Chapter 29
Chapter 29:
Her look was elegant and poised, masking her talents in combat and gambling.
Yet, the dress seemed too striking.
Kaiden, who seldom found anyone notably attractive, categorized most as simply male or female, with a few exceptions.
But Ellie exhibited a range of personas—gentle and serene, yet capable of anger, cunning, and charm. She was, in every aspect, an arresting presence.
The thought of Erick’s lingering feelings for Ellie soured his mood. Even if he didn’t harbor feelings for Ellie, he didn’t appreciate others coveting what was his.
As they got into the car, Ellie noticed Kaiden’s off mood.
Was he upset?
What had unsettled him? Ellie was confused.
Seeing Kaiden dressed casually and knowing his strained relationship with his family, it clicked for Ellie.
“Kaiden, this attire isn’t to impress the Thorpe family. Observing proper etiquette is key for a confident defense. If we appear disrespectful, it gives them an excuse to criticize p>
Moreover, for a stylist like her, maintaining a professional image was fundamental.
“You have just graduated, yet you are surprisingly seasoned, huh?” Kaiden remarked with a hint of scorn.
He found her words to be nothing but nonsense.
Ellie continued to glare at him, pouting her lips like a child.
Kaiden, in a rare gesture, lightly tapped her forehead with his finger.
The car fell into silence.
Realizing the intimacy of his action, Kaiden paused briefly before withdrawing his hand.
Ellie, feeling a bit annoyed, rubbed her forehead.
It wasn’t painful, but the unexpectedly tender gesture, laced with Kaiden’s usual disdain, left her feeling off-balance.
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The Thorpes’ house was located in the suburbs, an imposing structure dating back a century, its grandeur preserved through continuous renovations.
As they arrived, Ellie was struck by the solemnity of the historic mansion.
“Mr. Thorpe, Mrs. Thorpe,” the servants greeted them respectfully. One led the way while another pushed Kaiden’s wheelchair.
The mansion had been modified for Kaiden’s accessibility, with thresholds removed and wheelchair-friendly paths installed.
Jorge, Kaiden’s father, maintained a facade of cordiality with Kaiden, despite their strained relationship.
Laughter and conversation filled the hall, a vast area of several hundred square meters. About forty close relatives of the Thorpe family’s main branch were present, the women congregating on one side, the men on the other. In the center, an ancient painting and an imperial gift plaque were displayed, flanked by two mahogany chairs.
The room fell into brief silence as Kaiden and Ellie entered.
“Kaiden!” someone called out.
“This is unacceptable! Everyone’s been waiting!” an elderly man, over sixty, scolded, his gaze sharp and critical.