Chapter 727:
Elyse’s nerves tightened. Edward’s demeanor was like a caged animal, ready to lash out if provoked. Yet, with no chocolate cake in sight, he seemed relatively calm, and Elyse could relax momentarily.
They strolled through the banquet, selecting their favorite dishes. Elyse, ravenous beforehand, momentarily forgot her hunger; her spirits were lifted by the earlier chaos. With food in her stomach, she wanted to indulge fully.
Elyse and Edward enjoyed a surprisingly pleasant rapport, their conversation about music creating an unusual yet harmonious connection. That was, until Edward’s gaze fell upon the last piece of cheese shrimp. With swift, decisive movements, Edward snatched it before Aarya could reach it, placing it triumphantly on his plate.
Aarya, seeing her favorite dish taken, pouted. “Sir, don’t you know it’s first come, first served?”
Edward raised an eyebrow. “No, I only know that the one who grabs it first claims it. It should be obvious.”
Aarya’s anger was palpable, directed squarely at Edward’s dismissive attitude. Elyse, observing the unfolding drama, stood stunned. Her mind raced as she recalled Edward’s earlier warning about Aarya’s powerful and infamous family.
Wasn’t he the one who advised her to keep her distance? Why was he so eager to provoke Aarya? Did he not fear the potential consequences?
Feeling a pang of sympathy for Edward, Elyse stepped forward, ready to intervene. Just then, Jayden arrived.
“What happened?” Jayden asked gently. “Why are you upset?”
Aarya’s lower lip trembled as she pointed accusingly at the cheese shrimp. “I had it first, but he took it,” she complained.
Edward’s irritation was evident. Knowing Jayden was Elyse’s ex-husband, he couldn’t hide his displeasure at Jayden’s defense of Aarya. With a defiant lift of his eyebrow, Edward declared, “I got it first. It’s mine.”
Jayden frowned, his gaze fixed on Edward.
Aarya didn’t particularly care for the cheese shrimp; given her family’s wealth, she had tasted finer delicacies. However, Edward’s attitude irked her. She felt compelled to claim it.
Gritting her teeth, she declared, “Give it to me, or you’ll regret it.”
Jayden restrained Aarya, shaking his head to signal he would handle the situation.
Seeing Jayden’s gesture, Aarya’s expression softened slightly. She stepped aside, waiting for Jayden to retrieve the shrimp.
Jayden advanced, positioning himself in front of Edward, and pulled out his phone. “Name your price. How much for the cheese shrimp?”
Edward, taken aback, responded incredulously, “Are you serious? You want to buy this shrimp?”
Jayden nodded. “Exactly. Name your price.”
Standing beside them, Elyse couldn’t contain her frustration. She frowned disapprovingly. “Have you lost your mind? You tried to trade a watch for a piece of cake, and now you want to buy the shrimp at any price? Jayden, what are you trying to achieve?”
Jayden looked at Elyse. After a brief pause, he replied, “Not much. I’m just using money to make my girlfriend happy.”
Elyse felt a sharp pang in her heart. Her breathing quickened. “If you want to use money to make your girlfriend happy, do it elsewhere. Why flaunt your wealth at someone else’s banquet?” . . .