?Chapter 603:


    “No worries.” Ellis’s gaze flicked over to Freya, who’d been calm and collected since stepping in. “I’m your sister’s friend. Just call me Ellis.”


    He’d heard Ethel’s voice when he got out of the car. The resemnce to Freya,bined with their familiarity, made it clear.


    Ethel’s eyes practically gleamed with gossip.


    Friend! That meant there was a chance—some real romantic tension between him and Freya!


    “Alright, Ellis!” Ethel beamed at him.


    Ellis gave a polite nod.


    Ethel was more determined than ever to y matchmaker!


    Compared to Kristian, Ellis seemed way more easygoing. He hadn’t said much, but he already gave off an approachable vibe.


    Ethel was ready to make it happen!


    “Ellis, do you know how to cook?” she asked brightly, striking up a casual chat.


    Freya raised her brows at that.


    Before she could interject, Ellis answered, “Yeah.”


    “My sister’s not exactly a whiz in the kitchen.” Ethel nced at the elevator disy and realized it was stopping on the same floor as Freya’s. “If you’re cooking sometime, would you invite her over? I’ll even cover the cost of ingredients!”


    Freya didn’t even know what to say—she tapped Ethel lightly on the forehead. “Quit it. Don’t go bothering others.”


    “Ellis isn’t any random man,” Ethel whispered slyly, not missing the way Ellis looked at her sister the moment they got inside. She didn’t believe they were just friends.


    C?????? ???????? ??t g??l??ov?ls.??○??


    Freya shot her a look, clearly thinking Ethel was being way too bold today. “Ethel Briggs.”


    “Alright, alright, I get it.” Ethel stuck out her tongue and offered a quick apology.


    “It’s just a few meals. No need to make a fuss about them.” Ellis broke the silence with a voice as smooth as ever. “Or do you think I’m so strapped for cash I can’t even spring for dinner?”


    “Captain…” Freya once again found herself contemting an immediate getaway.


    And in that moment, she finally understood why her friends had insisted she leave town. Ellis had a knack for putting her under relentless mental strain.


    The elevator chimed.


    Freya felt the air shift subtly as she stepped out, with Ethel closely on her heels. Ellis, suitcase in hand, followed behind, his eyes trailing her retreating figure with the faintest flicker of amusement—gone as quickly as it had appeared.


    Once inside, Ethel picked up on something in the atmosphere. “Mina, do you not get along with Ellis? Or did he offend you?”


    “No.”


    “Then why do you seem to steer clear of him?”


    Freya paused mid-step as she changed into her slippers. “Do I?”


    “You do!”


    “Maybe my usual coolness is throwing you off.”


    “No, it’s not that.” Ethel, ever observant, pressed on. “You’re different around him. With others, you’re reserved butposed. With him, you seem to keep your distance, like you’re avoiding too much interaction.”


    .


    .


    .