Chapter 952:
Elyse noted Mabel’s pettiness, a trait seemingly sharpened by her struggles since losing the support of the Lloyd family, grounding her more firmly in reality. After they entered, Elyse chose a seat and settled down. Hyde then inquired, noticing her distance, “Elyse, is something wrong? Why are you sitting so far away?”
Elyse’s mind swirled with confusion. What on earth was Hyde rambling about? He wasn’t her boyfriend; so why the fuss about sitting closer? Ignoring Hyde’s wounded look, Elyse replied icily, “You’re Mabel’s boyfriend, not mine. Naturally, I should keep my distance. Is that a problem?”
Hyde’s expression grew even more pained. “But Mabel’s your family. I’ll be family soon, won’t I? Shouldn’t we sit a little closer, then?”
Elyse sensed something wasn’t right. Why was Hyde being so clingy, so desperate for her to sit by him? Her instincts kicked in, and she shot a glance at Mabel, who was glaring at her with unmistakable hatred.
A realization hit Elyse like a cold splash of water—she never should have accepted this invitation. Mabel and her boyfriend, one unhinged man and one equally deranged woman, had set their sights on her, and she had walked right into their trap.
Growing more irritated, Elyse snapped, “It’s just a seat! Why are you making such a big deal? Or is it that you’ve already taken a liking to me after meeting once?”
Before Hyde could stammer a response, Mabel erupted like a volcano. She slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet. “Elyse, what the hell are you talking about? Hyde is my boyfriend! How dare you suggest he has feelings for you? The only person he loves is me!”
Elyse gave a casual shrug, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Oh, really? If he’s so in love with you, maybe you should tell him to act like it. Why is he flirting with me then?” She glanced at Hyde again. He was, objectively speaking, good-looking. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his appeal wasn’t hard to see.
But for some reason, Elyse couldn’t stand him. Something about him just felt…off.
With her eyes still on him, Elyse smirked and quipped, “So, why are you so eager for me to sit next to you? Do you enjoy having women around you? How many have you already been with before Mabel?”
She didn’t actually care about the answer—she just wanted to unsettle him. She barely knew him and was only out to get under his skin.
But her words hit Hyde harder than expected. His face grew tense as he fell silent, lost in thought. How did Elyse know about his past? Did someone tip her off, or was there a traitor in their circle?
Mabel, seeing Hyde’s reaction, immediately thought Elyse had crossed a line. Hyde’s discomfort was clear, and to Mabel, Elyse’s jabs felt cruel, like she was deliberately twisting the knife. Mabel’s face contorted in fury. . . .