?Chapter 97:


    Bruce rolled his eyes. Sherell’s request for Kaiden’s wife’s contact in Kaiden’s presence was bound to stir discontent. He was fortunate Kaiden hadn’t reacted more strongly.


    “Bear in mind, Miss Gordon is with Mr. Thorpe. So avoid those sinful thoughts,” Bruce advised Sherell in a hushed tone.


    Sherell responded with an air of innocence and conviction, “I had no ill intentions. I was simply admiring beauty.”


    Bruce sighed inwardly, realizing the futility of offering counsel to someone who couldn’t grasp the nuances.


    Kaiden chose his Maybach for the evening’s transport.


    Ellie, sharing the ride but not the conversation, busied herself with her phone. A post about the Heart Ind Club caught her eye, bringing back unpleasant memories. As she scrolled to move on, something in the photo stopped her.


    The club’s hall, the high tform, the dancer, and theck of ss above.


    Last time, from the third floor, she could see everything below, but it seemed the reverse wasn’t true. A realization dawned on Ellie: it must have been one-way ss. Startled, she nced at Kaiden, quickly averting her eyes before he could notice her looking.


    The auction took ce in a prestigious mansion in the city center. As evening descended, the mansion’s exterior sparkled with luxury cars and a stream of elegantly dressed attendees.


    Kaiden, restrained yet prominent in his wheelchair, made his appearance.


    Stepping out of the car, Ellie sensed eyes on her—some curious, others mocking.


    “Shoot! Can you believe Ellie’s here? She’s naturally beautiful, beyond what stic surgery could achieve.”


    “Ellie’s been off the radartely. Makes you wonder if she’s got a wealthy patron.”


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    “And the man with her, in the wheelchair… He’s not a familiar face in our circles.”


    “Actually, there is someone with a disability in the Thorpe family. But could it be Kaiden Thorpe?”


    “Looks like we’re in for some drama today. Erick and the Gordon family’s newly recognized daughter are also here.”


    When someone is sufficiently remarkable, they attract attention. It’s only when people take notice that criticism follows.


    Ellie knew from a young age that prominence invited scrutiny and criticism.


    Ignoring the whispers, she apanied Kaiden into the auction house. They found seats in a prime spot in the front row.


    Soon after, Demi, draped in a long purple dress and clinging to Erick, approached.


    “Ellie, what a surprise. What brings you here?” Demi asked, her tone feigning innocence.


    Ellie’s expression instantly turned frosty.


    Had she anticipated encountering them, she would have preferred staying at the hospital with Houston and Litzy.


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