Chapter 1135:

Edward’s face contorted with hurt. “I saw it with my own eyes,” he insisted. “You were staring at Jayden’s back. When will you ever look at mine like that?”

“I wasn’t!” Elyse exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and anger.

Before Edward could press further, Elyse’s eyes narrowed. “What happened to the meat I grilled for you?” she questioned. “I didn’t see you eat it.”

“Uh… I just remembered I need to change seats.” With a sheepish grin, Edward scrambled to his feet and darted to sit next to Ken.

Elyse’s gaze followed him, narrowing as she tried to make sense of his guilty expression. But before she could dwell on it, Jayden sauntered over, cutting off her line of sight.

Plopping down beside her, Jayden leaned in. “You should eat more. You’re getting too thin. It’s hardly fun to hug anymore.”

Elyse’s lips pursed. “What are you even talking about? I don’t know where you’re getting these ideas. Keep spreading lies, and you’ll find yourself on my blacklist too.”

Jayden arched a brow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, yeah? Go ahead, ignore me. Let’s see how that works out.”

Elyse fell silent, returning her attention to the grilled meat.

The afternoon saw Elyse enjoying herself at the ranch. As evening descended, Linda prepared a simple pasta dinner. Afterward, Elyse, Jayden, and Edward returned to the hotel.

While Elyse showered, Jayden and Edward huddled together in the hotel room, their voices low and conspiratorial.

“Still planning to visit that old man’s house tonight?” Edward inquired.

Jayden’s eyebrow arched. “Are you still fixated on stealing the violin?”

“He has backed out so many times,” Edward said. “I doubt tomorrow’s meeting will go smoothly. So I’m thinking, why don’t we just cut to the chase and—”

Jayden lapsed into contemplative silence.

“You’re not chickening out, are you?” Edward asked, exasperation coloring his tone.

“I think there might still be a chance tomorrow,” Jayden mused. “Elyse has been remarkably calm about this. Perhaps it’s all part of her strategy.”

Edward’s frustration mounted. “So, essentially, you just don’t want to steal it?”

Jayden’s eyebrow rose. “I believe Elyse can acquire the violin on her own,” he stated.

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