?<strong>Chapter 832:</strong>


    That was thest straw for Elyse. She spun around, her voice weary yet firm. “Why should I care who he values more? I am my own priority. I don’t need his validation to affirm my worth.”


    Her gaze was piercing as she issued her ultimatum. “Let’s keep it quiet until the food arrives. Speak out of turn, and I’ll have both of you removed. Nobody will dine with me then.” With that, she turned away again, resolute in her silence.


    Edward, sensing her anger, chose not to provoke further, though his disdain for Jayden simmered beneath the surface.


    He despised Jayden for winning Elyse’s affection first. In his mind, he was just as worthy. He believed his own merits—his talent and his physique honed by regr exercise—put him on par with Jayden.


    He was convinced that just one night with him would sway Elyse permanently.


    Unaware of Edward’s thoughts and unsure of Jayden’s reticence, Elyse relished the temporary peace. Soon, the waiter arrived with their meals.


    Ravenous, Elyse eagerly grasped her utensils and began to carve into her steak, weing the distraction.


    After finishing her meal, sheid down her terms firmly. “Once you’re done eating, I want you both to leave immediately. Don’t linger around me.”


    Edward, sipping water with a cunning grin, replied, “But we live in the same hotel. We’ll be heading the same way, remember?”


    Realizing the situation, Elyse turned to Jayden. “You need to leave now. I need some rest.”


    Jayden held her gaze, his reluctance to part evident. However, his phone rang at that moment. ncing at the caller ID with a furrowed brow, he stepped away before answering, distancing himself from the table.


    Edward didn’t waste a moment to stir the pot further, leaning in towards Elyse. “I’ll bet that call is from Aarya.”


    Elyse, caught off guard, questioned, “How can you be sure?”


    “Because he made sure to move away before taking the call,” Edward exined with a conspiratorial smirk. “He probably doesn’t want us overhearing his sweet nothings to his girlfriend.”


    A shadow crossed Elyse’s face as she pondered Edward’s words, her doubts beginning to mount.


    Elyse didn’t challenge Edward’s presumption. After all, she shared the same thought. Whose call could make Jayden step away before answering? Only Aarya’s.


    Suppressing her dismay, Elyse silently deepened the rift between herself and Jayden. The ambiguity that had defined their rtionship was no longer bearable for her, as she recognized it served neither of them well.


    When Jayden returned from the call, he hastened toward Elyse and quickly said, “I have an urgent matter to deal with.” Then, turning to Edward, he added, “Please keep her safe for me.”


    Edward let out a sneer and replied, “Of course, I’ll look after her.”


    Elyse, her eyes following Jayden, couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going on? Where are you headed?” Unbeknownst to her, her voice carried a blend of nervous curiosity and hopeful anticipation.


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