Chapter 752:

Edward’s response was a light chuckle; his eyes twinkled with a competitive glow. Outside the lively restaurant, a car had been idling at the curb for some time. Aarya, seated inside, peered through binoculars at Elyse. Noticing Elyse’s cheerful demeanor, she grinned and inquired, “Did Jayden really show up to watch his ex-wife compete?”

Her black-suited bodyguard responded respectfully, “Indeed. My sources also mentioned he vanished for an hour at the concert hall. He was later seen getting into his car and driving away.”

A sly, almost predatory smile played on Aarya’s lips. “Fascinating. Any idea what Jayden was up to during that missing hour?”

The bodyguard hesitated, then said, “It’s unclear, but it’s unlikely he cheated on you.”

Aarya’s expression cooled. “And why would you say that?”

He elaborated, “Because his ex-wife seems untouched, and some people even went into her lounge during that hour.”

A trace of shock flickered across Aarya’s features. “That’s unexpected. Still, the fact remains he attended his ex-wife’s event.”

The bodyguard speculated, “Perhaps he still harbors feelings for her. From what I’ve seen, he is a considerate and sophisticated man—concern for his ex wouldn’t be out of character, given his responsible nature.”

Aarya’s voice was firm. “I know that, but I can’t allow him any emotional ties to her.”

A sinister grin spread across her face as a plan seemed to form. “Maybe I can help him ‘resolve’ this lingering attachment.”

After dining with her friends, Elyse returned to her hotel room to unwind. As she lay on the bed, thoughts of Edward’s words at dinner echoed in her mind, leaving her fraught with anxiety. Could Geraldine indeed pose a serious hurdle to her ambitions? After a lengthy period of reflection yielded no clarity, Elyse resolved to inquire about Geraldine’s past from Gavin the following day.

Just then, her phone rang. Glancing at the screen and spotting an unknown number, Elyse dismissed the call and burrowed under her covers, eager to forget the interruption and sleep. Yet, the phone rang again. This time, she eyed the number, hesitated, and answered.

With a trace of irritation, she demanded, “Who is this?”

“Hello, Elyse,” the familiar voice replied. It was Aarya.

The sound of Aarya’s voice triggered a rush of guilt in Elyse. Composing herself, she pressed on, “How did you find my number? Have you been looking into me?”

“Getting your phone number was easy,” Aarya remarked casually. She added abruptly, “By the way, I need to discuss something important with you.”

Elyse’s brow furrowed. “What’s up?”

Aarya’s voice carried a hint of trouble. “It’s nothing serious. I’m just here alone at a club, feeling a bit lonely. Could you come over and keep me company?”

Remembering Edward’s earlier caution, Elyse hesitated, then responded, “Sorry, it’s late, and I’d rather not go out. Maybe you should head home instead of staying out drinking.”