Chapter 831:

Edward saw his chance and chimed in, “You can’t just spend time with him. You need to stay with me too. You can’t leave me alone.”

Elyse clenched her fists, her patience wearing thin. How long would she have to endure their incessant demands?

After she changed, Jayden grasped her left hand. “Let’s go. What do you want to eat? I’ll take you.”

Edward stood on her right, his words laced with sarcasm. “Why settle for a meal with your ex-husband? It would taste so much better if I, your future boyfriend, treated you.”

Sandwiched between the two, Elyse felt as though her head might explode.

In the hallway, Elyse’s heart skipped a beat as Gavin emerged from the elevator. She scrambled mentally for a way to explain the tense tableau before him.

Gavin, noting the two men flanking Elyse, furrowed his brow. He approached and asked, “Why are you all together?”

Gathering her nerves, Elyse responded, “We’re planning to have dinner.”

The simplicity of her answer only deepened Gavin’s bewilderment. Did their relationship really warrant such a coordinated dinner outing?

Edward, seizing the moment, invited Gavin. “Would you like to join us?”

“Thanks for asking, but I’ve got other commitments,” Gavin declined quickly, sensing the strained vibes. He left.

Elyse watched him go, a wave of envy washing over her. How she wished she could simply walk away. Yet, she was bound to follow through with the dinner plans. They left the hotel and went to a nearby restaurant.

Seated by the window, Elyse looked outside, determined to remain silent until their meals arrived.

However, Edward couldn’t tolerate the quiet. “You missed yesterday’s match. What were you up to?”

Elyse glanced at Jayden before averting her gaze, resolving not to look his way again.

Jayden caught the brief look but remained silent. He calmly offered an excuse: “I had an unavoidable commitment.”

“Was it related to someone? Aarya perhaps?” Edward pressed, raising an eyebrow.

Jayden nodded. “Yes, it concerns her.”

Elyse felt a sting of hurt.

Edward, swirling his wine, leaned in with a sly smile. “So, to you, Aarya’s issues take precedence over Elyse’s, don’t they?”

Jayden looked at Elyse, noting her avoidance. He sighed, a mix of resignation and frustration in his voice. “Given everything that’s happening, Aarya’s situation demands my immediate attention.”

Edward’s tone turned taunting. “Oh, I see.” He turned to Elyse, his voice laced with provocation. “Did you catch that? In your ex’s eyes, you rank below his current girlfriend. You surely wouldn’t want someone like that again.”