?Chapter 274:


    Freddy swiftly altered his countenance, sporting the archetypal smile of a true gentleman. “Mr. Thorpe, my sincerest apologies. The unvarnished truth is that Ellie happens to be my superior. I lied when I said I was vying for her because I couldn’t bear the thought of my esteemed boss falling prey to some scoundrel due to her youthful naivety… Not implying you’re a scoundrel, mind you. Just a spective inkling on my part.”


    Kaiden wore a skeptical expression, as if challenging Freddy to spin more tales.AdChoicesADVERTISING


    This was hardly an opportune moment for Ellie to share a meal with Freddy. She interjected, “Freddy, why don’t we put a pin in this? I’ll treat you to dinner on another asion, okay?”


    “Given your subordinate status, the dinner’s on me,” dered Kaiden. Observing Ellie’s demeanor, Freddy took a principled stance. “Apologies, Mr. Thorpe. I have to heed Ellie’s wishes. Seems like she’s not up for the dinner.”


    As night descended, the glow of streetlights and neon signs filtered through the window, casting an intery of light and shadow on the faces in the back seat. A thick silence enveloped the car.


    “Ellie, that Freddy is pushing thirty-five,” Kaiden stated, his memory serving him well as he had perused relevant information about Freddy on his way to pick Ellie up.


    Ellie’s ire surged. “Kaiden, he’s a friend. Rumors circte about you and Carole, yet I can’t even have a male friend? I don’t meddle in your affairs. Who are you to interfere with my friendships?”


    Kaiden remainedposed. Turning to her, he inquired, “When did you find out about the affair?”


    When Freddy brought up his involvement with Carole, Ellie admitted she was aware. Kaiden knew that this exined the indifference she had shown him in recent days.


    Staring out the window, Ellie responded coolly, “When you were in Tormeto.”


    “Why didn’t you ask?”


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    Ellie stayed silent. Kaiden reached for her chin, forcing her to face him. “Say something, Ellie.”


    “How was I supposed to ask? Should I inquire about the nature of your affair with Carole? You could easily dismiss it as media fabrication. Should I question your attendance at Carole’s art exhibition? Much like my visit to Freddy’s show today, it’s normal to support a friend’s work.” Kaiden, if he so desired, could fabricate usible reasons.


    Ellie refused to y the role of a jealous woman.


    “Kaiden, let go. You’re hurting me,” she pleaded, attempting to free herself from his grasp.


    Relinquishing his hold, Kaiden noticed faint imprints on her chin. He sighed, realizing her skin marked easily, no matter where he touched.


    “Pull over,” Kaiden abruptly instructed the driver. “Come back in an hour.”


    The driverplied without a word, grateful to escape witnessing the conflict between Kaiden and his wife. Ignorance, sometimes, proved bliss. The driver had no appetite for marital disputes.


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