Chapter 1179:

After that conversation, something in Elyse changed. She retreated into silence, withdrawing into her own thoughts more often. She began spending long hours by the window or in quiet corners, lost in contemplation, her mind far from the present. Even Garret, used to her quirks, noticed the shift. One day, he couldn’t hold back and asked, “Are you lovesick or something? Should I start packing your things and ship you off to Jayden?” Elyse, for once, didn’t give a quick response. She shook her head slowly. “There’s no rush. I have some things to figure out first. Let’s wait a few days.” But life, as it often does, had no intention of waiting for her to sort through her thoughts.

One afternoon, Peyton stormed in, his face flushed with panic. “Jayden’s in trouble!” he blurted out. Elyse blinked, momentarily thrown off by his dramatic entrance. Though she recognized Peyton’s voice, his disguise still startled her. “How do you know?” Her heart skipped a beat. “What’s happened to him?” Peyton hesitated, clearly conflicted. Sensing his reluctance, Elyse’s patience snapped. She kicked him, frustration boiling over. “Why are you stalling at a time like this? Jayden’s in trouble, and you’re dithering! You two are going to drive me mad!” Rubbing the spot where she’d kicked him, Peyton awkwardly confessed, “Okay, okay. There’s something I need to tell you, but don’t be mad that I kept it from you.” Elyse raised a sharp eyebrow, her mind racing. What had these two been plotting behind her back? Peyton leaned in and whispered a few hurried words. When he finished, he stepped back, watching her carefully. “Jayden’s been working toward this goal. Please don’t be angry—I didn’t mean to keep it from you.” Elyse clenched her fists, taking deep breaths to calm the storm brewing inside her. “So, this is what that fool has been hiding from me?” Peyton nodded nervously. “That’s just Jayden for you. But don’t worry, I’ve already given him a good scolding on your behalf.” Elyse glared at him, eyes flashing with frustration. “What good does scolding do? Can you stop him?” Peyton flinched under her fierce gaze, suddenly feeling much smaller. He dared not say another word, standing frozen and trembling. Jayden had never warned him that Elyse’s anger could be this terrifying.

With a deep sigh, Elyse tried to regain her composure. “Where is he now? Take me to him.” Peyton hesitated briefly before answering honestly. “He’s making his move tonight. He’s set on going through with it, even if it means putting his life on the line.” Elyse couldn’t hold back an exasperated groan. “Then what are we waiting for? Take me to him right now! You want him to make a terrible mistake?” Peyton quickly shook his head, knowing there was no turning back. “Alright, let’s go,” he said, taking off his mask as they prepared to leave.

At that moment, Louise appeared, coming down the stairs. She noticed Elyse with her backpack and asked, “Where are you going?” Elyse turned briefly, determination etched across her face. “I’m going to find Jayden.” Louise raised an eyebrow. “So, have you found your answer?” Elyse shook her head. “No. But I can’t leave him to face danger alone.” And with that, she set off.

Elyse settled into the car alongside Peyton. As they approached the boundary of Garret’s domain, Garret himself materialized. He had caught wind of their arrival and had deliberately waited there to meet them. Positioned beside the car, Garret cautioned, “Beyond my territory’s gates, I hold no sway. Your safety isn’t something I can ensure, so your survival will depend solely on your own resourcefulness.” . . .