Chapter 1189:

Amanda pressed, “Why? How can everyone think that?”

Hardy seemed perplexed. After a pause, he said, “Because Elyse is considered more beautiful than you.”

Amanda felt as though she were being strangled, nearly suffering an emotional breakdown. Doubtful, she countered, “What makes her more beautiful than me? Are you blind?”

“No, it’s just the truth. Everyone can see who’s more appealing,” said Hardy.

Amanda was tempted to scold him, but a suspicion halted her. Carefully, she queried, “Don’t tell me you’ve developed feelings for Elyse.”

With a frown, Hardy answered, “I’m not attracted to her. I just think she is more attractive than you. Plus, you’re being overly aggressive towards her. She just arrived today. Why are you behaving like this?”

“Enough!” Amanda interjected, irritated. “And you claim you don’t like Elyse? It seems like you do, defending her like that.”

Realizing his words were futile, Hardy sighed. “If that’s your belief, there’s nothing I can do to change it. I just wanted to caution you not to cross any lines. We’re here to fight, not to pursue romantic interests.”

Raising her eyebrow, Amanda responded, “Jayden is very charming, and it’s natural that I was attracted to him immediately. Plus, I’m not letting it interfere with my duties, so could you please stop lecturing me?”

Hardy appeared visibly shocked, his eyes wide as he blurted out, “Didn’t you just get yourself into trouble not too long ago? How can you even have the nerve to bring that up? If Jayden hadn’t intervened, you’d be dead right now, with no chance to stand here and talk to me.”

Annoyed, Amanda fired back, “How could you say that about me? I just made a miscalculation regarding my rival, that’s all. Besides, I’m here, aren’t I? And since Jayden saved me, I want to repay him.”

Hardy scoffed. “Repay him? More like taking advantage of his kindness. Jayden has turned you down so many times, yet you keep insisting. Frankly, it’s embarrassing to even be around him because of you.”

Amanda had no true mercenary experience. Hardy had only brought her along because Jayden’s payment was generous. Earning for two sounded better than working alone. But Hardy hadn’t expected Amanda to be so reckless. She charged into combat without paying attention to the commander’s instructions, almost getting everyone killed. He decided he wouldn’t bring her again. What if she got him killed?

Amanda, seeming distracted, suddenly asked, “Hardy, are you interested in Elyse?”

Hardy frowned and replied, “No. I just think she is a better person than you.”

Gritting her teeth, Amanda said, “If you don’t have a crush on her, then why would you say that? You must have a thing for her.”

Hardy rolled his eyes, wondering how he hadn’t noticed Amanda’s paranoia before.

Amanda grinned slyly and suggested, “Why don’t I help you get closer to her? You could get to know each other better, and she might understand how you feel.”

A seasoned mercenary, Hardy was usually calm, but today Amanda was pushing him to his limit. Clenching his fists, he snapped, “I told you I’m not interested in her. And if you’re plotting something or have any ulterior motives, then consider our friendship over.”

With that, he turned away, taking the meal he’d brought. In his view, Amanda had too much time and too little responsibility, dreaming up these absurd ideas.

As he walked off, Amanda scowled and muttered, “Why are you so angry? I was just trying to help. It’s as if you think I’m against you.”

In her mind, Hardy was interested in Elyse, and as his friend, she wanted to help him pursue her.