?Chapter 383:


    He came in with a domineering air, as if ready for confrontation, yet his question was about why she hadn’t sought him out.


    “There was no need for that,” Ellie responded, staying on point. “I handed my offer letter to Zoey; she was supposed to give it to you.”


    “You mean there was no need for you toe to me, right?” Kaiden asked coldly, giving a scornfulugh and gesturing towards Howard. “But you needed to meet him?”


    “What are you talking about, Kaiden?” Ellie couldn’t believe the wordsing out of Kaiden’s mouth. She rose to her feet, offering a quick apology to Howard.


    “Mr. Thorpe, Ellie can choose who she meets. You should respect that.” Howard, feeling protective, positioned himself in front of her, staring down at Kaiden with a wary look.


    Respect?


    Kaiden found the concept almostughable.


    “Do you even know what she means to me?” he challenged Howard, who was not just any student, but a member of the influential Lee family.


    Their exchange had drawn the attention of other students in the vicinity.


    Howard seemed to struggle for words, then suggested, “Maybe we should take this conversation outside. We wouldn’t want to disturb others here.”


    Ellie, trying to keep her anger in check and refusing to help Kaiden with his wheelchair, led the way out.


    Howard followed her, his voice low and firm. “Mr. Thorpe, it’s not right for a man to unt an unclear rtionship with a woman. It could damage her reputation.”


    They found a quiet spot outside, with nothing but the wind breaking the silence.


    “Unclear rtionship?” Kaiden echoed Howard’s words, a hint of defiance in his voice. “You are the one who is unclear about the truth. She is my wife.”


    Ellie turned to him, her eyes wide with shock. Was he really acknowledging their marriage so openly? Didn’t he care about how this might affect Carole?


    Or was he attempting to mimic Jorge’s shameless behavior? Jorge had Brisa at home yet still returned to his first love.


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    “She is your wife?” Howard, stunned and seeking rity, turned to Ellie. “Ellie, are you…?”


    “Yes, we’re married,” Ellie admitted, her eyes lowered to hide her inner turmoil. “Thanks for everything, Howard, especially the milk tea. You should head back to school. I wouldn’t want to hold you up.” She preferred him not to be tangled in her and Kaiden’splicated situation.


    Sensing her subtle hint, Howard agreed, “Alright, Ellie. Remember, you can call me anytime if you need anything. Anywhere, anytime!”


    “Okay,” Ellie replied softly.


    Kaiden, overhearing the exchange, couldn’t help but let out a bitterugh. Anytime, anywhere? The idea seemed absurd to him.


    Ellie, not sparing Kaiden a nce, walked towards her car. Kaiden felt a surge of regret for his decision to pretend to be wheelchair-bound. Pretending to be simply unwell would have made it so much easier to chase after people!


    As Ellie opened the driver’s side door of her car, the passenger door swung open too. Kaiden, still seated in his wheelchair, peered over the hood of the car, his eyes locking with hers.


    “What do you want, Mr. Thorpe? I won’t give you a ride,” Ellie stated firmly, making her stance clear from the get-go.


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