?Chapter 975:


    Ellis observed from his peripheral vision how Ethan’s appetite had noticeably diminished, frustration etching itself into the contours of his expression.


    Freya turned toward Alyssa, her voice warm with invitation. “Why don’t you leave with uster? The two don’t have much nned today, making it an ideal opportunity to be acquainted with them.”


    “I’d love to,” Alyssa agreed without hesitation.


    “Count me in as well!” Ethan suddenly interjected, his voice cutting through the conversation.


    Every pair of eyes at the table swiveled toward him, and Alyssa felt a fragile spark of hope ignite within her—a hope she knew she should have suppressed.


    “I’ve heard rumors about two women who maintain close rtionships with Trent.” Ethan maintained a facade of perfect nonchnce. “Why not extend invitations to them as well? I might as well explore potential romantic connections for myself.”


    Alyssa’s momentary hope crumbled instantly, prompting her to mock him with barely concealed disappointment. “How could you possibly pursue anything meaningful when your evenings disappear into the pulsing lights of nightclubs?”


    “That assessment isn’t fair. Frequenting nightclubs merely constitutes harmless entertainment,” Ethan defended himself, his tone bordering on indignation. “It’s not as though I engage in reprehensible behavior.”


    “True enough, you’re notmitting any moral transgressions—just flirting shamelessly with every woman who crosses your path,” Alyssa countered with arctic coolness.


    Ethan found himself without a convincing rebuttal.


    During his most recent outing with friends, they had practically thrust two women into hispany, and before he could articte any objection, Alyssa had witnessed the entire scene.


    The tales you love are at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    From that pivotal moment, he realized the impossibility of shedding this reputation, regardless of his efforts or intentions.


    Throughout the meal, each person retreated into thebyrinth of their private thoughts.


    As they dined, Ellis discreetly messaged their group chat, inquiring about everyone’s avability for an impromptu gathering.


    He and Freya owed a huge debt of gratitude to Greta and Frederick for ying matchmaker, so treating them to a meal felt only right. He nned to announce that he and Freya were officially a couple now. After his message appeared in the chat, responses confirming avability flooded in rapidly.


    Following their public acknowledgments, private messages began pouring into Ellis’s phone.


    Greta’s message arrived first. “What exactly transpired? Weren’t you actively pursuing Freya? Whatpels you to introduce another woman to our intimate gathering?”


    This deviation from their established pattern raised collective eyebrows! Their social circle traditionally excluded outsiders from their gatherings.


    Riley’s concerned text followed. “Have your affections shifted elsewhere?”


    Fred contributed his confusion. “Doesn’t your heart still belong to Freya?” Trent expressed his bewilderment as well. “What unexpected development has urred?”


    Cade and Moss simrly bombarded him with questions of their own. Ellis and Freya held significant ces in their collective hearts, and witnessing their union had been a shared aspiration among their friends.


    Yet now, Ellis appeared intent on introducing another woman into their carefully bnced dynamic.


    Ellis provided a sinct exnation and specifically informed Trent and Frederick of his actual intentions.


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