Chapter 1271:
Back on solid ground, Elyse’s face flushed a deeper red. “Really, Pearce, I’m not a child anymore.” Pearce’s smile didn’t waver. “Alright, alright, but I really have missed you. Let’s go celebrate your return. I bet airplane food didn’t do you any justice, did it?” Elyse nodded, her stomach rumbling in agreement. “I’m absolutely famished.” “Perfect,” Pearce said, his eyes twinkling. “I know just the place for an unforgettable meal. Let’s make up for lost time.” He swiftly extricated Elyse’s hand from Jayden’s hold and, without a glance in Jayden’s direction, whisked her away.
Jayden, eyebrow arched in surprise, followed. He called out, somewhat bemused, “Hey Pearce, nothing planned for me then?”
Elyse observed the exchange with amusement, recognizing Pearce’s protectiveness, but chose not to intervene. Pearce, casting a dismissive look back at Jayden, asked sharply, “I’m sorry, who are you again? Should I know you?”
Pointing firmly at Elyse, Jayden asserted, “I’m her boyfriend.” Pearce contorted his face in exaggerated revulsion, feigning a gag. “Seriously? I don’t recognize you. Stay away from me—and keep clear of Elyse, too.”
With that, Pearce increased his pace, pulling Elyse along to distance them from Jayden. However, Jayden was not easily deterred. He had faced numerous hurdles to be with Elyse, and he was determined not to let his efforts falter now in rekindling their relationship. Did Pearce’s evident disdain hinder Jayden’s pursuit? No way! Pearce could disregard him all he wanted, but as long as Elyse remained receptive, Jayden had no reason to back down.
Determined to assert his position, Jayden marched confidently towards Elyse and clasped her free hand. Pearce’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Really now? Who do you think you are, daring to take hold of Elyse’s hand like that? Release her immediately!”
With a gentle shake of his head, Jayden’s eyes softened, radiating warmth as he beheld Elyse. “Let go? That’s not going to happen. Elyse is my girl. Why would I release her hand simply because you demand it?”
Trapped between the assertive grips of both men, Elyse felt a growing unease, her discomfort evident in the tension around her eyes. . . .