Chapter 716:

About half an hour later, the traffic finally started to move. As they neared the restaurant, Elyse turned to Jayden and gave him a firm slap.

Jayden stirred awake, groggy and disheveled, his hair all over the place. Still half-asleep and confused, he instinctively nuzzled against Elyse’s neck, completely forgetting their argument.

Feeling Jayden’s warm breath against her neck made Elyse’s body go numb. She stiffened and, after a few seconds, said angrily, “Jayden, if you do that again, I’ll slap you again.”

Jayden slowly woke up, and realizing what he had done, withdrew and smoothed his hair with a nonchalant air. “It wasn’t even comfortable. Don’t think I enjoyed it. I actually felt terrible.”

Elyse’s anger flared. Infuriated, she immediately wanted to leave the car. Quickly opening the door, she slipped out and entered the restaurant.

Seeing this, Jayden asked, “Why didn’t you lock the car?”

The driver, slightly perplexed, replied, “Aren’t we at the destination?”

“Forget it,” Jayden said with a frown, opening the car door and hurrying after her.

Elyse had already entered the restaurant and was relieved to find Edward and Gavin seated at their table. She jogged over, apologizing nervously, “Sorry, Gavin. I had some issues and went out for a bit.”

“It’s okay,” Gavin said warmly. “Edward filled me in. As long as you’re alright.”

Gavin pulled Elyse into a seat and continued, “You’ve been gone a while. Did you eat? If not, you should hurry and dig in. We’ve ordered all your favorite dishes.”

Elyse’s hunger made her stomach growl. She picked up a fork, speared a sausage, and took a bite. The hot sausage felt heavenly.

Then, she curiously asked, “By the way, Gavin, what did Edward tell you?”

Gavin poured her a hot drink and replied softly, “He mentioned that you were deceived by a man, cried and begged him to stay, and then chased after him when he refused.”

Elyse’s hand froze. She stared incredulously at Edward. “What a load of crap, I was clearly kidnapped.”

Edward shrugged. “It’s not important. Sometimes, you need to add a little drama, right?”

Elyse’s silence filled the air.

Suddenly, Jayden appeared, his rapid footsteps echoing.

Surprise flashed across Gavin’s face, quickly turning to resigned acceptance. He had always known Jayden would find Elyse, but Jayden’s arrival before the competition made him anxious.

Elyse’s eyes filled with a mix of emotions as they met Jayden’s gaze. “What are you doing here?” she inquired.

Jayden chose not to respond, simply taking a seat.

Gavin watched him closely, noting how the past month apart had slightly thinned him.

“Can we step outside?” Gavin asked. He knew Jayden disapproved of Elyse’s participation and felt a pressing need to change his mind.

Elyse immediately objected, her tone brimming with frustration. “What are you going to talk to him about? He never listens!” . . .