?Chapter 541:


    Lydia stayed home without a fuss, never demanding anything from him.


    Malcolm clicked his tongue. “If you’re this into her, why not just marry her? You’re more than capable. You don’t need a marriage alliance to strengthen your family’s power.”


    Jeffry frowned. The thought of marrying Lydia had never crossed his mind. His voice edged with irritation, “An orphan isn’t wife material for me.”


    Malcolm raised an eyebrow. He had assumed Jeffry was serious about Lydia.


    Jeffry finished his drink and got up. “I’m heading out.”


    “You barelye out. What’s the rush…” Malcolm didn’t even finish before Jeffry was gone.


    Malcolm frowned. What the heck was up with Wesley and Jeffry today? He clinked his ss against Kason’s and sighed. “These meetups are getting boring. One’s drowning in his drink, and the other’s too busy thinking about his woman. Looks like it’s just the two of us now. Kason, don’t tell me you’re gonna fall for someone too.”


    Kason stayed quiet. Lately, Kirby had been pushing him to settle down. Malcolm stared at him. “Kason, don’t tell me you’re gonna…”


    “No.” Kason took a slow sip.


    Malcolm let out a relieved breath. At least he wasn’t thest bachelor standing. Wesley had been drinking more than usual, frustration gnawing at him. He grabbed his phone and called Elena. A cold, mechanical voice greeted him, “The number you’ve dialed is turned off. Please try againter.”


    Wesley called again. Same response. It hit him—Elena had blocked his number. Bang! Wesley kicked the table hard. Bottles toppled over, ss shattered as liquor spilled everywhere. She had actually blocked him!


    Malcolm narrowed his eyes. “What the hell is going on here?” The air felt heavy, thick with something unspoken.


    Malcolm rose, frowning. Something was definitely off about Wesley. At first, he thought it was just a lovers’ spat with Elena—nothing a few days wouldn’t fix. But now? Wesley reeked of alcohol, and the storm brewing in his eyes was no joke. Wesley wasn’t the type to show his emotions. Even when angry, he never lost control like this.


    Malcolm hesitated and then stepped closer. “Hey… maybe you should call Elena?”


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    That was the wrong thing to say.


    Wesley’s re was ice-cold. Malcolm immediately regretted speaking. “W-what?”


    Wesley’s tone was t but firm. “You call.”


    Malcolm blinked. “Wait… me?”


    Wesley gave no answer. Just an unblinking, expectant stare.


    Confused, Malcolm sighed and made the call.


    It kept ringing. And ringing.


    Malcolm forced augh. “Hah, guess she’s busy. No answer.”


    For a second, Wesley’s expression eased.


    Then, Elena’s smooth, casual voice came through the speaker. “Something wrong? Did the scented candles not work?”


    And just like that, Wesley’s mood plummeted. So, she had indeed blocked him—only him.


    A shiver crawled up Malcolm’s spine. The room felt ten degrees colder.


    Malcolm shook his head so fast that he nearly gave himself whish. “Nope! No problem at all!”


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