Chapter 239:

Elyse had just sat down and taken a sip of water when Corrie entered the private room, wine glass in hand and a smile on her face. As Corrie sat next to Jayden, Elyse frowned. The scent of Corrie's perfume made Jayden grimace.

"Stay away from me," he said.

Corrie tried to hide her embarrassment with a smile. "This perfume was a gift from you, remember?" she replied, glancing subtly at Elyse.

Elyse's disappointment was evident, a fact Corrie found satisfying. It was precisely the reaction she'd hoped for.

Jayden cut her off sharply. "You're mistaken. I've never given you perfume."

Peyton couldn't suppress a snicker at Jayden's blunt denial. Embarrassed, but quick to change the subject, Corrie asked, "So, what's the celebration tonight? Why is everyone here?"

Peyton cleared his throat, still stifling his amusement. "Elyse just finished her first performance as concertmaster. We're celebrating her success."

Elyse blushed under everyone's gaze. Corrie noticed the admiration in Jayden's eyes and tightened her jaw. Having falsely portrayed herself as Jayden's girlfriend, she saw a stark contrast in how he treated Elyse.

She studied Elyse critically. Beyond her violin skills, Corrie saw nothing extraordinary. Yet, Jayden's eyes softened when they looked at Elyse. Could it be love? Corrie scoffed inwardly. Could someone as detached as Jayden truly understand love?

Meanwhile, Elyse received a congratulatory message from a friend, warming her heart. She excitedly shared the news with Jayden, and the two leaned close, whispering and laughing, oblivious to Corrie's growing irritation.

Corrie leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands and sighing. "Today just isn't my day. I went on seven blind dates after coming home, and all seven were a bust." She glanced at Elyse enviously. "You and Jayden are so in love. I've never seen him this gentle and attentive with me." Turning to Jayden, she asked softly, "Why weren't you like that with me?"

Elyse, disturbed by Corrie's remarks, glanced at Jayden, seeking his reaction.

"Do you really want to get married that badly?" Jayden asked Corrie, his tone serious.

Corrie responded with a pointed question: "Are you saying you don't want me to settle down yet?"

Jayden met her gaze. "I hope you can make it and won't die alone," he teased.

As the conversation continued, Elyse felt increasingly excluded, sitting quietly, nursing her drink in frustration. Clive, sitting opposite Elyse, noticed her discomfort and glared at Corrie. "This dinner wasn't meant for you. Don't you have other places to be?"

Corrie looked up, feigning innocence. "What's the problem? I'm just trying to join the conversation."

Elyse exchanged a surprised look with Clive, whose expression darkened.

Peyton, sensing the tension, intervened. "Look, you weren't really invited tonight. Maybe it's best if you head home."

Corrie stubbornly remained seated, determined to antagonize Elyse and assert her dominance.

Peyton sighed, remembering Clive's strong dislike of Corrie. Clive usually avoided these gatherings if she was present.

Without another word, Clive stood, grabbed Corrie by the collar, and forcefully escorted her from the room.

Once the door closed, Peyton remarked, "Everyone knows Clive can't stand Corrie. My mistake."

Jayden frowned, concerned. "Go check on them. Make sure Clive doesn't go too far."

Peyton nodded and left.

Jayden turned to Elyse, who looked troubled. "Are you okay?"

Elyse met his gaze, her eyes filled with emotion. "Do you have any feelings left for Corrie?"

Jayden looked puzzled. "Why would you think that?"

(The website address was removed as it was irrelevant to the text.)