Chapter 1180:
Elyse’s gaze was unwavering. “I’ve steeled myself for this. I appreciate your hospitality these past few days. Jayden and I will both come back to thank you later.”
Garret observed Elyse intently, then exhaled deeply before commanding his men, “Open the gates for her.” At his command, the formidable gates opened wide. Elyse expressed her deep gratitude, and then Peyton drove her onward.
Only ten minutes after they left Garret’s realm, Elyse felt the atmosphere change; it was laden with the acrid scent of gunpowder and an eerie tension.
Peyton, concerned Elyse might be uneasy, clarified, “This area recently witnessed an ambush, but it’s been secured and cleared now.”
As they passed a robust tree, Elyse noticed a bullet hole marring its trunk.
For Elyse, who had never experienced conflict firsthand, the scene felt oddly surreal. Even the visible signs of violence seemed somehow disconnected from reality.
However, as they drew nearer to the conflict’s core, the surrealism slowly dissipated, replaced by an oppressive dread and mounting fear.
Peyton’s vehicle was marked with a red cross, signaling it as an ambulance—an emblem that should deter hostile actions.
It took them three hours to reach the heart of the conflict from Garret’s domain. Though it was a relatively short duration, it felt to Elyse like an exhaustive day had passed. When she finally stepped out, her back was soaked with sweat.
Upon exiting, Elyse found no sign of Jayden. The news that he had ventured to the front lines in support sent a wave of panic through her.
Peyton offered consolation. “Don’t worry. Jayden is exceptionally capable. He won’t come to harm.”
Elyse shook her head, dismissing her initial shock. “It just caught me off guard. I’m calmer now.”
While they conversed, a woman with closely cropped hair and a piercing gaze emerged from the base. She strode toward Elyse and inquired scornfully, “Who are you? This is a battlefield, not a retail complex. If you came here to shop, you’re sorely misplaced.”
Peyton’s brow furrowed as he said, “Amanda, don’t be rude. This is Elyse, Jayden’s beloved.”
Amanda Winston crossed her arms, her expression toward Elyse sharpening with arrogance. “So, you’re Elyse. Why are you here? Let me warn you, Jayden is here on serious business. Don’t cloud his focus with your romantic fantasies.”
Elyse was far from naive; Amanda’s blatant hostility did not go unnoticed.
With calm precision, Elyse replied, “Why would you assume I’m here for romance? It’s disappointing to see such bias from another woman.”
Amanda sneered. “Disappointing? You’re the one who disappoints. I doubted you could even manage in a place like this. You’re undermining women.”
Elyse retorted firmly, “As I’ve stated, you’re prejudiced against me. You’ve concluded I’m here to cause trouble. What more can I add? I’ll leave you to your assumptions.”
Having lost interest in further argument, Elyse turned to Peyton and requested, “Please take me to Jayden’s room. I need to rest a while.”
Peyton nodded. “Alright, I’ll take you there now.”