?<strong>Chapter 1197:</strong>


    Hardy gave Amanda a serious look. “If you keep being this stubborn, I may have to reconsider our rtionship.”


    Amanda responded sharply, “Reconsider? You made a promise. If you go back on your word, you’re breaking that promise.”


    An unreadable look crossed Hardy’s face. “If that’s your perspective, then let it be.”


    Taken aback by his cold demeanor, Amanda shivered and turned her gaze away to hide her reaction.


    Hardy added sternly, “I’m onto your schemes. Don’t try anything reckless. If you do, it’s on you if I respond harshly.”


    Ignoring Amanda’s shocked expression, Hardy picked up his te and walked away without another word.


    Amanda red at his departing back, her anger simmering. “What an act. You won’t get off that easily!” she muttered. She then turned her re to Elyse, who was being yfully teased by the others. Her expression grew darker.


    Encircled by the crowd, Elyse blushed, her natural charm amplified by her shyness. Amanda could see that even Jayden was enchanted by Elyse’s demeanor.


    What a slut. Are you trying to snag men? If you want, I can arrange that, Amanda thought, her mouth curling into a sinister smile.


    Flustered by the ongoing teasing, Elyse tried to eat quickly, searching for an escape. Jayden caught her by the hand and insisted, “Finish your food. You always skip meals. Do you want to starve yourself?”


    Feeling overwhelmed, Elyse pleaded, “There are too many people here. I’m too embarrassed to eat.”


    Jayden stood and addressed the crowd. “When this battle ends, dinner’s on me. For now, give my wife some space. If you keep this up, she might not show up tomorrow.”


    The crowd erupted intoughter, and Elyse’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.


    “Haha, see you tomorrow then!”


    “Come on, let’s not bother the youngdy anymore. She needs to eat.”


    With the crowd dispersing, Elyse breathed a sigh of relief. Jayden poured her a ss of water, encouraging, “Come on, eat more. You’re too thin. You need to eat.”


    With no one else around, Elyse’s patience snapped. “Mind your business!” She red at him and began eating her food. Seeing her finally eating properly, Jayden smiled, his own appetite growing. He went back for another helping.


    Elyse eyed him suspiciously as he returned with more food. “What did you do today to eat like this?”


    “After our encounter, I’m feeling great, inside and out. Naturally, I need more food,” Jayden replied with a yful smile.


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