Chapter 729:

Elyse tilted her head. “Do you want a drink? Perhaps some refreshments?”

Edward faced her, his intense gaze meeting hers. “Not only do you doubt me, but you probably find me annoying, too, right?”

Elyse laughed awkwardly. “I never said that.”

Edward scoffed, pulling her along. “The Hudson family isn’t a big deal. Next time, I’ll deal with all of them at once,” he said disdainfully.

Elyse chuckled, her spirits lifting.

As they sat down, Jayden appeared, standing firmly before Elyse. Her smile faded. “What do you want? Shouldn’t you be with your girlfriend?”

Jayden met her gaze impassively. “It’s not smart to provoke Aarya.”

Elyse’s anger flared. What did he mean? Was he that protective of his new girlfriend?

She stood up. “Why can’t you just tell her to leave us alone?”

Jayden narrowed his eyes. “I’m trying to have a civil conversation, Elyse. What’s with the attitude? Is it a must for you to pick fights randomly?”

Elyse laughed bitterly. “Your concern is unwelcome! You should take care of your own girlfriend!”

Jayden saw her jealousy. He approached cautiously, asking, “Elyse, are you upset?”

Elyse pushed him back. Her icy glare held him as she hissed, “You have a girlfriend. Stay away from me, unless you want your fiery little darling after me!”

Edward, watching with amusement, noticed Aarya approaching, her expression stormy. He cleared his throat. “Aarya’s here! You two should stop flirting.”

Elyse widened her eyes. “When have I ever flirted with him?”

Edward scoffed. “You’ve been doing it all along.”

Aarya approached, her gaze hostile toward Elyse. Stopping before them, she turned to Jayden. “What are you doing here with them? Or are you still interested in her?”

Jayden placed a gentle hand on Aarya’s shoulder, patting her gently. “You’re overthinking it. I just wanted to clear up a misunderstanding.”

Aarya forced a smile, her face filled with disbelief. “Really? Have you sorted it out? If so, we should leave. To my place?”

Elyse tensed, glancing subconsciously at Jayden. How close were they? Were they living together?

Jayden looked at Aarya with tenderness. “If that’s what you want, I’ll go with you.”

“Of course, darling. You know I’d love for you to stay with me,” Aarya said, linking arms with Jayden and glancing triumphantly at Elyse. With a wink, she led him away, smiling smugly.

Elyse stood still, fists clenched, fighting back her sadness.

Edward, unable to watch longer, spoke gruffly, “Don’t torture yourself. They’re gone. Staring won’t bring him back.”

“I know. But it’s not like I care,” Elyse retorted, her eyes stubbornly downcast.

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