Chapter 1247:

Jayden held up his hands. “Just a few minutes to help you relax, then I’ll go. No tricks, I promise.”

Elyse still looked unconvinced. “I don’t believe you. You’ve said that before!”

Noticing her doubt, Jayden began gently massaging her shoulders. He worked on her shoulders, easing the tension. Slowly, Elyse’s guard began to drop, and a calm expression spread across her face.

Noticing her ease, Jayden grinned and asked, “So, how’s that? My massage isn’t too bad, right?”

Elyse, feeling slightly amused, nodded and joked, “This is quite nice. I suppose I’ll let you keep going.”

Jayden flashed a sly smile, mischief twinkling in his eyes.

A short while later, Garret walked over, carrying Louise’s suitcase and holding her hand. She seemed a bit displeased. Once they joined them, Garret turned to Jayden and said, “I’m leaving now. About that collaboration I mentioned last time—give it some thought. It’s a good opportunity for both of us.”

Jayden nodded in agreement. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Louise said her goodbyes to Elyse, and Garret and Louise departed.

Swiftly, Jayden turned his attention back to Elyse, gently pushing her toward the room. “There’s no time to waste. We should get started.”

Elyse was caught off guard, sensing that he might be hinting at something else. She quickly distanced herself and made her way to the bathroom. “I’ll take a shower. Please stay here for a moment.”

Jayden didn’t protest and settled onto the couch, waiting for her.

After a while, Elyse returned in her nightwear, looking a bit uncertain. “Where do you plan to give me the massage?”

Jayden gestured to his lap. “Sit on my lap. It’ll make it easier for me to reach.”

Elyse raised an eyebrow. “Since when does a massage require sitting on someone’s lap?”

“It’s just more comfortable this way,” Jayden replied casually.

Elyse took a step back, her skepticism clear. “I’m not sure I trust that.”

With a shrug, Jayden said, “I’m not a professional massage therapist. You can’t judge me the same way you judge the real thing.”

Although Elyse understood his reasoning, something still didn’t feel right.

When she hesitated, Jayden took her hand and led her to his lap. . . .