit to that.


    Yet, he couldn’t allow someone who was part of his household to be exploited, especially not by the Gordons, who were on par with Erick’s disgusting nature.


    Suddenly, there was a knock at the study door.


    “Come in,” Kaiden called, and Ellie entered, carrying a tray. On it was a ceramic bowl, and she wore a slightly awkward, embarrassed smile. Kaiden raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry.


    Since their marriage, they had maintained their distance. This was the first time Ellie had approached him of her own ord.


    “I brought you a midnight snack,” Ellie said, rifying her intention. “As a way to thank you.”


    Since he had dismissed her verbal thanks as trivial, she chose a more tangible form of gratitude.


    She ced the tray carefully on the corner of his rosewood desk. Her manners were wless: poised yet not stiff, dignified yet approachable. Kaiden’s gaze lingered on her, noting her confidence. She seemed sure he wouldn’t criticize her gesture.


    Lifting the lid, he was greeted by the rich scent of seafood.


    It was a bowl of abalone and seafood congee.


    Kaiden set the lid aside, folded his arms, and reclined in his chair, observing Ellie.


    Ellie, puzzled by his silence, asked, “Don’t you like it? Cayson told me that this is your favorite midnight snack.” She had prepared it specifically to his taste.


    I@te$t ￠#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m


    “This dish was prepared by our chef,” Kaiden pointed out, his finger tapping rhythmically on the desk. “So, are you thanking me with something that’s already mine?”


    Kaiden snorted at Ellie’s gesture of gratitude to him.


    Did she really believe he was so easily content?


    When he lent out the banjo, Kaiden hadn’t anticipated any thanks. Yet, she had made a point to express her gratitude.


    In that case, he’d ept it appropriately.


    Ellie bit her lip, contemting.


    Finally, she spoke up. “The only thing I can cook is instant noodles. If a homemade meal feels more genuine, I can make you a bowl. What vor would you like?”


    Kaiden almostughed, partly in frustration, partly in amusement.


    Was she doing this on purpose?


    “You’re a top socialite and you can’t cook?” he queried.


    Was he attacking her personally now?


    Ellie’s patience thinned further.


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