?Chapter 189:


    “Happy birthday, Mrs. Thorpe. Happy birthday, Ellie,” Kaiden whispered.


    His voice was tender enough not to disturb her peaceful slumber. When Ellie heard her name, she instinctively responded but continued to drift deeper into her dreams.


    The following day, when Ellie opened her eyes and saw the man beside her, she was momentarily taken aback.


    Even after their intimate moments and ate night, Kaiden—who was usually an early riser—was still lying next to her. Typically, Kaiden’s early morning habits meant that when Ellie woke up, he was already gone.


    As she attempted to get up, she found herself securely held by Kaiden, preventing any movement.


    “Don’t move,” the drowsy man murmured, tightening his embrace around Ellie.


    She felt a slight unease, and her heart raced.


    In a way, being held while sleeping felt more intimate than their physical connection. Thetter, driven by hormones and adrenaline, often created an illusion of closeness. But being held in someone’s arms while asleep reflected a subconscious expression of dependence and possessiveness.


    “Kaiden… It’s nine o’clock,” Ellie whispered as she fully woke up.


    “Aren’t you going to work?”


    Kaiden furrowed his brow, pulling her head back against his chest.


    Suddenly, everything went ck for Ellie—her mind and body.


    After a long while, Kaiden’s phone rang, prompting him to loosen his hold.


    “Kaiden, your phone is ringing,” Ellie said, pushing gently against his chest and feeling his warmth.


    “Hang up,” Kaiden muttered, still half asleep.


    Ellie was speechless.


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    Annoyed by the ringing phone, she reached out to answer it herself. It turned out to be a call from Bruce. “Hello, Bru—”


    “Mr. Thorpe, how long before you arrive? Everything’s almost ready. If you have other ns today, shall we postpone the meeting first?”


    Ellie, realizing the voice was not Bruce’s, asked, “You… are not Bruce?”


    The person on the other end seemed shocked.


    Ellie quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. Mr. Thorpe hasn’t gotten up yet. I thought it was Bruce, so I answered the phone. Wait for me to wake him up—”


    “No, no. Bruce! Bruce! It’s not Mr. Thorpe who answered the phone. It’s a woman,” the person shouted, clearly astonished.


    Ellie felt a wave of embarrassment, regretting her decision to answer.


    After a brief pause, the call was picked up by someone else.


    “Mrs. Thorpe, I’m Bruce,” the voice on the other end rified. Lowering his tone, he asked, “Mr. Thorpe hasn’t got up yet?”


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