?Chapter 167:


    “You don’t like crowds?” Ellie anticipated his thoughts. “It’s Friday. People leave work early. The business district is more crowded than usual. I warned you not toe. Ah—”


    Before she could finish, one of the young men ying nearby nearly collided with her. Reacting swiftly, Kaiden pulled her into his arms, his impatience bing more evident.


    “Sorry.” The yful young man quickly apologized, stunned by Ellie’s appearance.


    “What are you looking at?” Kaiden stepped in front of her protectively, visibly irritated by the man’s intense gaze.


    The young man and hispanions immediately straightened their posture. One of them grinned and asked, “Hey there, beautiful, can I get your WhatsApp?”


    “I have a boyfriend.” Ellie sensed the sudden shift in Kaiden’s mood beside her.


    “I just want to get to know you.” The young man’s eyes flicked to her bare ring finger. “If you’re not married, I have a chance, don’t I?”


    “Will you fuck off or not?” Kaiden’s gaze turned cold as he tightened his hold around Ellie’s waist. It was a clear disy of possessiveness.


    “Hey! How can you speak like that? I’m wealthier and more handsome than you, okay?”


    “Sir, you’re trying to lure me away from my husband. And you expect my husband to be polite?” Ellie was left speechless. The man was stunned. “You… you! You’re married?”


    Deciding she had enough of the delusional conversation, Ellie grabbed Kaiden’s hand and left.


    Kaiden felt an urge to confront the man, but hearing “my husband” eased his displeasure. It wasn’t until Ellie pulled him away that he regainedposure.


    “Mrs. Thorpe, quite popr, I see.” Kaiden’s voice remained cold as Ellie led the way.


    If anyone should have been wearing a mask, it was her.


    Spotting the crowded milk tea shop, Ellie hastened her steps upon seeing the long queue outside.


    After a couple of steps, she found herself unable to move further. Kaiden, nearly six feet and two inches tall, stood immobile with Ellie’s hand in his, his expression unreadable.


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    The bright sun cast a warm glow on him, softening the contours of his face.


    She watched him for a moment and somehow felt that Kaiden was having a temper tantrum.


    But how could a man in histe twenties behave so childishly?


    She chided herself for overthinking.


    “Mr. Thorpe, your wife’s quite the attraction. Isn’t that a testament to your good taste?” Attempting to soothe him, Ellie coaxed, “You should be happy. The woman others want is already yours.”


    “Nonsense.”


    Despite wearing a tough expression, Kaiden had to admit he was pleased by her words, especially the word ‘yours’.


    This inte-famous milk tea shop, just opened in Critport, drew a long line within a day. Numerous young people lingered outside, waiting for their orders.


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