Chapter 772:

Her heart skipped a beat, but Elyse forced herself to remain composed as she accepted his handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hudson. You look much younger than I expected.”

Charlie chuckled, though his laughter lacked genuine warmth. “I’m hardly young, but I appreciate the compliment.”

Elyse’s instincts screamed at her to be cautious. Stepping into Charlie’s car felt like stepping into something far more sinister, something she might never escape.

Elyse released Charlie’s hand and took a step back, her voice steady but cautious. “My friend is coming to pick me up soon. If you have other things to attend to, please don’t wait for me.”

Charlie’s smile remained, but a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. “No need to be so distant. It’s not every day we meet like this. We should take the opportunity to chat.”

Elyse shook her head politely. “I’d rather not. I have a competition to prepare for, and I don’t have much free time.”

Charlie’s smile never wavered as he slowly reached into his coat and pulled out a pistol, casually pointing it at the window. His tone remained friendly, but there was an unmistakable edge of menace. “Won’t you even spare me the time for a meal, young lady?”

The sight of the gun made Elyse’s heart pound, and she froze, caught between fear and the need to remain composed. Her mind raced as she tried to assess the situation; every instinct warned her of the danger.

Still smiling, Charlie continued, “Relax, it’s just a meal. I have no ill intentions.”

Elyse knew better than to trust his words.

Drawing a deep breath, she forced herself to remain calm and said, “I’ll agree to the meal, but I need to let my friend know first. He’ll be worried if he can’t find me.”

There was a brief silence as Charlie studied her, and then he gave a slight nod. “Call him, but make it quick. We wouldn’t want the food to get cold.”

Feigning composure, Elyse dialed Gavin’s number and quickly explained the situation, keeping her voice as neutral as possible. She then slipped her phone back into her purse and reluctantly got into Charlie’s car.

Once inside, Elyse sat as far from Charlie as possible, her body tense and alert.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, but Charlie seemed unbothered, calmly sipping whiskey.

As they left the bustling city and ventured into the quiet suburbs, Elyse’s eyes widened at the sight of a grand, imposing estate looming ahead. The estate’s gates were heavily guarded, with infrared cameras watching every move. The deeper they drove, the heavier her heart grew.

When the car stopped, Elyse stepped out slowly, her pulse quickening as she approached the lavish living room. Her heart nearly stopped when she saw Jayden sitting on the sofa, casually sipping tea.

For a brief moment, Jayden froze, his eyes meeting hers. But instantly, he masked his surprise, setting his teacup down with a nonchalant clink. Elyse quickly averted her gaze, her heart sinking with dread.

Charlie, having shed his heavy coat, strode over. Noticing the tension between Elyse and Jayden, he quipped, “What is this? You two used to be married. Why the awkwardness?”

Elyse’s mind raced, searching for a response, but Jayden cut in with cold detachment. “Because I no longer love her. I don’t want to see her. I’m in love with someone else, and seeing her makes me sick.”

His words were delivered with such indifference, as if commenting on the weather. But the atmosphere was anything but light; it was oppressive, stifling.