?Chapter 109:


    Bruce pondered, knowing Ellie’s dedication to Cecelia.


    She would likely be there for some time.


    Kaiden proposed a wager. “ce a bet with your bonus.”


    Bruce, pondering the stakes as his bonus was double his sry, paused in uncertainty.


    Kaiden, with a deft flick of his slender index finger, tapped the cigar, sending ashes cascading down. This small gesture subtly revealed his growing impatience.


    “Maybe… two hours?” Bruce made a reluctant guess, going against his better judgment.


    Kaiden, with a faint smile, countered, “Ten minutes.”


    Ten minutes? That seemed highly unlikely to Bruce.


    Yet, he held back his doubts, not wanting to offend Kaiden. Admitting such would imply Ellie didn’t prioritize Kaiden, a notion that Bruce reluctantly considered might be urate.


    Nervously, he nced at his watch.


    As the minute hand neared the ten-minute mark, Ellie, d in her gradient purple dress, reappeared.


    Bruce, amazed, couldn’t resist praising, “Mr. Thorpe, your insight is remarkable!”


    Kaiden seemed uninterested in conversing with Bruce. His attention was fixed on Ellie, whose expression conveyed a mix of loss and bewilderment.


    She appeared disoriented, like a stray animal—alone and deste. Lost in thought, Ellie didn’t notice Kaiden’s steady gaze until she was nearly at the Maybach.


    He didn’t leave. His presence was a silent affirmation; he had expected her return.


    Ten minutes earlier…


    Heading to Cecelia’s room, Ellie was halted by Litzy, who was lingering in the corridor.


    “Why are you here?” Litzy’s eyes held contempt as she surveyed Ellie. “Such attire in a hospital… Isn’t that inappropriate?”


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    Ellie, realizing she was still in her evening dress, replied, “I was at an event. I’ve got a change of clothes in Grandma’s room.”


    Litzy, ever critical, sneered, “So, the party’s over, and now you’re here to y the doting granddaughter?”


    Ellie felt her anger rise. Litzy herself was no model of devotion yet dared to judge others.


    Before Ellie could respond, Litzy drew her to the ward’s door, pointing through the ss.


    Cecelia rested in her hospital bed, encircled by Houston and other members of the Gordon family. Despite her ailment, her face lit up with a smile, evidently pleased by their presence.


    This contented smile was something Ellie hadn’t witnessed on Cecelia’s face throughout her time caring for her.


    “See? Blood rtions matter,” Litzy remarked, adjusting her hair. “You’re not family, Ellie, nor Cecelia’s true granddaughter. You didn’t need toe. Cecelia was just asking about Demi, her real granddaughter.”


    “Real granddaughter…”


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