Chapter 48:

While others discussed the dining room, Elyse already understood its significance. Turning to Jayden with curiosity, she asked, "Is this room really that impressive?"

"Actually, it is," he replied. "It's my private space for entertaining friends. Exclusively mine. Unless someone I'm interested in requests it, no one else is allowed to use it. It's off-limits to everyone else. Essentially, it's like your own domain. You're welcome to host your friends here. Consider it a gift."

Before Elyse could respond, a classmate interrupted. "Stop whispering secrets, you lovebirds! Come join us."

"Let's go," Jayden said.

Elyse was intrigued. "Aren't you bothered that my classmates are…ordinary?"

"Why should that matter? They pose no threat to me."

"Really?" Elyse pressed. "Rich people can be conniving and ruthless. Sometimes, I worry that with your trusting nature, you might fall victim to their schemes."

"You're quite perceptive."

The pair joined the other classmates, engaging in conversation and toasts, their presence impossible to ignore.

Amid the jovial atmosphere, Lizzie simmered with resentment. Yesterday, she'd treated Elyse to dinner, hoping to flaunt her success over her former rival. Elyse, having failed to marry wealth and seemingly been abandoned, had been overshadowed by Lizzie's own seemingly successful marriage. Yet Elyse's marriage to a wealthy, disabled man had instantly eclipsed Lizzie's achievements. Now, no one even remembered Lizzie's upcoming wedding; all the chatter focused on the dinner at the Grandeur Hotel and Elyse's enigmatic husband. Lizzie felt forgotten.

Refusing to accept this, after several glasses of wine, she hatched a daring plan.

Meanwhile, the waitstaff served a sumptuous meal: Australian lobster, Almas caviar, Italian alpaca, white truffles… The guests were stunned by the lavish spread. Elyse sampled the delicacies, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Do you enjoy the caviar?" Jayden asked, noticing her expression.

"Yes, it's exquisite," she replied.

Jayden silently texted Driscoll.

Lizzie, slightly tipsy, approached Elyse with a forced smile. "Elyse, I'd like to propose a toast! Thanks to you, I'm enjoying this feast. To you!"

Observing Lizzie's slurred speech, Elyse intervened. "You've had enough. Let's get you to rest. No more drinks."

Before Lizzie could react, she stumbled forward. Anticipating a wine stain on her gown, Elyse braced herself, but Jayden stepped in, catching the glass and preventing the spill. The classmates gasped.

Elyse, in her shimmering silver gown, would have been visibly stained. The dinner was just beginning, prolonging the potential embarrassment. Lizzie's attempt to humiliate Elyse was thwarted.

"Your jacket," Elyse said, concerned.

"It's nothing. Your elegance is far more important," Jayden reassured her.

Elyse looked at Jayden's serious expression, her heart racing. The surrounding clamor felt deafening.

A brief silence fell as everyone processed Lizzie's actions. Then, the discussion erupted. What was Lizzie thinking? Drunk and making a toast? Could she even afford to compensate Jayden for his jacket?

"Definitely not," someone said. "Jayden's suit is custom-made, top-notch fabric. I'd love one, but it's beyond my budget."

"Agreed," another chimed in. "Lizzie should compensate, regardless of cost. It's a matter of principle."

"Let's not forget the history between Lizzie and Elyse," another added. "Could this have been deliberate?"

The website address, "galησνeℓs.cøm," and the term "noveldrama" have been removed as they appear to be unrelated to the story and potentially promotional.