?Chapter 252:


    “Enough of this! My mom will make an appearance soon. Spare us the public affection, or I’ll be on the fast track to a forced wedding!” Theo interjected, noticing the intensity between the two.


    Quick to put on a facade in front of others, Ellie conjured a smile. “Dr. Stephens, long time no see,” she greeted Theo.


    Ellie always referred to Theo as Dr. Stephens after he saved Cecelia.


    “First, let’s go to the hallway. Why are you two staying in this corner, huh?” Theo led the way to the hall, oblivious to the undercurrents between Ellie and Kaiden.


    Instantly nodding, Ellie saw Theo as her lucky charm.


    Kaiden’s darkened expression, however, betrayed his displeasure at Ellie’s seemingly favorable attitude toward Theo.


    In the ensuing hours, Ellie’s mind remained entangled in a web of distraction.


    When Edwin resurfaced with Araceli, Ellie failed to notice his asional nces. Kaiden, however, caught every fleeting look. For the sake of the Stephens family and Theo, Kaiden opted not to make a scene with Edwin, as long as Edwin kept his distance. Instead of letting Ellie know how Edwin felt about her, Kaiden chose to make Edwin understand that he should not desire his wife.


    Kaiden deftly removed the Chanel pearl hairpin from Ellie’s locks.


    “What are you doing?” she inquired, touching her hair, perplexed.


    “I’ll get you a new one tomorrow,” Kaiden said, scrutinizing the hairpin. Edwin, the kind of guy who would hand out sneakers or watches to the men and flowers or bags to the women, had given something more thoughtful this time. It was the first time he’d offered such a token.


    Kaiden rolled his eyes inwardly. And the lucky recipient of Edwin’s generosity was none other than his wife.


    “Kaiden, it’s just a little something from someone else.” As Ellie reached for it, Kaiden quickly dodged.


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    “Mrs. Thorpe, that’s a gift from another man,” Kaiden said, tucking the hairpin into his bag.


    Ellie’s suppressed emotions began to bubble up, her anger ready to boil over.


    “So what? Can’t a girl have male friends? I’ve been receiving gifts from the opposite sex since I was young. Are you saying I should just get rid of them all? It’s just a gift, for heaven’s sake! I’m innocent here. You’re out of line poking your nose into this!”


    “Do you care that much about what Edwin gave you?” Kaiden’s face was as cold as ice.


    “Yes. So what?” Ellie hissed.


    Deep down, she knew it wasn’t about Edwin; it was something deeper.


    The tension, teetering on the edge, shed with the festive vibe of the party. Someone caught wind of themotion and nced over.


    Taking a deep breath, Ellie didn’t want her emotions spiraling any further. “I need a break. I’m heading to the bathroom.”


    After nearly ten minutes spent in the toilet cubicle, Ellie’s mind reyed everything about Carole—what she’d heard, seen, asked, and the phone call.


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