Chapter 1234:

Louise gave a faint, knowing smile. “Well, now that Elyse is pulling away, maybe she has her reasons, too.”

Jayden’s brow furrowed, frustration flashing in his eyes. “What exactly are you trying to tell me?”

She leaned back slightly, her gaze unwavering. “Just half an hour ago, I spoke to Elyse. I told her she should talk to you—honestly, openly. And when she does, I hope you’ll have the courage to do the same. Even about the feelings you’d rather ignore.”

Jayden studied her with suspicion, his brows knitting together. “And why should I do that? What’s in it for her if I bare my soul like that?”

Louise gave him a look that seemed to see right through his defenses. “I understand that right now, you might not fully get it. But trust me, Jayden. Just do as I say.” Her voice softened, a glimmer of compassion breaking through. “You don’t really want Elyse to walk away from you, do you?”

Her words settled over him, loosening something within. Jayden sank into silence, his thoughts drifting.

Louise took a measured sip of her cocktail, letting the silence stretch, savoring the ambiance as she waited for him to process her words.

Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a murmur. “If I follow your advice, will I have a chance to get her back?”

Louise nodded gently. “Of course. I know Elyse. And I know her feelings for you. Trust me on this. You won’t regret it.”

Jayden hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, but eventually, he relented. “Alright,” he said, his voice resigned but hopeful. “I’ll trust you this time.”

Without another word, he rose from his seat and left, disappearing into the night.

Louise watched him go, then turned back to her drink, a wistful smile touching her lips. “If only solving national issues were as straightforward as untangling human hearts,” she mused. Perhaps then, the endless bickering of the three men could finally quiet down.

She was finishing her cocktail when Edward arrived, flanked by two bodyguards. He sighed upon seeing her in such high spirits. “Let’s return to the Moon Palace, Louise. If you’ve got complaints, say them, but don’t disappear on your own like this.”

Louise turned her head, her gaze drifting to Edward. He was exactly as he’d always been—watching over her with that gentle, almost brotherly care, fussing over every small detail. There was a time when she had reveled in his attentiveness, in the way he looked after her with such quiet devotion. But now, it felt stifling. . . .