Chapter 969:

Elyse gestured toward the dinner on the table. “It’s time to eat. We can address other issues afterward, alright?”

Louise felt like declining, but her stomach rumbled. She reluctantly conceded, “Since you insist, I’ll do you the favor and eat first.” With that, she began eating heartily.

Elyse observed Louise, who, despite being famished, maintained her manners and etiquette. Elyse felt a slight admiration.

“Is this meal sufficient? If not, we can go out to eat,” Elyse offered.

“Do you think I eat a lot? This is more than enough,” Louise responded.

Elyse glanced at Louise’s trim figure, aware of her own need to maintain her shape. She silently watched Louise eat, appreciating her determination.

Once Louise finished, Elyse gathered the empty dishes and prepared to leave.

“Where are you headed?” Louise asked, surprised.

“I’m taking these to the butler,” Elyse answered, thinking that delivering them to Driscoll would complete her responsibilities.

Staying in the Moon Palace made Elyse feel out of place, so she always sought ways to justify her stay. By assisting the butler with Louise and Edward’s issues, she felt she was indirectly supporting Edward.

Louise was still confused. Normally, Elyse would stay to continue their discussion after a meal. Yet, Elyse left her room.

Louise disliked feeling out of control. She spent the rest of the evening unsettled, trying to figure out when she could speak with Elyse again.

After giving the dishes to the butler, Elyse returned to her room. She lay down briefly and, on impulse, checked her messages with Jayden.

As she anticipated, Jayden hadn’t responded.

Looking at Jayden’s contact, Elyse felt a surge of sadness. She wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was the mistreatment she’d faced today and the lack of anyone to defend her.

Elyse reflected on the day’s difficulties, and her eyes began to tear up. Feeling out of place only deepened her distress. She set her phone down, unable to shake her frustration.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

Elyse saw Jayden was calling. A flicker of surprise registered, and with shaking hands, she answered.

“Hello?” she said, unaware her voice was trembling. All she knew was that the turmoil inside her seemed to lessen slightly.