?Chapter 1038:


    It was akin to getting caught by a parent while egging on your best friend to misbehave.


    “I don’t have them often,” Ellie protested innocently, though her eyes darted nervously.


    Kaiden arched an eyebrow slightly, his expression seeming to ask, “Are you really sure you don’t have them often? Having one every other day is quite often.”


    The tense atmosphere between them over the past couple of days was silently shattered in that moment. Kaiden lowered his head, and a slight smile curled his lips.


    Kaiden grabbed Ellie’s milkshake. “Confiscated.”


    “Hey!” Ellie got up to snatch it back, but she couldn’t grab it because she couldn’t see where it was.


    Kaiden sipped from the straw. His face twisted in disgust. He never got why Ellie loved this super sweet drink!


    “Going home!” Baylee announced. She stood up, not wanting to be the third wheel in this situation.


    Kaiden arranged for a driver to take Baylee home. Baylee waved her hand. “No thanks. I drove myself today.”


    Kaiden nodded. He didn’t mention that Marvin already knew she had returned and was downstairs at her apartment, waiting for her.


    The sun had begun to set. Its golden-red glow lit up Marvin, softening his typically intense and aloof presence. He stood by the trash can with a cigarette in his mouth, blowing smoke rings. His profile made girls passing by swoon.


    “Baylee.”


    Marvin spotted Baylee and stubbed out his cigarette.


    Baylee fought the urge to leave, forcing herself to confront him calmly. “What do you want, Mr. Hill?”


    Marvin inquired, “Did your trip go well?” It appeared he didn’t have any genuine reason to be there.


    Baylee hastened her steps, heading straight home.


    g ? ln σ ν?? ?s hosts great fiction


    Marvin followed closely.


    They both waited in front of the elevator, which hadn’t arrived yet.


    “Marvin, what do you really want?” Baylee hissed, feeling her temper rising.


    “I want us to patch things up,” Marvin murmured, locking eyes with her. His gaze always made others feel uniquely favored when he focused on them.


    “Marvin, there are countless women out there who are excellent, beautiful, kind, understanding, ande from good families. It’s time for you to move on from me,” Baylee sighed. “Can’t we end things peacefully?”


    “They’re not like you,” Marvin blurted out. “And no.”


    The silence hung heavy in the air. Emotions simmered beneath the surface. Baylee’s eyes flickered. She turned and stepped into the newly opened elevator.


    “Marvin, I’m not ready for dating or marriage right now.”


    By avoiding rtionships, she avoided suspicion, heartache, and the fear of betrayal. Baylee longed to retreat into her shell. Marvin joined her in the elevator.


    “Why are you following me?” Baylee asked. “I won’t let a liar like you back into my home.”


    Marvin smiled slightly. “I’m heading to my own ce.”


    .


    .


    .