?<strong>Chapter 725:</strong>


    “No, I can go back alone,” Elyse firmly declined.


    Elyse lifted the hem of her skirt and swiftly turned to leave, moving so quickly that even Gavin struggled to keep up. Just as she reached the exit of the banquet hall, a figure suddenly blocked her path. She looked up in surprise to see Edward grinning mischievously at her.


    Instinctively, she raised her hand to cover her tear-streaked face, the humiliation of being caught crying by someone she had recently met washing over her.


    Edward, with his hands casually in his pockets, leaned in and remarked with a mocking interest, “You were so happy an hour ago. Why are you now crying?”


    Elyse took a step back, still shielding her face, feeling an inexplicable sense of guilt. “What does it have to do with you?” she snapped.


    Edward’s expression turned serious as he replied, “Of course it matters. If you don’t tell me, I’d miss out on the fun.”


    Seeing Edward’s serious expression, Elyse’s resolve to keep her secret only hardened. She took a deep breath, forcing back her tears, and said casually, “It’s nothing, really. I just cried a bit for no reason. I’m totally fine.”


    Edward tilted his head, disbelief etched in his eyes. “Really, I’m okay. The exhibition match ended, and I got too excited. Tears of joy. Not a big deal,” Elyse insisted, raising her voice. She gave a firm nod, almost convincing herself.


    Edward, not wanting to push her further, nodded in feigned eptance. “Since you’re fine, why not apany me back to the banquet?” he suggested.


    Panic shed across Elyse’s face. “Apany you to the banquet? Can’t you see I’m about to leave? I won’t go.”


    With a sneer, Edward stepped forward, spun Elyse around, and hooked his arm around her neck, forcefully leading her back to the banquet hall. Having been seized so suddenly, Elyse could feel the pressure in her neck, making it hard for her to breathe. Preupied with escaping Edward’s grasp, Elyse had no time to feel sad.


    She frowned, clearly ufortable, and said, “You’re hurting me. Let go of me.”


    Edward loosened his grip slightly but still held her tightly, wary that she might bolt. Lowering his head, he saw her unhappy expression and scoffed. “Do you know how many women would love to be hugged by these biceps? And you’re the only one who can’t appreciate them.”


    Elyse widened her eyes in shock and disbelief. Was he seriously this narcissistic?


    “You don’t actually think you’re the most handsome man in the world, do you?”


    With a confident smile, Edward brushed his hair back. “It’s no question that I am the most handsome man in the world.”


    Seeing his self-assured demeanor, Elyse fell silent, cursing her luck for encountering him. Suddenly, Edward led her to the restroom.


    Under her puzzled gaze, he pulled out apact from his pocket and said gently, “Sweetheart, your makeup isn’t waterproof. Touch up inside. I’ll wait for you. We don’t want other people to see you like this.”


    Elyse red at Edward with resentment. “Why not let me go back to the hotel? I can remove my makeup there.”


    Edward wagged his finger, his voiceced with condescension. “Since you ran into me, it’s your karma. You have to stay with me until I decide to leave.”


    Just as Elyse was about to unleash a torrent of curses, Edward shoved thepact into her hand and pushed her toward the bathroom. He closed the door behind her, crouching by the seam, and kindly reminded her, “After you touch up, we’ll go eat. You can have whatever you want, on me.”


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