Chapter 948:

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Elyse looked at Hyde and offered a wry smile. “Congratulations! You’re involved with quite a character.”

Mabel’s resentment deepened at Elyse’s words. Feeling threatened, she sneered, “Keep your congratulations. You make me sick. I can’t even stand the sight of you.”

Refusing to back down, Elyse shot back, “The feeling is mutual. I have no desire to see you either.”

“Who is she? You don’t like her?” Hyde asked, piecing together the situation. “She resembles you somewhat. What’s the connection?”

Mabel hadn’t anticipated Hyde’s inquiry, especially since he had shown such disinterest earlier. Yet, when he took the initiative, she interpreted it as a promising sign that he might actually care about her. With some hesitation, Mabel explained, “She’s my cousin.” Although Hyde heard her, he seemed unfazed.

Mabel emphasized, “We don’t get along well, so please, Hyde, keep your distance. I don’t like her.”

Despite her warnings, Hyde disregarded her words and turned to Elyse with a friendly smile. “Since you’re Mabel’s cousin, would you like to join us for afternoon tea?”

Mabel’s eyes widened in disbelief, perplexed by Hyde’s invitation. Elyse felt equally confused, questioning how Mabel’s new boyfriend could ignore the evident tension between them.

Firmly grasping Geraldine’s hand, Elyse responded, “There’s no need. I have other matters to attend to. I don’t have time for small talk. Please, go on and enjoy your date without me.”

Mabel quickly agreed, “Yes, that’s right. Attend to your own affairs. Don’t disrupt our date.”

As Elyse turned to leave, Hyde, eager for amusement, wasn’t ready to let her go so quickly. He asked Mabel with a teasing tone, “Is it that disgraceful to be associated with me that your cousin refuses even a simple chat? I’m dating you, and I seek your family’s approval.”

Sweat beaded on Mabel’s forehead as she forced a smile. “It’s not about not accepting you. She genuinely has commitments. You saw for yourself—Elyse and her friend have already left.”

Hyde’s expression fell, his eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and confusion. “I knew it. You aren’t sincere with me. I’m a disaster, a hopeless case. It seems even you can’t fully embrace me.”

Mabel couldn’t bear the sight of Hyde’s hurt look, nor could she endure the sound of his disheartening words. Gently cradling his face, she showered him with kisses, like an angel bestowing mercy on her beloved. . . .