?Chapter 177:


    Baylee’s eyes widened in surprise, then sparkled with yful ridicule. Though she loved a good gossip, she never indulged when it came to Ellie’s personal life.


    Deep down, Baylee was thrilled. Initially, she had pitied Ellie for her forced marriage to Kaiden. But now, it seemed the two might actually find happiness together.


    The private room was adorned with Ellie’s favorite flowers: roses and baby’s breath. A majestic crown cake rested on the coffee table.


    As the birthday song filled the air, Ellie made a wish and blew out the candles.


    They chatted for a while until Ellie received a message. ncing at it, she turned to Baylee. “James says he saw me earlier. He’s asking me toe out and collect a gift.”


    Baylee’s brow furrowed in confusion. “James? But he’s been tight with Edwin since childhood. Given your history with Edwin, why would James offer you a gift so willingly?”


    The corridor outside the exclusive room was teeming with indulgent revelers. A DJ’s rhythmic beats pulsed from the stage, while off-stage, people drank and yed games.


    Both Ellie and Baylee navigated Rich Bar’syout effortlessly, swiftly locating the booth James had mentioned.


    “Edwin? You’re here too.” When Ellie saw who upied the booth, she felt a pang of strangeness and asked, “Isn’t James here?”


    Every time Edwin saw Ellie, his expression was somber. Slumping onto the sofa, hezily asked, “Isn’t today your birthday, too? Does your family only celebrate Demi’s birthday and not yours? Considering all the years you spent in the Gordon family, how could they treat you like this?”


    Her family not celebrating her birthday was a form of neglect? Ellie didn’t consider it excessive.


    Mindful of owing Theo and Araceli a favor, she restrained herself from arguing with Edwin. “You’re here for Demi’s birthday too, right?” she asked.


    “I’m not here for her birthday. Who does she think she is? I thought you were… Never mind. Forget it.” Edwin abruptly paused and took out a jewelry box. “Here, your birthday gift.”


    Your imagination thrives at  punt


    “Oh. Thank James for me.” Ellie assumed the gift was from James.


    “Why would you thank him? It’s from me… Fine. Just go,” Edwin mumbled. With impatience etched on his face, he downed a ss of whisky and muttered something under his breath.


    “What did you say?” Ellie leaned in, unable to hear clearly.


    As she drew nearer, Edwin leaned back with a twitch of his eyebrows. “Why are you so close? Trying to seduce me? I said happy birthday. Are you that deaf?”


    Ellie wondered why Edwin used the word “seduce.” Didn’t he know she was married to Kaiden? Both Edwin’s brother and mother were aware of her marriage, yet Edwin remained oblivious. How frustrating.


    Baylee remained silent, her expression growing increasingly nuanced.


    Stepping away, Baylee whispered to Ellie, “Ellie, something feels off about Edwin.”


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