?Chapter 243:


    “Hello? I’m sorry, but Kaiden doesn’t have his phone. May I ask who’s calling? If there’s a message, I can pass it on,” a woman’s voice exined.


    A sudden chill ran through Ellie’s veins, as if a bucket of icy water had been emptied over her head.


    Stammering, Ellie questioned, “Who are you? Are you his assistant?” She recalled Kaiden never allowing others to answer his calls. He was possessive of his personal belongings, simr to his aversion to others entering his bedroom.


    The woman responded, “Sorry, I can’t disclose my identity, but I’m not his assistant.”


    Her words carried a touch of caution.


    The woman’s demeanor resembled that of a hostess guarding against an unfamiliar caller.


    Suddenly, an absurd spection crossed Ellie’s mind. It seemed Kaiden hadn’t saved her phone number?


    Her number appeared in his address book like that of a stranger? Flustered, Ellie muttered, “Sorry, wrong number,” before promptly ending the call.


    Who was the woman who picked up the phone a moment ago? Ellie blinked her eyes, a slight soreness settling in. Her heart seemed to be silently stabbed, causing her unspoken pain.


    In that moment, the host announced, “Let’s wee Miss Ellie Gordon to the stage, the youngest recipient of this year’s gold prize in visual arts.”


    Ellie quicklyposed herself, managed a smile, and ascended the stage to ept her award.


    Following Ellie’s speech, the host left her alone on stage.


    “Miss Gordon, as the youngest awardee in visual arts, you’ve garnered much attention. On behalf of everyone, I must ask, what is your preference in men? There are many who’d like to meet you.”


    Such a mix of professional and personal inquiries was typical in their circles.


    Holding the microphone, Ellie responded, “I appreciate the concern from my seniors and peers, but I do have a boyfriend.” With that, Ellie exited the stage.


    Descending the stairs, she overheard whispered conversations.


    “Ellie, only 21, and she’s in a rtionship?”


    “The fashion world’s buzzingtely. I heard Carole’s showcasing her work in Tormeto, with Kaiden from GT Group attending.”


    “Kaiden? He rarely joins events that aren’t business-rted. Now, he’s attending Carole’s work exhibition? That’s strange. I’ve never seen them together.”


    “They do seem like a good match.”


    Carole.


    Carole Lambert.


    It was that name again.


    “Be careful, Miss Gordon.”


    .


    .


    .