?Chapter 173:


    “Are you leaving or not?” Her voice quivered, a mix of embarrassment and rising temper.


    “Yes, I’m going,” Kaiden replied, patting her head gently.


    Ellie heard him chuckle. His mood seemed light and almost yful—a stark contrast to the usually distant Mr. Thorpe.


    Freshly cleaned and ready, Ellie emerged from the bathroom to find Kaiden dressed in a chic grey suit, poised for departure.


    “Come here, help me choose a tie,” Kaiden gestured.


    Being a stylist, Ellie enjoyed such tasks, so she didn’t hesitate. His collection was vast, filled with luxurious yet understated ties. She chose a dark, tri-colored one with a diagonal pattern and presented it to him.


    He didn’t immediately ept it.


    After a brief pause, Ellie walked toward him, tie in hand.


    “Bend down a bit, I can’t reach you otherwise,” she instructed. Her height was decent, but next to Kaiden’s towering figure, she felt notably shorter.


    Graciously, Kaiden bent down—a gesture ofpromise and perhaps indulgence.


    As he lowered his head, a flutter of excitement stirred in Ellie. She suppressed it and focused on fastening the tie. Her fingers worked deftly, forming a perfect Windsor knot.


    ncing at her, Kaiden’s gaze fell to her soft, red lips—the same ones he had kissed tenderly before. Moved by the memory, he leaned in and kissed her again. It was brief but enough to make Ellie’s heart skip.


    Kaiden straightened, his demeanor casual. “If anyone asks about me, just ignore them. The rest is up to you.”


    “Okay,” Ellie responded.


    “I’ll be away in Gwylia on business and back the day after tomorrow.”


    Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m


    As reality set in, Ellie’sshes fluttered with emotion. She adjusted the tie’s end into his vest, replying, “Okay.” The thought of having the house to herself for the next two nights brought her a sigh of relief. She could finally sleep peacefully.


    “You should reflect on why I’m displeased before I return.” Kaiden gently tapped her cheek and added, “And about your gift, I’ll discuss it with the Rich Bar owner upon my return.”


    “Kaiden, I’ve no interest in bars or ces like that. You don’t need to bother with Rich Bar,” Ellie murmured.


    Kaiden remained silent.


    Deep down, Ellie understood Kaiden’s discontent. He had expected a gift from her, but instead, she had prioritized Theo, making him feel slighted. Hence, he constantly used that particr tie to bind her.


    It was his subtle reminder, a silent reproach. Moreover, her gift to Baylee might have added to his annoyance. That could exin his intense demeanor the previous night.


    Was Kaiden’s odd behavior rooted inpetitiveness and possessiveness—or was it… jealousy?


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