Chapter 798:

After a brief pause, Edward flashed a mischievous smile. “By the way, I almost forgot to ask. Do you still have feelings for Elyse?”

“What does that matter to you?” Jayden snapped.

“I think Elyse and I would be a good match,” Edward said smoothly. “Why don’t you let me have her? I would treat her much better than you.”

A chill of anger flashed in Jayden’s eyes. He clenched his jaw and stared at Edward as if he were a rival. “Who do you think you are, trying to steal my woman?”

Edward remained calm. “Aren’t you with Aarya now? You two seem quite happy. So why not let me look after Elyse?”

With eyes blazing, Jayden sneered, “Try to take her from me if you think you can. If you manage to win her over, then she’s yours.”

Surprised by his confidence, Edward asked, “Where does this certainty about Elyse come from? How can you be so sure she’ll stay by your side?”

Jayden stepped closer, a confident smirk playing on his lips as he straightened his rumpled collar. “Don’t even think about making a move on my woman. Consider this a warning.”

Edward chuckled darkly. “The thrill for me is in taking what others value, especially someone I admire like Elyse. It only makes me want her more.”

Jayden and Edward parted ways, tension thick in the air. Despite the strain, they couldn’t sever ties completely; their shared interests and mutual goals kept them tethered, ensuring their plan could still move forward.

Meanwhile, Elyse returned to the hotel and immediately reassured Gavin and Irving of her safety. She then retreated to her room, where exhaustion overtook her, and she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, just past noon, Elyse went to the hotel restaurant for lunch. To her surprise, she ran into an old acquaintance.

Brook, dressed in casual sportswear, sat at the bar, a relaxed smile on his lips. He called out to Elyse.

Elyse turned, her brows lifting in surprise. “Brook? What on earth are you doing here?”

“It’s been months, hasn’t it? I couldn’t find a trace of you. Then I heard you were in Manfek for a competition,” Brook said, handing her a menu with an easy grin. “How have you been?”

Elyse took the menu, barely glancing at it before handing it back. “I’m not interested in drinks. I’m starving.”

Brook chuckled and nudged the menu back. “Order whatever you like. Lunch is on me.”

Elyse shrugged, picked up the menu, and randomly selected a few dishes. Settling into her chair, her curiosity piqued. “So, what brings you to Manfek? Are you just here for sightseeing?”

Brook smiled. “I came to watch your competition. I was too curious to stay away—had to see for myself how you’d fare.”