?<strong>Chapter 430:</strong>


    Fiona never thought she’d see the man who had saved her again. The area teemed with countless workers, and the thought of locating one in particr seemed like finding a needle in a haystack. She had nearly resigned herself to never crossing paths with him again, yet unexpectedly, their paths intertwined once more.


    Overjoyed, Fiona inquired, “What are you doing here? Are you out for a stroll?”


    Jayden’s brow creased slightly, puzzled by her barrage of questions.


    Fiona, undeterred and beaming, pulled out her phone. “I owe you thanks for helping me that night. Could I get your number? Maybe we can meet up again under less dramatic circumstances.”


    She gave him a yful wink, confident he wouldn’t decline her direct approach this time.


    However, Jayden was not in the mood for conversation; he was there waiting for someone else—Elyse. From his spot, he could faintly hear the music from the studio, knowing Elyse was still diligently practicing inside. He nced at Fiona, who anticipated his response with an eager expression, and felt a twinge of annoyance.


    Ignoring her hopeful gaze, Jayden turned to leave.


    Stunned by his apparent indifference, Fiona called after him, “All I want is to thank you, perhaps over a meal?”


    Jayden walked on, refusing to even look at her.


    Fiona was so focused on him that she identally stumbled to the floor. She half-expected him toe to her aid, but Jayden didn’t so much as nce back as he walked away. Picking herself up, Fiona stood slowly, her frustration simmering within her. “How cold of him. He didn’t even want to speak to me.”


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    Disheartened, Fiona trudged home without the phone number she had hoped to secure.


    An hourter, Elyse burst from the studio to find Jayden’s car waiting. As she climbed in, Jayden expressed his frustration. “Why are you out sote?”


    Catching her breath, Elyse exined, “I was so engrossed in practice, I lost track of time.”


    She then wrapped her arm around his and rested her head against his shoulder. Jayden tried to withdraw his arm, but a stern look from Elyse made him relent, and she clung to him even tighter.


    Impatient, he remarked, “Your head is heavy.”


    With her eyes closed, Elyse spoke with determination. “Stop it. I’m tired. Let me rest against you for a bit.”


    Jayden responded with a hint of annoyance, “Three minutes, that’s all.”


    “Fine, fine,” Elyse agreed in a rxed tone.


    Three minutes passed, and Jayden tried to pull his arm away, only to discover that Elyse had fallen asleep, cradling his arm. She appeared genuinely exhausted, sleeping so deeply that even when he yfully pinched her nose, she didn’t stir.


    Upon arriving home, Jayden had no option but to carry her to the bedroom. Following behind, Driscoll expressed his concern. “Does she really need to push herself this hard every day?”


    “I’m not sure. Just go along with it,” Jayden replied, half-talking as he watched her peaceful face. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll have an international musician in the family soon.”


    Driscoll couldn’t help but be taken aback by Jayden’s rare smile. Jayden lingered by her side for a moment, observing her. Even in her sleep, she was restless. Not a momentter, she kicked off her covers. Jayden’s smile faded as he gently pulled the cover back over her.


    Elyse didn’t awaken until the break of dawn. With thoughts of practice on her mind, she headed to the studio early. This morning, Gavin and Irving were also there early, ready to coach her.


    When Fiona arrived, the two had already been practicing for two hours. Noticing Fiona’s rxed demeanor, Gavin asked pointedly, “Why aren’t you worried? Are you confident about thepetition?”


    Fiona felt unjustly criticized, which made her resent seeing Elyse there. Even so, Elyse remained oblivious to Fiona’s growing discontent. By five-thirty, she was packing her things to leave.


    Shocked by this, Fiona asked, “Why are you leaving so early today?”


    “Thepetition is tomorrow. I need to get some rest,” Elyse exined as she continued packing. Once ready, she smiled and said to Fiona, “I’m heading out now.” Jayden wasing to pick her up, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting.


    After Elyse departed, Gavin approached Fiona and inquired, “When are you nning to leave today?”


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