Chapter 793:
He took the lead, guiding Aarya out first. As they walked, Aarya shot Jayden a suspicious look. “What did you say to Elyse just now? How did you manage to change her mind so quickly?” Her eyes, filled with distrust, searched his face for answers.
Jayden lowered his voice, replying with a smirk, “I just threatened her a little. No matter how much she despises us, she values her life more.”
Aarya’s suspicion eased, and she let out a relieved sigh. “Honey, you’re always so considerate,” she said, smiling warmly at him.
Jayden returned her smile, but as he turned away, his gaze flicked back to Elyse, lingering on her with a knowing look. Elyse shivered involuntarily, a sense of unease creeping over her. Jayden had become a puzzle she could no longer solve. It was clear he was scheming something, but she couldn’t decipher his plan. She weighed her options quickly and decided to follow. She knew him well enough to take his threats seriously.
Edward noticed her hesitation and frowned. “We don’t have to go, do we?”
Elyse shook her head, her voice firm. “I have to go, but this has nothing to do with you. You should leave. The Hudsons—they’re all trouble.”
Edward playfully knocked on Elyse’s head, his laughter tinged with frustration. “I don’t need you to remind me how ruthless the Hudson family is. I’m coming with you. I can’t shake the fear they might actually kill you.”
Elyse snorted, unimpressed. “And how exactly do you plan on protecting me?”
“I can protect you. Just trust me,” Edward replied confidently as he gathered the shopping bags and quickly fell in step beside her.
Seeing Edward’s persistence, Elyse sighed, resigning herself to his company as they followed Jayden and Aarya.
After they arrived at the private room in the restaurant, Jayden ordered drinks and took charge of the conversation. “Once the drinks arrive, let’s all lay our grievances on the table. After today, we can let bygones be bygones.”
Elyse remained silent, her face expressionless and unreadable.
Noticing her brooding demeanor, Aarya lifted her glass with a sugary smile. “Honey, look at your ex-wife. Her temper is just awful. We all agreed to sit down and resolve our conflicts, yet she still wears that sour expression.” As she spoke, Aarya leaned on one hand, her tone turning provocative. “It’s because of that nasty temper that Jayden doesn’t want you anymore. Look at me, so gentle and considerate.”
Elyse’s laughter was sharp and cold. “Gentle and considerate? I must have missed that. I’ve always seen you as a snake.”
Aarya’s face twisted with fury. She had worked hard to cultivate a ladylike image for Jayden, only for Elyse to publicly tear it down. It felt like all her efforts had been shattered in an instant. Unable to contain her anger, Aarya stood abruptly, her hands itching to strangle Elyse.