?Chapter 1023:


    Ellis caught the uncertainty in her tone but let it slide, unwilling to press her for more.


    His memories of the previous evening had already faded at the edges, leaving only scattered fragments behind.


    A sudden thought lit up Freya’s face. “Oh! I’m actually not going to the office today,” she blurted, ncing at Ellis. “My dad and She want to make up for missing my birthday thest couple of years.”


    For the past two years, she’d been in Jeucwell, always missing out on family celebrations.


    Now, with a boyfriend in the picture, her father had deliberately saved the 16th just for her.


    He’d insisted on this n because her birthday fell right after the 14th and 15th, and he didn’t want her scrambling home at thest minute, ruining her ns.


    Ellis’s lips quirked in a teasing smile. “So, I’m still not invited to meet your family, huh?”


    He hadn’t forgotten the conversation he’d overheard the other day.


    Freya stiffened, her wide eyes darting away in mock innocence. She hesitated, then pressed her lips together and yed dumb. “Don’t you think it’s a little early for that?”


    “You might be right.” Ellis only shrugged, reaching out to ruffle her hair with a teasing gentleness. He let the subject drop. “Go wash up ande down for breakfast. I’ll take you over myself.”


    “No need.” She tried to object, but he cut her off.


    “You do need me,” he stated, leaving no room for argument.


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    Freya swallowed her protests, knowing by now that arguing with Ellis was pointless—especially about things like this.


    If he’d decided he was driving her, nothing short of an emergency would change his mind.


    They ate a quick breakfast together before Ellis grabbed his keys and drove Freya to her father’s house.


    Inside, Hugh and Ethel were already watching for her.


    The moment they heard tires crunching on the driveway, they hurried to the door to wee her.


    Freya climbed out of the car first, feeling her nerves flutter.


    Ellis stepped out after her, shing a polite smile as he offered a friendly wave.


    Ethel rushed out, arms wide. “Mina!” She pulled her into a warm hug, then turned with equal enthusiasm to greet Ellis. “Oh, hi, Ellis!”


    He greeted her warmly, then nodded to Hugh.


    Hugh, feigning indifference but clearly sizing up the situation, cleared his throat. “Mina, and who’s this?”


    With a confident nod, Freya dered, “This is Ellis Lambert—my boyfriend.”


    Hugh’s expression warmed as he greeted him with a familiar nod. “So you’re Ellis. Come on in, take a seat.”


    Ellis offered a courteous smile but shook his head. “Thank you, but I’ve got to run—work’s waiting for me at the office. I promise, next time I’ll stay longer.”


    Hugh wouldn’t let up. “Work can wait for a minute. Stay, getfortable.”


    “Well…”


    “What’s wrong?”


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