?<strong>Chapter 726:</strong>


    Elyse couldn’t stand Edward’s unpredictable personality and shouted through the door, “Are you crazy? The food at the banquet is free.”


    Standing in front of the mirror, Elyse took in her reflection and realized just how terrible she looked. She meticulously began fixing her makeup, losing track of time in the process. Just as she was putting the final touches on, a girl’s voice broke the silence from outside the door.


    “What are you doing loitering by the women’s restroom? Are you some kind of pervert?”


    The voice sounded oddly familiar to Elyse. She hurriedly finished touching up her makeup and opened the door, ready with an exnation. “Sorry, he’s with me. He’s just waiting.”


    But as the words left her lips, Elyse froze. Standing in front of her was Aarya, Jayden’s girlfriend. Aarya’s eyes lit up in recognition, her tone bright with surprise. “Oh, it’s you! Thanks again for letting me have thest piece of chocte cake. It made my day!”


    Elyse forced a smile, unsure of how to respond. Meanwhile, Edward nced at Aarya, a flicker of disdain crossing his face, though he kept his expression neutral. He turned to Elyse and said, “You’re done? Let’s go.”


    Elyseposed herself, gave Edward a nod, and followed him. As they reentered thevish banquet hall, Edward leaned closer and asked, “Do you know that girl?”


    Elyse paused, considering her words. “Just a passing acquaintance. She wanted myst piece of chocte cake, and I let her have it. That’s all.”


    Edward exhaled a sigh of relief and whispered in her ear, “The girl’s family is not to be trifled with. Avoid her in the future.”


    Puzzled, Elyse asked, “Do you know her?”


    “Not personally,” Edward replied, his tone serious. “But her family is infamous, and she has quite a notorious reputation.”


    Elyse nodded thoughtfully, a chill running down her spine. She turned and saw Jayden seated on a nearby sofa, his gaze dark and unyielding. Startled by his intense stare, Elyse shivered involuntarily.


    Unaware of Elyse’s difort, Edward pointed to the spread of gourmet food ahead. “There’s so much good food here. You’d be crazy not to enjoy it.”


    Before she could respond, Edward pulled her closer to the buffet. As she nced back, the crowd in the banquet hall soon obstructed Jayden’s view. Feeling a wave of relief, Elyse sighed. Being out of Jayden’s sight was a small mercy. At least she wouldn’t have to endure the sight of Jayden and his girlfriend together. Out of sight, out of mind. The memory of Jayden and Aarya’s closeness earlier made her heart ache, and she subconsciously clutched her chest.


    Edward, sensing her distress, suddenly turned back and asked, “Did you cry earlier because you didn’t get the chocte cake?”


    Still immersed in her thoughts, Elyse’s mind struggled to keep up. “What?” she asked, confusion evident in her voice.


    Edward’s brow furrowed in disapproval. “If you wanted to eat it, why did you give it away? Don’t give away the things you love so easily. You deserve to have chocte cake too.”


    Elyse was taken aback, as if struck by lightning. In that moment, a profound realization hit her, and much of her frustration seemed to melt away. Edward continued, his tone tinged with sarcasm, “You cried over a piece of chocte cake. How pathetic. But since I’m a good friend, I’ll make sure you get another one.”


    Elyse felt a surge of warmth from his unexpected gesture. Despite Edward’s asional unreliability, his words had a way of offeringfort. But what did he just say? Get her another one? Elyse thought, trying to process his offer. “Get me one?” she asked, bewildered, as she hurried to catch up with him. “How?”


    “Don’t worry about it. Just eat,” Edward replied with a mischievous grin.


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