?<strong>Chapter 781:</strong>


    After what felt like an eternity, the car finally pulled up to the hotel. Jayden’s gaze shifted to the entrance, where Gavin stood waiting, his overcoat barely concealing the tension in his posture. Jayden, however, remained unfazed. He helped Elyse sit up, his hands brushing through her hair in a gesture that felt more possessive than caring. “Go back and practice your violin,” he said, his tone smooth but cold. “And don’t get too close to other men.”


    Frustration bubbled over, and Elyse couldn’t hold back any longer. “You already have a girlfriend, Jayden. Isn’t it only fair that I find a boyfriend too?”


    Jayden’s response was immediate and terrifying. His hand mped down on hers, his grip like iron as he leaned in close, his voice a venomous whisper. “If you dare get involved with another man, I’ll kill him. You don’t want someone to die because of you, do you?”


    Elyse’s blood ran cold, but her fury red even hotter. “Then I’ll go kill Aarya,” she retorted, her words fueled by anger. “Believe me, I will.”


    Instead of reacting with the shock or anger she expected, Jayden’s mood lightened disturbingly. A dark, twisted smile curled his lips as he kissed her cheek. “When do you n to kill her?” he asked, his tone almost yful. “What tools do you need? Don’t worry, babe, if you’re afraid of handling the aftermath, I can take care of it for you.”


    Fear coiled around Elyse’s heart, squeezing it tight. She hadshed out in the heat of the moment, but Jayden’s response was chillingly serious.


    “Let go!” she demanded as she tried to wrench her hand free. She reached for the car door, desperate to escape, but it wouldn’t budge.


    Panic set in as she realized she was trapped. Jayden gently turned her back toward him, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he pointed to his cheek. “Are you really just going to leave so directly?” he teased.


    Realizing Jayden’s intention, Elyse’s eyes narrowed with disdain. “I’m not kissing you,” she said coldly. “Open the door. I want to leave.”


    Jayden leaned back, his expression unfazed. “You’re not going anywhere without a kiss. That’s the deal. You can leave once you kiss me.”


    Elyse widened her eyes, incredulous at his shameless demand. Weighing her options, she decided she had no choice. She grabbed his chin, her fingers trembling with anger, and leaned in to give him a quick, reluctant kiss.


    Jayden’s hand drifted to the spot where her lips had touched him, a smug smile spreading across his face as he looked at Elyse, who was now blushing with a mix of fury and embarrassment.


    With an air of satisfaction, he reached over and unlocked the door. “Go ahead,” he said, his tone light and mocking, “And don’t forget what I told you.”


    The moment the door was open, Elyse bolted from the car, her anger spilling over as she snapped, “I won’t remember. And don’t you daree looking for me!”


    Jayden watched her run toward Gavin, her movements hurried as if she feared Jayden might drag her back at any moment. The sight amused him, and he chuckled to himself, finding her fear almost endearing. Not interested in a confrontation with Gavin, Jayden ordered the driver to leave.


    As the car pulled away, Gavin nced at Elyse, concern etched on his face. “Did Jayden do anything to you after taking you away?”


    Guilt gnawed at Elyse, and she didn’t want to admit what had happened. “No,” she replied stubbornly, “he didn’t do anything.”


    Gavin seemed to ept her answer, though his concern lingered. “When Ist spoke to him, he seemed like he wanted to mend things with you. But he’s extremely possessive, Elyse. I just hope you can focus on yourpetition.”


    Elyse pouted, clearly displeased. She was too embarrassed to exin that Jayden already had a girlfriend and was only interested in her out of a twisted sense of possession.


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