Chapter 1195:

Jayden acknowledged her feelings with a nod. “You’re right, as always. Please eat a little something. Starvation isn’t the solution here.”

With his encouragement, Elyse managed to eat half a slice of toast. After her small meal, she felt the weight of her exhaustion. Clearly, Jayden had engaged her extensively last night, and now that she had some sustenance, sleepiness crept in.

Jayden reclined next to Elyse on the bed, watching her slowly fall asleep. He whispered reassuringly, “Rest easy, Elyse. This whole ordeal will be behind us soon. Tomorrow night, I’ll act to put an end to this farce.” He paused, looking at her with deep affection. “After that, no one will ever hurt you again. I will take care of any threats.” Elyse’s eyelids fluttered slightly in response, but she remained silent.

Later in the afternoon, Jayden was away at a meeting, leaving Elyse seated in the base’s lobby, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, Amanda stormed in, her face twisting in disdain at the sight of Elyse.

“Why are you even here? Get out of my sight!” Amanda snapped.

Elyse looked up, genuinely puzzled. “Why shouldn’t I sit here? This place doesn’t belong to you. Can you actually tell me to leave?”

Amanda shot back, “This is our space for mercenaries.”

Elyse responded with a cold chuckle, “What’s your point? Because I’m not a mercenary, I don’t have the right to sit here?”

Amanda, infuriated by her defiance, retorted, “You’re insufferable. Not only did you seduce my man, but now you stake a claim in our designated area for mercenaries? This isn’t your personal space. If you want to chase after men, do it elsewhere!”

Elyse gave her a cool, dismissive glance. “It’s bewildering that you’re even in a mercenary group. You’ve completely shattered my perception of female mercenaries.”

Amanda, unable to suppress her anger, launched a sudden punch towards Elyse. In an instant, Hardy stepped protectively in front of Elyse, his movements quicker than Amanda’s assault.

Elyse, startled, gazed up at him. “Excuse me, who are you?”

“Hardy Meyer. I’m a mercenary as well,” Hardy replied. Turning his stern gaze on Amanda, he admonished, “This has to stop. Believe me, if you don’t, I’ll report you and have you removed.”

“You wouldn’t dare! You promised my elder brother that you’d look after me. Going against that promise would dishonor his last wish,” Amanda countered, watching Hardy’s impassive face, her smirk broadening. Indeed, Hardy had committed to her brother to safeguard her for life. Acting against her now would breach that solemn vow. Hardy noticed Amanda’s smug expression but chose to remain silent. He then helped Elyse to stand.

This time, Amanda didn’t pursue them but instead left with a suggestive smile, whispering to herself, “Hardy claims he’s indifferent to Elyse, yet his actions clearly show otherwise.” Her eyes glinted with malice as she departed.

Meanwhile, Hardy led Elyse to the door of Jayden’s room.

Perplexed, Elyse questioned, “Why have you brought me here?”

Hardy elucidated, “Keep your distance from Amanda. She’s selfish and manipulative. She may not be the most capable mercenary, but she’s savvy enough to be dangerous. You’ll be safer staying in this room.”

Elyse nodded, her understanding clear. “I see. Thank you for the warning.”

Hardy turned to leave, then hesitated and looked back to add, “Amanda bears grudges and will certainly look for another opportunity to strike at you. Be cautious and try not to fall into her traps.”