Chapter 878:

Ignoring their objections, Elyse resolutely pushed through the crowd, her mind set.

A spark lit up in Jayden’s eyes as he confidently assured, “Leave it to me. I’ve got this. Just stay here. This is the safest place for you right now.”

Edward sensed something was amiss after hearing his words, wondering if something was compromising the plan. He tried to follow, but Simon blocked his path, his voice laced with urgency.

“It’s far too risky out there! Where are you trying to go? Stay here. If anything happens to you, how would I face your family?”

“Take it easy, man. Wouldn’t want you passing out on us, would we?” Edward complied, remaining calm while soothing Simon. He then turned his gaze toward Jayden and Elyse, his curiosity piqued.

At the banquet hall’s entrance, Elyse spotted Aarya seated on a bench, evidently waiting.

Aarya showed no reaction to Elyse’s arrival, but her expression changed drastically when Jayden appeared. Her eyes sparked with fury.

She leaped up, pointing accusingly at Jayden, her voice sharp with anger. “Why do you look fine? I drugged you, didn’t I?”

Jayden, looking bewildered, replied, “Drugged me? I have no clue what you’re talking about. When did this happen? Are you sure it was me?”

With a scornful laugh, Aarya retorted, “Don’t play innocent! I slipped the drug into your water and saw you drink it with my own eyes. You vanished after I stepped out to take a call. Jayden, you really are something. Even a potent aphrodisiac couldn’t pin you down.”

It was at this moment that Elyse realized Aarya truly had drugged Jayden.

Yet, she found herself questioning why Aarya would drug Jayden. After all, hadn’t Jayden already slept with her?

Before Elyse could make sense of the situation, a panicked guest nearby lost his composure. He yelled, “Now that you’ve found Elyse, can we leave now?”

Aarya turned to the man who had interrupted her. She sized him up and asked, “What’s the rush to leave? Wouldn’t it be more fun to stay and play a game with me?”

The guest shouted, “Are you out of your mind? You’ve got the hall surrounded, and you expect us to play games with you? What kind of game? Cat and mouse?”

Aarya flashed a sinister smile. “Cat and mouse? Interesting.”

Seeing Aarya’s unhinged expression, Elyse grew angry.

“What is wrong with you? Weren’t you here for me today? Let these people go. If you have a problem, just come at me.”

Elyse felt contempt for Aarya, and Aarya sensed Elyse’s loathing. But did Elyse’s disdain matter to her? Aarya crossed her arms, her gaze cold and spiteful. She had originally planned to be more lenient with Elyse, perhaps eliminating a few extra people to keep Elyse company in hell. But since Elyse had demanded the release of the other guests, Aarya decided to fulfill her request.

“Alright, if you insist on playing the hero, I’ll allow it. You’ll be the only casualty today,” Aarya said with a sinister grin.

. . .