?Chapter 565:


    The underlying message went unnoticed by the others.


    Ellie, catching on to the moment, turned to Kaiden. “Edwin and I are on amicable terms now, so he surely wishes us well, right?”


    Edwin, feeling the sharp sting of jealousy, mustered a smile. “Without a doubt!”


    Theo had to stifle a chuckle at the scene.


    When his younger brother returned, he pped him on the back, asking with a hint of mockery, “Have you conceded defeat yet?”


    “You, you, you…” Stammering, Edwin could hardly muster a coherent reply.


    Seizing the moment to tease, Theomented, “Had you acknowledged your feelings sooner, perhaps she would have been your wife.”


    Facing his brother’s taunts, Edwin shot back with a re. “Do you take pleasure in my suffering?”


    To which Theo dryly responded, “Isn’t that the family tradition?”


    Edwin was rendered speechless.


    At least Ellie remained oblivious to this ordeal.


    As the evening progressed, the initial wariness the guests held towards Kaiden dissipated. Inspired by his genial exchanges with Jerome and the Stephens brothers, and perhaps a bit emboldened by alcohol, they began to warmly engage.


    “Mr. Thorpe, we extend our bted congrattions on your union with Miss Gordon! Ah, pardon me, Mrs. Thorpe now! A toast to you and your bride!” a guest eximed with enthusiasm.AdChoicesADVERTISING


    Kaiden responded with a wry smile, epting two sses and drinking with ease, evidently consuming Ellie’s share as well.


    The others gradually approached with more boldness, encouraged by Kaiden’s participation.


    As the evening went on, the guests began to notice that Kaiden graciously epted every toast wishing them happiness. He took it upon himself to handle any drink intended for Ellie.


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    This delighted the spectators. The typically reserved Mr. Thorpe was now participating in their festivities, and some even entertained the idea of getting him pleasantly intoxicated.


    Nearby, a group of young socialites, friends of Essence, whispered among themselves, “They say Mr. Thorpe is usually detached and pays no mind to women, yet he cherishes Ellie as if she were a rare gem. What makes her so special?”


    “Lower your voices! If that Todd girl hears us, she’ll have our heads!” Essence cautioned them, gritting her teeth. She found it hard to believe that after her brief departure, Ellie returned unfazed by Carole’s presence, still in good spirits.


    “Kaiden, perhaps you should drink less,” Ellie suggested softly, tugging at his sleeve.


    She had lost track of how many drinks he had consumed, and the empty sses in front of him were swiftly reced with fresh ones.


    “What was that?” Kaiden leaned closer, his hearing strained over the din.


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