?Chapter 347:


    No, the idea of him being enrolled at Crestmont University was absurd!


    How had he secured so many awards?


    While Ellie pondered this, she suddenly felt the weight of a cold stare.


    She wasn’t sure which of her words had displeased Kaiden, but his unhappy expression made it clear that he hoped she would reconsider her remarks.


    Ellie found herself at a loss for words. Had her critique of Erick upset him?


    But Kaiden had specifically heard her mention that Erick had pursued her. Despite that, Ellie seemedpletely innocent. Who would want to hear about Erick chasing after her?


    “How do you know that?” Kaiden asked, his tone cold.


    “I saw it online,” Ellie responded. “Erick is treating others on Heart Ind today to celebrate his academic aplishments.”


    “Treat?” Kaiden’s voice softened. “Heart Ind?”


    Kaiden’s irritation faded, reced by a new resolve. He had a n.


    “I’ll show you your New Year’s giftter,” Kaiden said as he messaged Bruce.


    “What’s the New Year’s gift?” Ellie asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically. “Are you nning to gift me a car, a house, or something like that? I don’t want it. I don’t need it.”


    A car or a house as a New Year’s gift? How could that even be meaningful for her?


    Kaiden then entertained the thought of giving Ellie something more personal. What about an ind? After all, she didn’t already own one, did she?


    Relief washed over Ellie as she eagerly anticipated Kaiden’s gift. The moment Kaiden lifted his gaze, he caught sight of a smile ying at the corner of her mouth. She seemed to be in a good mood, instantly lifting his spirits as well.


    “You have some items in the lounge,” Kaiden told her.


    Slightly puzzled, Ellie couldn’t recall leaving any belongings in Kaiden’s office.


    Upon entering the lounge, she was greeted by an extravagant disy—a sizable bouquet of red roses and delicate white baby’s breath adorning the table, radiating grandeur, romance, and beauty. Attached to the bouquet was a card that read, “Happy New Year.”


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    “Kaiden, how did you know flowers are a New Year tradition?” Holding the roses, Ellie asked with a sweet smile.


    “Zoey took care of it,” Kaiden mentioned casually as he read a new document with an indifferent expression.


    Immediately after Kaiden’s words, a knock echoed through the door, revealing a man in his forties. Ellie, with her sharp memory, recognized him from a senior management meeting hosted by Kaiden. Now standing beside Kaiden, holding the bouquet of roses, she and the treasurer shared a moment of mutual surprise as he entered.


    Ellie, caught off guard, found herself face-to-face with Kaiden’s subordinate once again.


    “Mr. Thorpe, perhaps I should returnter?” the treasurer suggested.


    “You’re free to speak now,” Kaiden replied.


    Ellie blinked, still holding the flowers, and said, “I’ll wait for you outside.”


    Recognizing the treasurer’s involvement with critical financial matters, she deemed it wise to steer clear of their discussion.


    “Take a seat. I still have an hour left before I finish work.” Kaiden gestured with a lift of his chin toward the sofa.


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