Chapter 713:

Edward took Elyse’s hand, his eyes brimming with sincerity as he placed a rose in her grasp. “Falling in love with you only took a second.” Elyse was stunned, her mind racing for a response. Seizing the moment, Edward, now in full romantic mode, subtly tried to drape his arm around Elyse’s shoulder. Elyse remained in a daze. Just as Edward’s hand was about to touch her, a large, well-defined hand intercepted it. Confused, Edward looked up to see a man glaring at him fiercely. Jayden’s eyes blazed with anger as he tightened his grip, causing Edward to cry out in pain. Elyse finally noticed Jayden’s presence. “So yesterday wasn’t a dream!” she exclaimed. Alarmed at the sight of Jayden gripping Edward’s wrist, she hurried forward. “Don’t hurt him,” she pleaded. Dressed in black, Jayden’s face darkened further at Elyse’s words. In an icy tone, he retorted, “Hurt him? He’s trying to get his hands on you.” Elyse felt helpless. “What ill intentions could he possibly have? Just let him go.” Edward forced a smile, attempting to defuse the tension. “How could I have any ill intentions toward Elyse? I’m simply drawn to beautiful women.” Edward’s feigned innocence only deepened Jayden’s ire. “Drawn to her? You dare make a move on her in my presence?” Jayden snarled, his rage boiling over. Confused and desperate, Edward turned to Elyse. He had no idea who this fierce man was. “Is he your friend? Please, ask him to let go. My hand is about to be crushed.” Unable to stand it any longer, Elyse intervened, prying the two men apart. Even after being separated, Jayden’s fury remained, palpable and barely contained. Elyse placed her hands on her hips and said firmly, “Enough! Edward didn’t mean any harm. Let him go.” With a sly grin, Edward moved closer to Elyse, extending his hand. “Elyse, my wrist hurts. Could you give it a massage?” Elyse, clearly uncomfortable, replied, “A massage? That wouldn’t be appropriate.” Jayden’s anger flared anew at Edward’s audacity. Unable to tolerate any more, he grabbed Elyse by the collar and dragged her away. Stunned, Edward watched for a moment before smirking, realizing the depth of Jayden’s feelings for Elyse. Once Elyse was unceremoniously shoved into Jayden’s car, her face a storm of anger, she demanded, “Where are you taking me?” Elyse sat in the car, feeling the waves of irritability and tension emanating from Jayden. When he didn’t respond, she asked again, “Gavin is still waiting for me at the restaurant. If you take me away, he’ll be worried.” Jayden turned his head, a careless smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His tone was flat and icy. “I’m taking you to the airport.” …