?<strong>Chapter 1002:</strong>


    Elyse, with a hint of amusement, inquired, “What makes you so interested in my conversation with Theo? Are you really that worried about me, or did Edward send you to spy?”


    Despite feeling guilty, Louise defiantly responded, “I wasn’t.”


    Elyseughed softly, cing her hand on Louise’s shoulder and drawing her nearer. “If Edward is curious, he should ask me directly. Sending you to engage in these covert actions will only lead you astray.”


    Louise’s expression soured. “I’m not being misled. No one can mislead me.”


    Elyse gently squeezed Louise’s shoulder, adopting the tone of a wise older sister. “Alright, return to your room and get some rest. I’m tired as well.”


    Louise nodded and made her way back to her room. Meanwhile, Mabel was in a car, updating Kaelyn on the status of her mission.


    Upon learning that Theo was still alive and had thwarted their ns, Kaelyn expressed her annoyance. With a chilling tone, she remarked, “I once stabbed him, and yet he survived. Was he saved by someone?”


    Refusing to concede defeat, Mabel answered, “Probably. He’s in good health and has recently met with Elyse. I’ll attempt another strike tomorrow.”


    Kaelyn replied approvingly, “Excellent. We must eradicate those who have wronged us, one at a time.”


    Determination shone in Mabel’s eyes. “Once Elyse is out of the way, Theo’s next!” Jayden crossed her mind too; she wouldn’t let him go either.


    “Take it slow. Don’t get greedy. You’re not ready to take on Theo,” Kaelyn warned her before ending the call. Mabel cast her phone aside and massaged her temples in frustration. Then she lit a cigarette.


    Once the cigarette was finished, the stirring in her heart eased, giving way to a deep longing. She missed Hyde dearly.


    She had held back for as long as she could. Finally, she reached for her phone and called him. She longed to share the burdens of her past, to tell him about the tragic endings of her parents and the wounds from a harsh first love.


    Today’s encounter with Theo had revived memories she had forced herself to forget. The pain overwhelmed her. She needed someone’s embrace. Kaelyn’s presence wasforting but not enough. Only Hyde could soothe her.


    Mabel kept redialing as each call went unanswered. “Why isn’t Hyde picking up? What’s he up to?” she murmured. Anxious, she chewed on her fingernail while staring at the phone screen. When her first attempt went unanswered, she tried again. She repeatedly dialed without a reply.


    Seeing over twenty attempts gone unanswered made her heart drop. She made excuses for Hyde initially. But after three hours without a return call, she sensed something amiss.


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