?Chapter 143:


    Kaiden leaned back in his leather chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. “Mrs. Thorpe, why the sarcasm?”


    “The sarcasm is yours, not mine.” Ellie stood, clutching the box of truffle choctes. “Thank you!”


    Essence would be livid if she knew her gift ended up with Ellie.


    “If that’s all, I should be going,” Ellie announced.


    She was leaving already?


    “Mrs. Thorpe, do you have ns?” Bruce asked anxiously.


    It was nearly dinner time. If Ellie wasn’t busy, she could dine with Kaiden and perhaps go home together.


    Ellie nodded. “I’m meeting Baylee for dinner. She adores this brand too. I’ll share it with her.”


    Kaiden’s expression darkened.


    He hadn’t expected gratitude from Ellie.


    Yet, he felt as if he’d been deeply let down.


    Ellie wouldn’t dine with him but would share his choctes with Baylee.


    After Ellie’s departure, a heavy silence filled the office.


    Bruce, feeling the tension, stared at the floor.


    Finally, Kaiden broke the silence. “What’s the deal with Essence?”


    Kaiden didn’t mention Ellie, and Bruce sighed in relief. “Essence is MOON’s new face. Mrs. Thorpe used to be her stylist, but there was friction. Mrs. Thorpe volunteered to work with Nighthawk’s new spokesperson. Hence, the stylists changed.”


    “Nighthawk’s new spokesperson is Omiros Garcia, right?” Kaiden inquired.


    “Yes, Mr. Garcia,” Bruce confirmed. “Oddly, he’s usually averse to styling but was cooperative with Mrs. Thorpe today.”


    “Tell him to resume school postpetition next month, or face a ban,” Kaiden said, lighting a cigarette.


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    “I’ll inform his manager,” Bruce replied.


    As Kaiden remained silent, Bruce added, “Mr. Thorpe, the Old house folks are probing. They’re watching GT Group closely. Today’s events with Essence might lead them to you.”


    “It’s high time they found out.”


    Kaiden held the Thorpe family in low regard.


    Without his permission for Talon to investigate, they’d have remained oblivious to GT Group’s affairs.


    As nned, Fashion Weekmenced.


    Recently named NOON Jewelry’s ambassador, Essence was on a hot streak. Adorned in MOON’stest collection, she turned heads. The studio even promoted her heavily online. Yet, the public reaction was lukewarm at best.


    “Is Essence trying to be a walking disco ball? She’s too shy.”


    “I’ve lost interest in MOON’s jewelry because of Essence’s 100k.”


    “MOON’s pieces are stunning, but Essence’s ensemble today? I’m no fashion expert, but that’s a miss.”


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