?Chapter 439:


    Silence and a sense of embarrassment ensued.


    It was obvious that Ellie was Kaiden’s plus one, but Jorge had the audacity to push Carole to Kaiden. What on earth was he thinking? In doing so, he basically announced to everyone that he favored Carole! The guests watched with bated breath, eager to see how Kaiden would react. The question on everyone’s mind was whether he wanted Ellie or Carole.


    Surely, he’d pick thetter!


    Ellie maintained an unbothered expression, as if the whole situation had nothing to do with her. Deep inside, however, her emotions were raging. Her fingers tightened around the handle of the wheelchair as she held her breath and awaited judgment.


    She was dying to see the look on Kaiden’s face at that moment, but since she was standing behind him, all she could see was the top of his head.


    “Isn’t that the youngdy from the Lambert family?” a guest whispered loudly to the person beside her.


    “Why is she standing next to Jorge?”


    “From what I heard, the Lambert family has been living abroad all this time. When Carole came home, she acted on behalf of her family and brought back priceless paintings as gifts to the Thorpe family. She was incredibly generous in this regard.”


    “It looks like Jorge is particrly fond of her. I wonder if she’ll eventually marry into the Thorpe family.”


    “Keep your voice down. Ellie is right over there!”


    Demi had her arm around Erick’s, and they watched the scene unfold with great interest.


    She hadn’t expected anyone else toe and stir trouble for Ellie, but she was d that it happened. And so was Erick.


    He watched like a hawk, waiting for the right moment to approach Ellie. Erick was sure that Kaiden would cast her aside soon, and then he would swoop in andfort her.


    But Kaiden remained silent for what felt like hours, making people think that he had acquiesced.


    “Let me push the wheelchair for you, Kaiden,” Carole said, taking the initiative to walk over to them. She politely signaled for Ellie to step away from Kaiden.


    ???é?? ???t??я? ín Galπoνεl?.c??


    Feeling a pit form in her stomach, Ellie was about to relinquish her hold when Kaiden spoke.


    “No, thank you.” He refused Carole directly.


    Kaiden waved in Edwin’s direction, who was standing nearby.


    “Edwin will show you a good time.”


    Carole and Edwin were already acquainted.


    “Huh? Oh, sure. I’ll take it from here,” Edwin replied.


    He was startled at first, then bewildered by the sudden task that had been thrown at him. But he didn’t want Kaiden to leave Ellie alone and go with another woman, so he agreed without a second thought.


    The smile froze on Carole’s face, and her eyes darkened. She swallowed and quicklyposed herself. “Well,” she said, forcing another smile at Edwin. “I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you in the meantime.”


    Edwin paid no mind to her strained expression and carried on as he would with an old friend.


    .


    .


    .