?Chapter 48:


    At Moon Manor, everyone was devoted to Kaiden, ensuring there was no threat of espionage from Talon’s side.


    Kaiden, sporting a grim expression, seemed not to hear Ellie’s question. Bruce, trailing them, was well aware of the reason behind Kaiden’s wheelchair use: sheerziness.


    Despite his regr exercise routine, Kaiden viewed walking as unnecessary, preferring the convenience of a wheelchair.


    “Mrs. Thorpe, are you alright?” Cayson was taken aback to see Ellie in the wheelchair.


    “It’s just a minor injury. I’ll be fine in a few days,” Ellie reassured, keeping the exnation brief.


    “I’ll prepare a nutritious soup for you tonight,” Cayson dered before heading to the kitchen.


    Ellie, slightly bemused, didn’t get a chance to rify the trivial nature of her wound.


    “Let the maids know if you need anything,” Kaiden instructed, implying she should avoid walking. He then proceeded upstairs to the study with Bruce.


    Once they were gone, Ellie stood up.


    “Mrs. Thorpe!” A maid rushed over, rmed.


    “Don’t worry!” Ellie chided lightly, proving her mobility by walking a few steps. “I’m just heading to my room.”


    On her way, she spotted a sparkling beverage with lemon slices. “Could you bring that sparkling drink to my room? And add some ice, please.”


    Sparkling drink?


    The maid looked perplexed, recognizing the Long Ind Iced Tea prepared earlier. Surprised by Ellie’s casual reference to the cocktail as the sparkling drink, she wondered about her alcohol tolerance.


    Two maids apanied Ellie, one carrying the Long Ind Iced Tea and the other close behind, ensuring she wouldn’t stumble on the stairs.


    Once in her room, Ellie rxed on the carpet, pouring the drink into a ss with ice. She savored the first sip, the sour lemon and sweet honey perfectly blending with the unique taste of c and the fizz of carbonation.


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    The drink’s stimting texture added an intriguing twist.


    Delicious!


    It would pair wonderfully with a slice of rich cheesecake.


    Before she knew it, half the pitcher was gone. Ellie set down the ss, feeling slightly full and a bit light-headed, though still quite lucid.


    She then gathered her nightgown and headed for a bath.


    After Kaiden finished in the study, he didn’t encounter Ellie in the dining room during dinner.


    “Where’s Ellie?”


    “She went to her room after you went upstairs,” a maid informed him.


    Ellie’s room was adjacent to the master bedroom.


    Kaiden knocked thrice but entered upon receiving no answer.


    The room was empty, except for a table near the French window, where a mostly empty pitcher of Long Ind Iced Tea sat, its sweet and sour scent mingling with a subtle hint of alcohol.


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