Chapter 202:

Tracy teased Elyse, leaving her flustered. Elyse shyly turned away, then noticed a woman staring intently at her. Puzzled and startled, she quickly faced Tracy, grabbed her sleeve, and whispered, “Who is that woman?”

Peering in the woman's direction, Tracy replied softly, “That's Morgan Welch. She's known for portraying mothers of male leads in various productions. A recent, notable play boosted her profile somewhat.”

Pausing, Tracy added, “Though she’s still not widely recognized.”

Anxious, Elyse urged, “Can you check if she’s been watching me?”

As Tracy turned to look, Morgan approached. “May I know your name?” Morgan asked, her voice slightly shaky.

Intimidated by Morgan's intense gaze, Elyse stepped back and answered in a subdued tone, “I’m Elyse Lloyd.”

Repeating the name, Morgan seemed to ponder it. Stepping forward to shield her friend, Tracy said, “Ms. Welch, Elyse isn’t in show business. If she’s inadvertently upset you, I apologize on her behalf.”

Morgan’s expression softened. With a gentle smile, she replied, “I apologize for scaring you. You looked familiar, and I thought I’d seen you somewhere.” She apologized again to Elyse. “I wasn’t myself. I’m sorry.”

Elyse felt relieved, realizing there had been a misunderstanding. “It’s alright. I’m not offended.” She gestured toward a nearby group and suggested, “Tracy’s treating the crew to snacks. Why don’t you join them?”

Morgan smiled and declined. “No thanks, I’m watching my weight for a role.”

After another apology, Morgan left.

Curious, Tracy asked, “Have you met Morgan before?”

Elyse shook her head. “No, I’ve never seen her.”

Tracy devoured the snacks provided by Jayden’s driver, then fell asleep leaning against Elyse.

Elyse, holding her phone, hesitated before texting Jayden: “Thank you for arranging everything. Tracy is very grateful.”

Jayden didn’t respond immediately. Elyse assumed he was busy working for Clive and sighed. More than ten minutes later, Jayden replied: “When will you be heading home today?”

Reading his message, Elyse unexpectedly recalled the morning’s events, her cheeks flushing as she typed back: “In the evening. I’ll wait for you at home for dinner.” Jayden responded instantly.

Elyse stared at his message for a long time before burying her face in her knees, hiding a smile.

Later that evening, while Tracy filmed, Elyse approached with her purse. Tracy’s expression tensed. “Are you leaving? Didn’t you promise to spend the whole day with me?”

Embarrassed, Elyse admitted, “Jayden asked when I’d be home.”

Despite her frustration, Tracy smiled and said, “Since your husband went to such lengths to impress me, I’ll let you go back to him.”

Elyse grinned, waved goodbye, and left. At the parking lot near the shopping mall, she bumped into Theo, accompanied by an attractive woman.

“Elyse, what brings you here?” Theo asked.

Elyse glanced at the woman but remained silent, replying lightly, “Just waiting for my driver.”

She started to leave, but Theo stopped her. “Excuse me, she is my friend. I need to speak with her privately,” he said to the woman, then swiftly guided Elyse aside.

Elyse felt unlucky. “Don’t you have anything to say about all this?” Theo challenged her, halting her departure. “Didn’t you notice I was with another woman?”

…