Chapter 1070:
The man waved his hand dismissively, his voice lighthearted. “No need to worry. Word from the front is good. The enemy’s trapped—boxed in with nowhere to run.”
A weight lifted from Elyse’s chest, and for the first time in hours, she breathed easier. She pouted slightly, her voice soft. “So, will he be back today?”
The man slapped his thigh with a hearty laugh. “Look at you two, head over heels! Don’t fret. Once this is sorted, we’ll be raising glasses at your wedding—mark my words.”
Elyse’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “What’s your name? How should I address you?” she asked, her voice uncertain.
“Peyton Ellis, an old friend you haven’t seen in quite some time,” he replied, a smug grin spreading across his lips. Elyse said nothing, her eyes fixed on him. She stared for what felt like forever until something odd caught her attention near his neck.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the strange texture. Shock washed over her. “Is this a latex mask?”
“Surprised? Didn’t see that coming, huh?” Peyton threw his head back, laughing loudly.
Elyse stomped her foot. “Peyton! Do you seriously think playing these games with me is fun?”
“Of course it’s fun! You didn’t even recognize me! Why wouldn’t I enjoy it?” Peyton teased, raising an eyebrow, his grin widening.
Elyse was too angry to respond. She remembered everything he had said and realized how foolish she’d been. She wished she could disappear.
Peyton’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, by the way, I may have stretched the truth a bit earlier. Want to know which parts?”
Elyse tried to act indifferent, though her voice betrayed her. “I don’t want to know. Honestly, I assume everything you said was a lie.”
Peyton leaned in, his tone playful. “Really? If you didn’t believe any of it, I suppose there’s no point in clearing things up.”
“You—” Elyse was at a loss, fuming silently. Running a hand through his hair, Peyton smirked. “I’m irresistible, I know. Don’t say too much, or you might fall for me.”
Elyse gave him a sharp look, her expression unreadable. “You know, that mask has really made you bold and narcissistic.”
Peyton shrugged. “What’s wrong with being confident? And please, call me Vincent when I’m wearing this mask.”