?Chapter 562:


    Ellie, standing about ten meters behind Kaiden, watched the scene with an unreadable expression. The air around her seemed to cool instantly.


    As Carole extended her hand, she inadvertently caught Ellie’s cold gaze over Kaiden’s shoulder. Her eyes briefly sparkled with a smile, but it quickly vanished.


    “No, thank you,” Kaiden said, stepping back and avoiding her touch. “If you need assistance, please contact Bruce.”


    In consideration of past friendships and his brother’s final wishes, Kaiden was willing to offer protection. However, he made it clear that any further contact should go through Bruce.


    Carole felt as though her heart had dropped to the ground and shattered.


    She bit her lip, looking at Kaiden with a mixture of sadness and longing. But before she could speak, he had already turned and walked away. Kaiden approached Ellie, who seemed on the verge of losing her temper, her expression stern.


    “Why did youe out?” He casually took her hand, slightly tilting his head so she could see his hair, and asked, “Is there something in my hair?”


    “What?” Ellie was puzzled by his question.


    “Carole mentioned there was something in my hair.”


    Ellie immediately realized that Carole’s actions were a deliberate provocation. “Well, it looked like there was something there,” Ellie said, inspecting his impably clean hair. “Is it?”


    “Oh, my mistake. There’s nothing there after all!” Kaiden shot her a cold nce.


    “Really? What are you implying?” Ellie raised an eyebrow, her tone pointed.


    “If you had let another woman touch you, you might have found yourself in trouble,” she retorted, lifting her chin with confidence. “Kaiden, you should remember that your wife has many admirers.”


    Though Kaiden was irked by her veiled threat, he chose not to show his anger. Instead, he pulled her close and kissed her firmly on the lips as a form of punishment and warning. His voice, low and intimate, was meant only for her ears.


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    “Ellie, if you ever betray me, I’ll…” His voice trailed off threateningly.


    “I’ll make you regret it and beg for my forgiveness every night in bed.”


    Ellie pushed his face away, unwilling to engage further in the conversation.


    She had once thought Kaiden to be cold and emotionless. Now, she realized that in private, his coarsenguage was no different from any other man’s.


    “What’s that in your hand?” Ellie noticed the gift box in Kaiden’s hand a few stepster.


    “It’s a wedding gift from Carole.” Kaiden passed the box to her.


    They had received many wedding gifts that day, all of which were being collected by Ellie.


    She opened the box to reveal a custom-designed lighter inside.


    The silver lighter exuded a subtle yet opulent charm, seemingly crafted just for Kaiden.


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