Chapter 1260:
They sat in silence, the air thick with Elyse’s unspoken thoughts, until Louise and Edward returned. Louise’s gaze softened when it landed on Elyse, a glimmer of warmth shining through. “You seem a bit out of place, my dear. You must come to more of my banquets. Soon enough, you’ll feel like you’ve always belonged.”
Elyse chuckled, the last remnants of her unease fading. “Alright, I’ll make an effort to attend.”
Louise then turned to Jayden, her voice tinged with intrigue. “Did you intend to speak with Garret? You may need to wait; he’s still in talks with Rebecca.”
Jayden shook his head. “No, I’m only here for Elyse tonight. I’ve no interest in discussing business.”
Louise raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her gaze. “But if the conversation were with me? I’ve had my eye on your ventures, and they’re quite intriguing.”
Jayden’s eyes widened, caught off guard. “You’re interested in a partnership? There are deals Garret wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.”
“That’s Garret, not me,” Louise said, her voice cool but resolute. “I forge my own path. I’ve worked with you before, Jayden, and with Elyse’s involvement, I’d be happy to explore a partnership.”
Jayden mulled over her offer, still taken aback by her interest.
Edward, witnessing the exchange, shook his head with a half-sigh. “Louise, your ambitions are so transparent. Don’t you see how frosty Chesney has been since the king announced your candidacy?”
Louise shrugged nonchalantly. “His coldness is only natural. I’ve gone from being his tool to his rival. It’s no wonder he wants nothing to do with me now.”
Elyse’s curiosity was piqued. “But what about you? Do you feel the same way? After all, you’re still siblings.”
Louise’s gaze turned steely. “The moment I decided to challenge him for the throne, family ties ceased to matter. And it’s not like he ever cared much for me. I was just a piece to be played in his game of alliances.”
Elyse fell silent, her heart touched with a pang of empathy. Despite her youthful appearance, Louise possessed a maturity born of hard truths, and a clear-eyed understanding of her place in the world.
After a beat of thoughtful silence, Jayden spoke up. “Very well, I’m open to a partnership. But we should discuss the finer points of our alliance.”
Louise nodded in agreement. “Indeed, I concur. Let’s extend our best wishes for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
She extended her hand, and Jayden shook it with a nod. For the next half-hour, the two leaned close, voices hushed as they sketched the early details of a pact, agreeing to meet again soon to continue.
Message from Noa: Happy Sunday, lovely people! May your day be filled with peace, joy, and plenty of moments to enjoy. God bless you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (^◡^ )