Chapter 866:

The boy opened his mouth wide and bellowed, “You lied to me! You lied!”

Elyse covered her mouth with her hands, shaking her head desperately to stifle a scream.

“Didn’t you promise you liked me? That you’d stay by my side forever? Now, seeing me like this, you want to leave. You’re the biggest liar ever, Elyse.”

The monster’s roar was thunderous, and its appearance terrifying. Elyse couldn’t contain herself and ran as fast as she could. The monster chased her, repeatedly calling her name.

She stumbled and fell. As she lay there, she glanced back and saw the monster’s wide-open mouth diving toward her. A sharp scream escaped her lips.

Suddenly, Elyse woke up. She gasped for air, her eyes wide.

It took a moment to realize she was soaked in cold sweat. She sat up, still shaking from the nightmare. The fear lingered, holding her tightly.

Resting against her pillow, she calmed down. She closed her eyes, feeling even more drained than before she slept.

After recovering, she stood and went to the bathroom for a shower. Afterward, she sat at her dresser to put on makeup. She was due at a banquet that evening and looked forward to a pleasant evening with good food.

Once ready, Irving knocked on her door. “Are you ready? It’s almost time. We should leave for the banquet.”

“I’m on my way!” Elyse called back, grabbing her coat and rushing out, fixing her hair. “Is Gavin coming? Or is he still busy?”

“He texted about half an hour ago. He won’t make it. He asked me to escort you,” Irving replied, smiling knowingly, phone in hand. “I always tell him not to accept such jobs. I bet he’ll think twice next time.”

Elyse paused. “Let’s bring back some food for him. He’s been working alone.”

Irving agreed. “Good idea. He probably hasn’t even had dinner. By the time he’s finished, there’ll be nothing left.”

Elyse felt even more sympathy for Gavin. They got into the car and drove to the hotel.

As soon as Elyse entered, she was greeted by a crowd.

“I recognize you! I saw your competition. It was incredible. Congratulations on winning!”

“My friend bet on you as soon as they saw you compete. They were sure you’d win.”

“May I have the pleasure of a dance later?”

Suddenly, Elyse found herself surrounded by men, her expression showing embarrassment and confusion. She said politely, “Thank you, but I’m not in the mood to dance.”

Noticing this, Irving stepped in, pulling Elyse aside with a dismissive smile. “Sorry, gentlemen, my friend doesn’t dance for just anyone. You should move along.”