?<strong>Chapter 388:</strong>


    At dinner time, Jayden knocked on Elyse’s door to invite her to eat. With a nk expression, she stepped out of her room, briefly caught his eye, and subtly shifted her dress to sidestep him. Jayden, a mix of annoyance and amusement in his tone, followed her and challenged, “Why are you avoiding me like that? You don’t even want your dress to touch me.” Elyse remained silent, too overwhelmed by sadness to engage in an argument. They reached the dining table set with Elyse’s favorite dishes, which Jayden found unappealing. Irritated, he turned to Driscoll and demanded, “I don’t like any of this. Make it again.” Driscoll, his face tense, nced at Elyse and then nodded. Elyse ignored him and focused on her meal.


    “Mr. Owen, please give us a moment. I’ll have it prepared again,” Driscoll said. Jayden’s mood softened slightly at this. Leaning back, he observed Elyse casually, then looked away, pretending to be disinterested. Soon after, the maid brought in new dishes with Driscoll following anxiously. “Sir, your favorite dishes are served,” the maid announced. Seeing his preferred meal, Jayden’s spirits lifted, and he began to eat. Between bites, he casually asked, “When are youing to see mypany?” Confused, Elyse looked up. “Am I supposed to? You’ve never really involved me in your business. I didn’t think that was something you’d keep from me.” She put down her fork, stood up, and stated firmly, “I’m done here. I’m going to rest in my room.” Without another nce, she left.


    Jayden, puzzled and annoyed, muttered to himself, “Why is she so angry? I’ve been nothing but good to her. Can’t she see that?” Driscoll attempted to intervene, but Jayden dismissed him. “Stop. I’ve done nothing wrong,” Jayden said, and Driscoll remained silent, recognizing that understanding love was not Jayden’s strength.


    Elyse went to bed early to rest up for thepetition the next day. In the early morning, she quietly left the room, resisting the urge to disturb the sleeping Jayden. Descending the stairs, she was greeted by Driscoll’s surprised voice. “You’re up early. Breakfast isn’t ready yet.” “It’s okay,” Elyse replied, a determined look in her eyes. “I need to get to thepetition venue early.” Relieved, Driscoll wished her good luck. With a grateful smile, Elyse quickly exited with her violin case in hand.


    Upon entering the car, she coordinated with Gavin to finalize a few details before they arrived at Atcupic University. The driver halted at the gate, exining, “It’s too crowded inside, so I’ll drop you here.” “Alright, I’m off,” Elyse acknowledged, releasing her seatbelt and grasping her violin case as she spotted Gavin. “Good luck,” the driver called out. Waving back, Elyse met up with Gavin, who was dressed in a padded jacket and a peaked cap. “You look fine. I was worried I’d lose you,” he said, relief evident in his voice. Blushing, Elyse apologized. “Sorry for the worry.” Gavin sighed. “I was really concerned that you won’t pass the first round.” Elyse frowned slightly. “I’m prepared. I’ll pass without trouble.” “Just be careful not to slip up in the first piece,” he advised.


    Irving, munching on bread, joined them with Fiona trailing behind, her violin case also in hand. Seeing Elyse, Fiona beamed and waved enthusiastically. She rushed over to Elyse, leaving Irving behind. “Let’s get our numbers. I hope we’re not in the same group. I don’t want us topete in the first round,” Fiona said. Elyse nodded in agreement. “I’d rather not face you right off the bat either.” Irving overheard and scoffed. “You should be eager topete. It shows strength.” Unconvinced, Elyse challenged him. “What if you had topete against Gavin?” Irving nced at Gavin, who appeared gentle and unassuming, and joked, “I’d be delighted.”


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