?<strong>Chapter 1443:</strong>


    Jayden reached out in a sh, his tone tinged with surprise. “You’re heading out just like that?”


    Elyse gave him a baffled look. “If I’m not leaving, what am I supposed to do? Your work isn’t exactly my cup of tea.”


    “Believe me, just having you here boosts my drive like nothing else,” Jayden admitted.


    Elyse hesitated, then threw a yful jab. “Who’s feeding you these lines?”


    Jayden shot back, “Aren’t they your style?”


    “They smack of Peyton’s influence. He’s been coaching you, hasn’t he?” Elyse probed with a smirk.


    Jayden paused, his voice a mixture of amusement and dismay. “You weren’t supposed to roll your eyes at that. Peyton swore it was irresistible.”


    Elyse let out a hearty sigh. “Peyton’s hardly an expert in romance. He has never been in love. What does he really know about women?”


    At this, Jayden’s smile faded, and he fell silent. He should never have listened to Peyton.


    Shaking her head, Elyse stretched out on the sofa, stifling a yawn. “If you wantpany, me napping here has to count, right?”


    Seeing her settle down, Jayden’s mood lightened. “There’s a lounge in my office. How about you take the bed there?”


    After a moment’s thought, Elyse agreed as she stood up. “That sounds perfect. I’m really sleepy. Lead the way!”


    Jayden guided her to the lounge, where Elyse quickly dozed off.


    Jayden lingered, watching her sleep, his heart swelling with affection.


    He eventually left her side and made his way back to his office. Once there, he grabbed the phone and dialed Peyton.


    Peyton answered with his usual nonchnce, “Hey, what’s up? Missing me already?”


    Jayden didn’t mince words. “Your so-called foolproof sweet talk fell t with Elyse.”


    From the other end, Peyton’s voice boomed in disbelief. “No way! Those lines are golden. Give me the y-by-y!”


    After Jayden outlined the debacle, Peyton paused for a long stretch, then said slowly, “Timing’s the soul of sweet talk, and you, my friend,cked sincerity. It’s no wonder she found it cheesy.”


    “How can you say I wasn’t sincere? My feelings for her are as deep as the ocean,” Jayden countered.


    Peyton exhaled deeply. “You im sincerity, yet youe off as if you’re high and mighty.”


    Realizing Jayden wasn’t cut out for this, Peyton suggested, “Maybe you should ditch the sweet talk. It’s not your strong suit, and I don’t want Elyse ming me for your fumbles.”


    Jayden, stubborn as ever, retorted, “Maybe you’re just a lousy teacher.”


    “Look, don’t drag me into your love life anymore. Go bother Clive,” Peyton snapped back.


    Jayden responded, “He’s up to his neck in work. He doesn’t have time for my romantic dilemmas.”


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