?Chapter 553:


    Kason’s expression was pensive. “Does it bother you?”


    Elena responded with a light shake of her head, dismissing the concern, “She was just teasing. It doesn’t bother me at all.”


    Kason acknowledged her response with a nod, choosing to remain silent thereafter.


    Elena felt a twinge of unease. She rose to her feet. “I need to step out to the restroom for a moment.”


    While in the restroom, Elena’s ears caught snippets of conversation from outside.


    “Hey, did you see? Mr. Garrett brought a woman here today.”


    “Which woman? Has he found himself a girlfriend? That can’t be right.”


    “She seems like a handful,pletely mismatched for Kason. Looks like she’s straight out of a nightclub.”


    “A nightclub hostess, maybe?”


    “Absolutely, or else how could she possibly charm Kason?”


    Elena scowled, constantly bombarded by whispers and rumors. She was about to push the door open when she heard Kason’s voice. “What was that you said?”


    The two women immediately lowered their voices, subdued in Kason’s presence.


    Kason cradled a cigarette between his fingers, his icy stare piercing through them. As an officer, his look wasden with daunting authority, instilling a sense of guilt and apprehension in the women without him uttering a word.


    “Mr. Garrett, we…”


    Snuffing out his cigarette, Kason gave a sharp nce. “Choose your words wisely. And don’t show your face here again.”


    He was effectively barring them from the restaurant.


    One woman objected, “But Mr. Garrett, my boyfriend is Megan’s brother. Isn’t it okay for us to dine here?”


    The significance of dining here extended beyond mere food. It was a symbol of social standing. This restaurant catered exclusively to known associates, frequented only by those of prestigious lineage.


    Without changing his stoic expression, Kason made a call. Shortly after, the manager came and showed the two women out.


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    Elena emerged from the restroom, her presence quietly noted by Kason. Avoiding any mention of the earlier incident, Kason asked in a casual tone, “Ready to go? I’ll drive you home.”


    By the time they finished their meal, night had fully taken hold. Luminescent streetlights bathed the sidewalks in a warm, inviting glow.


    Hillside Manory in silence, its quiet more profound than the darkness shrouding the Spencer family’s vi, which seemed even more somber than the night itself.


    Inside, Wesley lounged on the sofa, his legs elegantly crossed, eyes transfixed on the dim world outside the window. Around him, the remnants of numerous cigarettesy scattered.


    Leo watched him from the doorway, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Wesley had been rooted to that spot since morning. Earlier, the news that Elena wouldn’t visit had been dismissed by Wesley as a mere whisper of the wind. The clock had ticked past ten, the hour growingte, hope waning with each passing moment.


    Finally, Leo cleared his throat, his words tentative. “Mr. Spencer, Miss Harper informed your grandfather this morning—she was unexpectedly whisked away on a blind date and couldn’t attend her scheduled treatment. It might be wise to turn in early tonight.”


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