?<strong>Chapter 729:</strong>


    Elyse tilted her head and asked, “Do you want a drink? Perhaps we should get some refreshments?”


    Hearing this, Edward faced her, his intense gaze meeting hers. “Not only do you doubt me, but you probably find me annoying too, right?”


    Elyseughed awkwardly and replied, “I never said that.”


    Edward scoffed and pulled her along as they walked. “The Hudson family isn’t a big deal. Next time, I’ll deal with all of them at once,” he said with disdain.


    Elyse couldn’t help but chuckle, her spirits lifting.


    As Elyse and Edward sat down to take a break, Jayden appeared again, standing firmly in front of Elyse.


    Elyse’s smile faded instantly as she coldly asked, “What do you want? Shouldn’t you be with your girlfriend?”


    Jayden met Elyse’s eyes with an inscrutable look and said coolly, “It’s not smart to provoke Aarya.”


    Elyse’s anger red instantly. What did he mean by her provoking Aarya? Was he really that protective of his new girlfriend?


    She quickly stood up and said sharply, “Why can’t you just tell her to leave us alone?”


    Jayden narrowed his eyes at her outburst. “I’m trying to have a civil conversation here, Elyse. What’s with the attitude? Is it a must for you to go around picking fights randomly?”


    Elyse let out a bitterugh and retorted, “Your concern is unwee! You should take care of your own girlfriend first!”


    Jayden looked at Elyse’s angry face and realized she seemed jealous. He approached her carefully, holding back his emotions, and asked, “Elyse, are you upset?”


    Elyse reacted impulsively, pushing Jayden back a step. Her icy re held him as she hissed, “You have a girlfriend. Stay away from me, unless you want your fiery little darling toe after me!”


    Edward, who had been watching with amusement, noticed Aarya approaching with a stormy expression. He cleared his throat and whispered, “Aarya’s here! You two should stop flirting.”


    Elyse widened her eyes and fumed, “When have I ever flirted with him?”


    Edward scoffed, lowering his voice, “You’ve been doing it all along.”


    Aarya quickly approached, her gaze hostile toward Elyse. Stopping in front of the trio, she turned to Jayden and asked, “What are you doing here with them?” She then nced at Elyse and questioned further, “Or are you still interested in her?”


    Jayden ced a gentle hand on Aarya’s shoulder, gently patting her as he said, “You’re overthinking it. I just wanted to clear up a misunderstanding.”


    Aarya forced a smile, but her face was filled with disbelief. “Really? Have you sorted it out? If so, we should leave. To my ce?”


    Elyse’s body tensed as she subconsciously nced at Jayden. How close had they be that they were already living together?


    Jayden looked at Aarya with tenderness and replied, “If that’s what you want, I’ll go with you.”


    “Of course, darling. You know I’d love for you to stay with me,” Aarya said, linking arms with Jayden and ncing triumphantly at Elyse. With a wink, she led Jayden away with a smug smile.


    Elyse stood still, her fists clenched as she fought back the sadness threatening to overwhelm her.


    Edward, unable to watch any longer, spoke gruffly, “Don’t torture yourself. They’re gone. Staring won’t bring him back.”


    “I know. But then, it’s not like I care,” Elyse retorted, her eyes stubbornly downcast.


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