Chapter 723:

Elyse expressed her astonishment. “Gavin, your faith in me is really strong. I can hardly imagine making it to the top three.”

Gavin laughed softly. “Believing in it can sometimes make it a reality.”

“How could it be that simple? You don’t understand the intensity of the competition among the top ten,” Elyse replied, her lips tightening. She felt tense.

Suddenly, Elyse noticed they weren’t on the way back to the hotel. She questioned, “Gavin, where are we headed? Shouldn’t we be going back to the hotel?”

Gavin clarified, “I’m taking you to a banquet. Our teacher can’t make it because he’s tied up with old friends, so he asked us to attend on his behalf.”

Elyse looked down at her attire. “Is it okay to go to the banquet in this competition dress?”

“Why not? We’ll head out after the meal, and no one will need to speak with us,” Gavin responded.

“Oh, so we’re just going to eat!” Elyse exclaimed enthusiastically. “I’ll make sure to eat plenty before we return to the hotel!”

Upon arriving at the banquet hall, Elyse, in her green dress, gracefully entered arm-in-arm with Gavin. They were unfamiliar with the banquet’s host and intended to leave shortly. Elyse wondered if she might encounter anyone she knew.

Seeing an acquaintance, Gavin released Elyse’s arm. “I’m going to chat with a friend for a bit. Enjoy the food and stay here until I return.”

“Understood. Go and catch up. I’ll start with dinner,” Elyse said confidently and made her way toward the buffet.

Holding a plate, she carefully picked her food, and when she noticed only one piece of chocolate cake remained, she made a beeline for it. As she reached for the cake, another slim hand appeared beside hers. Their hands brushed, causing both to retract in surprise.

Elyse gasped, turning to see a young girl with her hair in a bun. The girl wore a vibrant pink dress and matching makeup, exuding energy and charm.

Embarrassed and slightly upset, the girl turned to someone near her and complained, “Look, she’s going to take the last piece of chocolate cake. I might miss out!”

Elyse followed the girl’s gaze and noticed a tall man in a black suit approaching; his approach was relaxed. This man carried an aura of authority, yet his casual manner suggested approachability. Feeling the weight of his piercing look, Elyse stiffened slightly and whispered his name, “Jayden.”

Jayden glanced between Elyse and the girl. His voice was playful and indulgent as he asked, “Do you really want that piece of chocolate cake so much? Aarya, are you just a little glutton?”

At his words, Aarya Hudson’s face lit up, and she affectionately took hold of Jayden’s arm, exclaiming joyfully, “You don’t understand. Chocolate cake is the best thing ever to me!”

“Darling, I want some of this chocolate cake. Can you assist me?” Aarya exclaimed with delight, clutching Jayden’s arm.

“Alright,” Jayden replied. He then dropped his amused look and stared at Elyse with a stern expression. Clearing his throat, he asked politely but distantly, “Pardon me, my girlfriend desires this piece of chocolate cake. Would you mind giving it to her?”

Jayden’s girlfriend wanted the cake? When did he get a girlfriend?

Elyse was too stunned to respond. For a moment, all she could do was purse her lips and silently ponder the situation.

Misinterpreting Elyse’s blank look, Aarya assumed she was refusing. Pouting, Aarya clasped her hands together and pleaded, “Please, I really crave this chocolate cake. I know you aimed for it first, but could you let me have it?”

They knew she had aimed for the cake first, yet they still wanted it from her! A flicker of sorrow crossed Elyse’s eyes. . . .