Chapter 377:

Elyse's brows furrowed. "Why is it automatically assumed that any man seen with me must be my romantic partner?" Her retort crackled with incredulity and disgust. "It seems you're the one with a twisted imagination."

Kaelyn felt a surge of frustration at Elyse's newfound boldness. Elyse had previously been a pushover, easily swayed and eager to please. Kaelyn could have manipulated her easily, but now Elyse seemed to have developed a backbone.

Intrigued by the tension, Gavin set his phone aside. "Do you two have some sort of history?"

"No, she's more like my nemesis," Elyse retorted impatiently.

Oblivious to their past, Gavin glanced between them. "Stay focused on what's important. Don't waste energy on insignificant people."

Elyse nodded. "Got it."

With her arms crossed, Kaelyn glared at them as they entered the elevator. Suddenly inspired, she quickly dialed Theo's number. The busy signal came as no surprise; she assumed he'd blocked her. Glancing at a nearby staff member, she asked, "Could you lend me your phone? I need to make a call."

Sensing her urgency, the staff member readily handed over his phone. Kaelyn quickly dialed Theo again. Her heart skipped a beat as the call connected.

"Theo, you'll never guess where I just saw Elyse," she began, her tone excited and mischievous.

Still immersed in work and nursing residual irritation from their past encounters, Theo responded with guarded skepticism. "Can you please stop bothering me? I won't entertain your claims," he snapped, his frustration evident.

"It's true! Elyse is with another man at the TV station. Who is he? And why is she acting so friendly towards him?" Kaelyn insisted, her tone growing more insistent.

Theo's exasperation was palpable. "Are you kidding me? Do you honestly expect me to believe this nonsense? Elyse barely acknowledges me. How could she suddenly have a new romantic interest? If you bother me again, you'll regret it."

Kaelyn softened her tone. "That's not what I meant. I thought you might want to reconnect with Elyse. If so, I can set up a meeting."

Theo remained firm. "Enough, Kaelyn. I'm not interested in your wild theories. Stay away from me."

Confusion tinged Kaelyn's voice. "But I offered to help you reconnect with Elyse! Why the change?" Her disappointment was clear.

Theo's words were cutting. "I'm concerned you'll hurt her. She's nothing like you. She's gentle, kind… better than you at everything."

Frustration bubbled within Kaelyn. With a surge of anger, she threw the phone to the floor.

"No! That's my new phone!" The staff member exclaimed anxiously, scrambling to retrieve it.

Kaelyn waved dismissively. "It's just a phone. I'll replace it," she said coolly, her mind elsewhere.

Her anger still simmering, she turned to the staff member, her tone both firm and enticing. "I'll triple your payment for a favor."

Wary but intrigued, the staff member cautiously asked, "What do you need me to do?"

In the dressing room, the makeup artist seated Elyse before a large mirror. Elyse looked nervous. Gavin reassured her, "Don't worry, I've spoken to the host. We'll avoid any uncomfortable topics."

"Thank you," Elyse replied, relieved.

After the makeup, Elyse was introduced in a special segment. After filming, she retreated to the lounge to wait for Gavin and messaged Jayden. A staff member entered, avoiding eye contact, and placed a glass of water on a table. "Ms. Lloyd, some water," he murmured softly.

…