Chapter 1389:

Victor casually approached Elyse, touched his nose, leaned in close, tilted his head, and winked playfully. "Elyse, is my company truly so intolerable?"

Startled by his sudden proximity, Elyse shifted her gaze uncomfortably. "No, you're mistaken."

"Ah, so it's Felicia who troubles you," Victor responded smoothly. "You're upset because she's meddling, trying to dictate your marriage."

Elyse hesitated, then sighed and nodded. "Yes, precisely."

"Yet, in our social circles," Victor continued, "marriages often align family interests. Besides, I'm on good terms with Pearce. Don't you think a union between our families could be mutually beneficial?"

Elyse stared at him, confused. "Are you suggesting… you and I should marry? We barely know each other!"

Victor quickly clarified, "No, no, don't misunderstand. I'm speaking hypothetically. Our families often prioritize advantageous matches. If a marriage seems beneficial, it usually occurs."

Looking down, Elyse spoke quietly, "Hasn't your grandmother mentioned my previous marriage?"

Victor hesitated, then nodded. "I heard something to that effect." He recalled Pearce mentioning last summer finding a long-lost cousin already married to a man. At the time, he hadn't given it much thought. Now, however, Felicia's suggestion a few days ago that he meet Pearce's cousin, Elyse, had made her relevant again.

Noticing Victor's puzzled expression, Elyse explained, "We're not a good match. I've been married, I've been pregnant, and I'm still navigating complexities with my ex."

Victor's mouth dropped open. "You're quite direct."

Elyse shrugged nonchalantly. "It's the truth. You would have learned it eventually. No point in concealing it. And…" She glanced at him, her voice softening. "I don't feel anything for you. I don't envision us together."

Mirroring her shrug, Victor scowled. "Don't be so selective. I'm quite a desirable match. Any woman would be lucky to marry me."

Her expression hardened. . . .