Chapter 72:

The corners of Elyse’s mouth twitched. Was Jayden driving his cousin, Brook, away?

Brook seemed to have anticipated Jayden’s reaction. He grinned and said, “Come on, Jayden. I’ve only been here a short while. I’d like to stay and chat.”

“I don’t think we have anything else to talk about,” Jayden said coldly.

“What do you mean? I’m highly curious about your married life,” Brook leaned back, his smile unwavering. “Since you got married, my parents have been pestering me to date. They want me to find them a daughter-in-law from a notable family.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Jayden replied dryly. “You’re already thirty. It’s about time you got married.”

Brook heaved a long sigh. “I suppose you’re right. But they keep finding me all these brilliant candidates. I may have graduated from a top university, but I’m fully aware of my shortcomings. Do you think I’m good enough to marry someone so excellent?”

There was a pause, but before Jayden could answer, Brook continued. “I’m really jealous of you, you know. You probably didn’t have those problems when you married Elyse, did you?”

Elyse froze in shock. What was Brook implying? Did he consider her beneath Jayden, suggesting her husband never had to worry about being worthy of her? She was quite outstanding, having consistently excelled academically since childhood and graduating with honors from a renowned music university. Brook had no reason to belittle her.

Elyse clenched her clothes. If he weren’t a guest, she would have gladly pulverized him. Jayden’s face remained impassive—typical for him. It was as if he hadn’t heard Brook’s comments about their marriage.

“Indeed, they would definitely look down on you,” he remarked indifferently.

Brook choked, his arrogant expression vanishing.

“You should give up on these candidates and let them shine on their own,” Jayden added. “Don’t drag them down.”

Elyse bit her lip to stifle her laughter. Jayden was mocking Brook, and the man deserved it. How dare he be so pompous?

Elyse had also researched her husband’s background. Jayden had attended a prestigious university and associated with several royal figures. Despite this, he was… (The sentence abruptly ends. The original text has "awv," which is unclear.)

Jayden looked Brook in the eye. “Of course, if you intend to marry one of these ‘brilliant women,’ as you put it, then I advise you to improve your own education and acquire some experience. Otherwise, you will be underestimated and undermined at every turn. A talented and accomplished woman will always have discerning taste. Take my wife, for example. She chose me. That should tell you all you need to know.” Elyse’s eyes widened slightly as she glanced at Jayden. He remained unperturbed. Was this his way of defending her? Had he noticed Brook’s thinly veiled insults after all? She was surprised; she hadn’t expected him to speak up.

Touched, Elyse moved closer to him. She said nothing; she simply wanted to be near him. To Brook’s credit, he understood Jayden’s meaning. He glanced at Elyse, his gaze meaningful. “You’re so protective of your wife, Jayden. You must love each other very much. I’m rather moved.”

“Oh, moved, you say? Why don’t you cry then?” A snicker escaped Elyse’s lips before she could stop it. She quickly covered her mouth and lowered her head.

With a faint smile, Jayden said, “Don’t talk in such a strange way, as if we’re mistreating the single man.”

Brook rolled his eyes. “Don’t push it, Jayden. I’m still older than you.”

“You’re right. Will you stay for dinner? I’ll ask the chef to prepare something delicious.”

Brook nodded immediately. “Since you’re so eager to accommodate me, I don’t have a choice but to stay and share some drinks, do I?” He turned to Elyse. “You don’t mind having me for dinner, right?” She shook her head. “Not at all.”

“Elyse is so beautiful, Jayden. You’re a lucky man,” Brook grabbed some grapes and began eating them. “When did you fall in love with Jayden? What do you think of him?” he suddenly asked Elyse.

Jayden also turned to look at Elyse.

Elyse was startled. Was Brook turning his attention to her because he couldn’t get a reaction from Jayden? She composed herself. “I think Jayden is one of a kind. He’s always there to help and support me. I value the deep sense of security he gives me.”

Brook nodded. “Oh well, Jayden has always been excellent. He was always the best at everything. Do you like him?”

Did she like Jayden?

Elyse blinked at Jayden, who was already staring at her, waiting for her answer. She was cautious; most people knew she’d been engaged to Theo before marrying Jayden. She remembered Jayden’s words before meeting Brook, realizing Brook’s intentions weren’t good. She needed to be careful not to say anything that would give him cause to criticize her.

(...The ellipsis indicates the passage continues)