Chapter 725:

“No, I can go back alone,” Elyse firmly declined. She lifted the hem of her skirt and swiftly turned to leave, moving so quickly that even Gavin struggled to keep up. Just as she reached the exit of the banquet hall, a figure blocked her path. She looked up in surprise to see Edward grinning mischievously.

Instinctively, she raised her hand to cover her tear-streaked face, humiliated at being caught crying by someone she had recently met.

Edward, hands casually in his pockets, leaned in and remarked with mocking interest, “You were so happy an hour ago. Why are you crying now?”

Elyse took a step back, still shielding her face, feeling an inexplicable sense of guilt. “What does it have to do with you?” she snapped.

Edward’s expression turned serious. “Of course it matters. If you don’t tell me, I’d miss out on the fun.”

Seeing his serious expression, Elyse’s resolve hardened. She took a deep breath, forcing back her tears, and said casually, “It’s nothing. I just cried a bit for no reason. I’m fine.”

Edward tilted his head, disbelief etched in his eyes. “Really, I’m okay. The exhibition match ended, and I got too excited. Tears of joy. No big deal,” Elyse insisted, raising her voice and giving a firm nod, almost convincing herself.

Edward, not wanting to push her, nodded in feigned acceptance. “Since you’re fine, why not accompany me back to the banquet?” he suggested.

Panic flashed across Elyse’s face. “Accompany you to the banquet? Can’t you see I’m leaving? I won’t go.”

With a sneer, Edward stepped forward, spun Elyse around, hooked his arm around her neck, and forcefully led her back to the banquet hall. Seized so suddenly, Elyse felt pressure on her neck, making it hard to breathe. Preoccupied with escaping his grasp, she had no time to feel sad.

She frowned, clearly uncomfortable, and said, “You’re hurting me. Let go of me.”

Edward loosened his grip slightly but held her tightly, wary she might bolt. Lowering his head, he saw her unhappy expression and scoffed. “Do you know how many women would love to be hugged by these biceps? And you’re the only one who can’t appreciate them.”

Elyse widened her eyes in shock and disbelief. Was he seriously this narcissistic?

“You don’t actually think you’re the most handsome man in the world, do you?”

With a confident smile, Edward brushed his hair back. “It’s no question that I am.”

Seeing his self-assured demeanor, Elyse fell silent, cursing her luck. Suddenly, Edward led her to the restroom.

Under her puzzled gaze, he pulled out a compact and said gently, “Sweetheart, your makeup isn’t waterproof. Touch up inside. I’ll wait for you. We don’t want other people to see you like this.”

Elyse glared at him with resentment. “Why not let me go back to the hotel? I can remove my makeup there.”

Edward wagged his finger, his voice laced with condescension. “Since you ran into me, it’s your karma. You have to stay with me until I decide to leave.”

Just as Elyse was about to unleash a torrent of curses, Edward shoved the compact into her hand and pushed her toward the bathroom. He closed the door behind her, crouching by the seam, and kindly reminded her, “After you touch up, we’ll go eat. You can have whatever you want, on me.” . . .