?<strong>Chapter 1447:</strong>


    Cowering behind Elyse, Thea murmured, “I don’t have 2.7 million. I just can’t afford it.”


    The womanughed derisively. “If your girlfriend can’t pay, then it’s on you,” she said, pointing at the man.


    Furious, he exploded. “Aren’t you a rich heiress? How can you not have 2.7 million? You just don’t want to pay. How could I have ever cared so much for you? You ungrateful woman!”


    “Enough babbling—pay up!” the woman demanded, relentless.


    As the police arrived and with no funds to offer, Theo’s boyfriend hesitated only a moment before he bolted through the crowd and disappeared.


    With him gone, Elyse’s role as protector seemed to diminish.


    She turned to Thea, who looked utterly defeated, and asked, “Growing up a Benson, how did you never develop better taste? Do you really think that man was a catch?”


    Thea bit her lower lip, lost for words.


    Elyse, feeling somewhat detached yet protective, advised, “Once all this settles, go home and think hard about whether you want to keep seeing someone like that. Don’t let a moment of anger lead you to settle for such a lousy man.”


    She paused, then added softly, “And don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about today.”


    “I’ll give you this coat. Consider it a gift. You don’t need to return it,” Elyse said before she turned to reim her spot at the dining table.


    Thea watched Elyse’s retreating figure, a whirl of thoughts swirling in her head, then quietly, she exited.


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    Jayden caught Thea’s departure out of the corner of his eye and wondered aloud, “Can’t wait to step in to shield your young cousin from harm?”


    “It’s not just because she’s my cousin,” Elyse replied. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch any woman be mistreated.”


    “That’s quite the noble stance, isn’t it?” Jayden remarked with a hint of concern. “But what about your safety? That guy earlier was a loose cannon. People who ignore the rules and prey on the vulnerable are a dangerous breed.”


    Elyse gave it some serious thought, then nodded in agreement. “You’re spot on. If you hadn’t been here, I doubt I would’ve stepped in so boldly.”


    Jayden raised an eyebrow, then cracked a smile. “So, I’m the secret to your bravery?”


    “Exactly,” Elyse chuckled. “Without you, would I even dare to jump in? More likely, I’d find a safe spot to hide and dial for the police.”


    Caught off guard by her straightforwardness, Jayden was momentarily speechless. He’d never heard such unguarded words from her. His thoughts churned, and it dawned on him that the most sincere forms of affection are those expressed in the spur of the moment. A swell of pride washed over him.


    Outside the restaurant, Thea sat by a flowerbed near the mall, her mind a tangled mess. Just as she began piecing her thoughts together, her phone rang.


    It was the police. They had nabbed Theo’s boyfriend and needed her toe in and make a statement.


    After ending the call, Thea slowly rose and gged down a taxi to head to the police station.


    By the time she arrived back home, it was well past midnight.


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