?Chapter 371:


    “Miss Gordon being called a top socialite means she’s outstanding,” Carolemented, then asked, “Edwin, didn’t you have issues with Miss Gordon earlier? Howe you’re on good terms now?”


    Edwin waved his hand awkwardly. “I was mistaken before. We’re on good terms now.”


    Carole kept smiling, but her eyes showed displeasure. She had never expected Ellie to grow so close to both Jerome and Edwin, with both of theming to her defense. If she had known, she would have stayed closer to Kaiden instead of going abroad.


    Kaiden requested Bruce to obtain Houston’s contact and promptly dialed the number. “Hello, Mr. Gordon, Kaiden speaking,” he announced as soon as the call was connected.


    Houston was surprised but quickly settled into a friendly conversation with Kaiden, unperturbed by being addressed formally despite being his father-inw.


    Kaiden courteously endured a brief period of ttery before interjecting. “I’m calling to extend birthday wishes to Cecelia and to inquire if today’s invitation for my wife is solely for the birthday or if there’s another motive.”


    His question subtly probed whether the true intention was to involve Ellie in something else under the guise of a birthday celebration.


    Despite discussing seemingly mundane matters, Kaiden’s tone conveyed an understated intensity, causing Houston to feel an inexplicable pressure.


    “What’s on your mind, Mr. Thorpe?” Houston asked, his initial thought being that Ellie might have expressed concerns to Kaiden.


    “Mr. Gordon, I just want to ensure that my wife isn’t being put in an ufortable position,” Kaiden replied, seeking confirmation about Ellie’s current whereabouts.


    “Mr. Thorpe, please be assured. Ellie is my daughter as well, and I would never allow her to be mistreated,” Houston responded, lying. “She seemed delighted to visit and has just left. Next time, you should join her for dinner.”


    Relieved by Houston’s reassurances, Kaiden felt more at ease, though he couldn’t shake the feeling of something being off.


    Kaiden ended the call. He reflected on Houston’s im that Ellie had recently departed from the Gordon’s house, which conflicted with what he had seen earlier.


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    “Ellie, you’re back so soon… What’s the matter? Where’s Kaiden?” Baylee asked. Ellie had barely stepped inside when Baylee noticed her troubled expression.


    Marvin stirred as Ellie walked in. He opened his eyes briefly, recognized her, and then, with a sigh, leaned back against Baylee’s shoulder, closing his eyes once more. He wondered why Ellie hadn’t left with Kaiden.


    Did Kaiden not care enough to ensure she was with him?


    Ellie’s eyes widened in surprise at seeing Marvin and Baylee so close together.


    “Move a bit,” Baylee whispered to Marvin. “Your head’s heavy. Rest on the sofa.”


    Marvin grumbled in protest, “But the sofa’s too hard.”


    Baylee looked confused, thinking to herself in bewilderment, “What’s wrong with the sofa?”


    After all, she had spent a fortune on that sofa!


    “I’m okay,” Ellie quickly said, diverting her attention from Marvin lounging against Baylee. “That wasn’t Kaiden earlier; Marvin’s subordinate mistook someone else for him.” She chose to avoid discussing the real issue at hand. It was too embarrassing.


    “If you’re upset about something, you can tell me. You’ve seemed distracted,” Baylee said, her tone reflecting concern. “I visited the Gordon family today…”


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