?<strong>Chapter 1386:</strong>


    “Good evening,” Victor Hayes greeted, his enthusiasm lighting up the room.


    “You’re Miss Elyse Lloyd, right? I’ve seen you perform on TV. Your violin ying is nothing short of magical.”


    Caught off guard, Elyse gave him a polite but awkward handshake. Her eyes darted to Pearce, silently calling for rescue.


    Pearce’s expression darkened as he stepped protectively in front of Elyse.


    “What are you doing here? I didn’t invite you over for dinner,” he growled.


    Victor, undeterred, shed a wide grin.


    “Didn’t you know? Your grandma invited me. She said she wanted to y matchmaker for me.”


    Pearce’s instincts red like warning sirens.


    “y matchmaker? You and Elyse? Are you sure you heard her right?”


    Victor nodded confidently.


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    “Absolutely. I wouldn’t havee otherwise.”


    He turned his dazzling smile on Elyse.


    “After dinner, let me show you around. I know all the hidden gems in town.”


    “Hey! Keep your distance from her!” Pearce snapped, covering Victor’s eyes with his hand as if to shield Elyse from his gaze.


    Elyse tugged at Pearce’s sleeve, her curiosity piqued.


    “Who is this guy?”


    Pearce, his face stormy with displeasure, muttered, “This is Victor Hayes. We grew up together, though he’s more like a fly buzzing in my ear. Same age as me, but let’s just say brains aren’t his strong suit. Don’t waste your energy on him—his silliness might rub off on you.”


    Unfazed, Victor burst intoughter.


    “Oh,e on, Elyse. Don’t let this blockhead fool you. I’ve known about you for ages, but Pearce here guards you like a dragon hoarding treasure. He dodges me like the gue and never wants to make introductions!”


    Elyse tilted her head, puzzled.


    “I don’t think Pearce has ever mentioned you before.”


    “That’s because it’s not worth mentioning,” Pearce cut in, rolling his eyes.


    “Who’d want to hear about an idiot?” He reached out and pinched Victor’s cheek with exaggerated annoyance, his frustration bubbling to the surface.


    Victor, refusing to back down, puffed up his chest.


    “Idiot? Excuse me! I’m a catch! Why else would your grandma want me to date Elyse? Admit it—deep down, you know I’m a ss act.”


    “ss act?” Pearce scoffed, his irritation nearing its peak.


    “You mean a clown act. Just shut it already!”


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