?<strong>Chapter 1070:</strong>


    The man waved his hand dismissively, his voice lighthearted. “No need to worry. The word from the front is all good. The enemy’s trapped with nowhere to run—they’re just boxed in.”


    A weight lifted off Elyse’s chest, and for the first time in hours, she allowed herself to breathe easier. She pouted a little, her voice soft as she asked, “So, will he be back today?”


    The man pped his thigh with a heartyugh. “Look at you two, head over heels! Don’t fret. Once this is all sorted, we’ll be raising our sses at your wedding—mark my words.”


    Elyse’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she asked, her voice uncertain, “What’s your name? How should I address you?”


    “Peyton Ellis, an old friend you haven’t seen in quite some time,” he replied, a smug grin spreading across his lips. Elyse said nothing, her eyes fixed on him. She stared at Peyton’s face for what felt like forever until something odd caught her attention near his neck.


    Curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the strange texture on his neck. Shock washed over her. “Is this atex mask?”


    “Surprised? Didn’t see thating, huh?” Peyton threw his head back,ughing loudly, clearly enjoying the moment.


    Elyse stomped her foot in frustration. “Peyton! Do you seriously think ying these games with me is fun?”


    “Of course it’s fun! You didn’t even recognize me! Why wouldn’t I enjoy it?” Peyton teased, raising an eyebrow, his grin growing wider.


    Elyse was too angry to respond, her words stuck in her throat. She remembered everything he had said earlier and realized how foolish she had been to take him seriously. She wished she could disappear from sheer embarrassment.


    Peyton’s eyes twinkled when he sensed her difort. “Oh, by the way, I may have stretched the truth a bit earlier. Want to know which parts?”


    Elyse tried to act indifferent, though her voice betrayed her. “I don’t want to know. Honestly, I assume everything you said was a lie. I didn’t believe a word of it.”


    Peyton leaned in, his tone yful. “Really? If you didn’t believe any of it, I suppose there’s no point in clearing things up.”


    “You—” Elyse was at a loss, fuming silently at his teasing. Running a hand through his hair, Peyton smirked. “I’m irresistible, I know. Don’t say too much now, or you might fall for me.”


    Elyse gave him a sharp look, her expression unreadable as her thoughts churned. “You know, that mask has really made you bold and narcissistic.”


    Peyton shrugged. “What’s wrong with me being confident? And please, call me Vincent when I’m wearing this mask.”


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