Chapter 1160:

Edward’s lips twitched, and with a resigned sigh, he replied, “I’m a man of my word. I’ll keep my promise.”

With a final nod, Jayden glanced at Elyse once more before disappearing into the night, his luggage in tow.

Elyse watched him, her emotions swirling, unspoken words lingering on her lips.

Edward, noticing her pensive silence, offered a small, comforting smile. “Let’s head to the room. A shower and some rest will do you good.”

Elyse didn’t reply, only nodded absently. She picked up her key card and walked toward the elevator, Edward quickly catching up. Their rooms were on the same floor, though in opposite directions.

As Edward stood at the crossroads of the hallways, he called out a last request, his voice carrying a note of urgency. “Elyse, when you wake up, I’d really like to talk. Promise me you won’t brush me off?”

Though puzzled, Elyse agreed, her mind too tired to question. “Alright. I’ll come find you when I wake up.”

Edward flashed Elyse a warm, radiant smile, a perfect reflection of his sunny nature.

For days, Elyse had noticed something peculiar in his behavior, but the right moment to address it had always eluded her. Now, with Edward inviting her for a chat, she saw the perfect opportunity unfolding before her.

Elyse retreated to her room, weary from the weight of the day. As she sank into her bed, her thoughts betrayed her, drifting endlessly toward Jayden. She buried her face beneath a pillow, frustrated with herself. “Elyse, what’s wrong with you? Why are you even thinking about him? Just stop it!”

In her heart, she scolded herself for being stupid. There were far better options in her life, yet here she was, tangled up in thoughts of a man as troublesome as Jayden. It was as though she had willingly walked into something, knowing full well the dangers ahead.

As these thoughts overwhelmed her, tears slipped down her cheeks, unnoticed. But after enough crying, she drifted into a heavy, exhausted sleep.

When she woke, the world outside her window was already cloaked in the quiet of night. Sitting up on the edge of her bed, Elyse felt adrift in the fog of her thoughts. Once clarity returned, she reached for her phone and dialed Edward’s number.

He answered almost instantly, his voice filled with concern. “Did you sleep well?”

“Mmm,” Elyse murmured softly. Then, with a bit more energy, she said, “Let’s go grab some dinner. I’m starving.”

Edward didn’t hesitate. “Sure. Come down when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting in the lobby.”

“I’ll be there soon.” Hanging up, Elyse quickly dressed in fresh clothes and headed downstairs. Edward greeted her with a cheerful wave when she arrived.