?Chapter 664:


    “Mr. Wright, we’re neither family nor friends. Your actions at the auction left me feeling uneasy.”


    Neither family nor friend? Kristopher’s expression darkened at her words. Wanting to change the subject, he extended an item towards her. “I brought this for you. I hope you like it,” he said, offering what appeared to be a poster.


    Ellie gave Kristopher a puzzled look and hesitated to ept the item. Sensing her reluctance, Kristopher reassured her, “It’s nothing pricey.” Only then did Ellie take it, thanking him with a slight nod.


    An awkward silence fell between them, making Ellie feel a bit ufortable. She didn’t want to seem rude by just walking away after receiving his gift. Searching for a conversation starter, she nced at the cross hanging around his neck and asked, “Mr. Wright, are you religious? You always wear that cross.”


    Kristopher nced down at the silver chain. “Not really religious, no. Maybe I just hope it’ll make me a better person?”


    Ellie chuckled, thinking he was making a joke. “Last time, you mentioned you had met a lovely girl. Have you seen her since?”


    Kristopher’s face lit up, clearly eager to talk about that. “Yes, I have.” It was obvious this topic entertained him.


    Curiosity getting the better of her, Ellie pressed on, “Does she still remember you?”


    He shook his head, a shadow of sadness crossing his features under the moonlight. “She never did.”


    Kristopher’s face, illuminated by the moonlight, had the refined beauty of polished jade, marked by a touch of solitude etched above his brows. The girl he had longed for through the years didn’t hold any memory of him. Ellie wanted to offer some words offort but found herself at a loss. Kristopher, however, seemed to find some sce in sharing. “She’s doing well, though. She’s strong, hardly gets sick. I just wish she was a bit tougher.”


    “Tougher?” Ellie echoed, puzzled. “My husband says the same thing. Do all men think alike?”


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    At that, Kristopher’s hand tightened involuntarily. Her words felt heavier than intended.


    “Mr. Wright, I should head back now. Thanks for dropping by. Good night!” A whirlwind of emotions tangled within Ellie, Kristopher’s demeanor tonight addingyers ofplexity to her thoughts, especially considering Kaiden’s warnings. She left with a polite farewell, echoing the properness of their interaction.


    “Good night, Miss Gordon,” Kristopher replied softly.


    Back in her room, Ellie unfolded what she thought was a poster, only to discover it was a photograph.


    The image captured a rainy scene: a little girl standing under a streemp, her shadow stretched long and thin across the wet pavement. d in an oversized ck raincoat, the girl appeared small and isted, yet there was a resolve in her stance. Hidden within the raincoat’s wide sleeves, her right hand gripped something unseen.


    Ellie recognized the scene with a jolt—it was her at eight years old, holding a candy, a memento of a challenging day.


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