?<strong>Chapter 1072:</strong>


    Before leaving, Peyton paused at the door and, in a dramatic flourish, peeled off the mask, revealing his sweat-covered face. Elyse couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him. Peyton then slipped the mask back on, determined to hide his identity.


    Once Peyton was gone, the house fell silent, leaving Elyse alone with her thoughts. She sat quietly, waiting for Jayden to return.


    gα?ησν????s?cо??, your storytelling home


    The hours dragged on, darkness enveloping the room. By 1 a.m., she heard faint footsteps echoing from outside. She had already fallen asleep by that time. Excited, she leaped to her feet, expecting Jayden.


    Just as she reached the door, it was flung open violently. A wave of blood-chilling, murderous intent filled the room, freezing her in her tracks. She couldn’t move, couldn’t even breathe. Fear gripped her tighter than she had ever felt before.


    Elyse looked up nkly, her gazending on a man at the door. His skin was tanned, his eyebrows thick and dark, his nose prominent, and his jaw sharply defined.


    He stood over 1.9 meters tall, his presence looming over Elyse like a towering peak, exerting immense pressure on her.


    Fear caused Elyse to tremble. The scent of blood clung to him, mixed with the foul smell of decay. It was obvious he had emerged from a gruesome scene, given the odors he bore.


    “Elyse? Owen’s beloved?” Garret inquired, his eyebrow arched in a mix of sarcasm and scrutiny.


    The moment their eyes met, Elyse quickly looked away. The intensity was too much. She felt ufortable under Garret’s evaluating gaze, as if she were merely an item to appraise.


    Elyse nodded and stepped aside to let Garret pass. Without a word, he walked into the house, his boots echoing on the floor as he made his way upstairs.


    Once Garret disappeared, Elyse let out a breath of relief, taking deep breaths to calm herself. So this was Louise’s brother? He looked nothing like her. Regaining herposure, Elyse peered back at the door. With Garret back, why hadn’t Jayden returned yet?


    She remained by the door, anxiously watching outside.


    Garret, now clean and dressed in fresh clothes, noticed Elyse’s expectant look as he descended the stairs. Standing on the stairs, he asked, “Are you waiting for Owen?”


    Turning to see Garret, Elyse quickly averted her gaze, murmuring, “Yes.”


    As Garret walked toward the kitchen, towel-drying his hair, he reassured her, “Don’t worry. He’s quite capable. He won’t encounter any trouble.”


    Elyse cautiously asked, “Then why hasn’t hee back yet?”


    Garret scoffed, “Tsk, women are such a hassle. Jayden is tying up loose ends for me. He’ll be back within the hour.”


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