?<strong>Chapter 1474:</strong>


    Jayden shrugged, unrepentant. “Justying out the facts. She’s got her eye on Gavin; she should see the whole picture.”


    Freda dabbed at her eyes, took a deep breath, and confessed, “He’s not wrong. I was a piece of work back then. Tried to throw Gavin under the bus once. It’s haunting me. I feel like I’m my own worst enemy.”


    Elyse stepped in, her voice soothing. “Hey, that’s all water under the bridge. You wanted Gavin’s number, right? He’sing over for dinner tonight.”


    Freda peeked up, her voice small. “For real? He’s actuallying?”


    Elyse nodded firmly. “Yes, he is. So, let’s get you cleaned up. You don’t want him to see you all puffy-eyed and think you’re a mess.”


    Freda’s tears stopped as if cut off by a switch. She perked up and asked, “Can I use your makeup? I want to look stunning for him!”


    “Absolutely, dig into whatever you need.” Elyse motioned for a maid to take Freda upstairs to get ready.


    Once Freda was out of earshot, Jayden smiled. “I’m surprised you’re being so nice to her. She’s caused you trouble before, and now she’s after Gavin. I would’ve thought you’d turn her away.”


    Elyse responded with a touch of grace, “Freda has hurt me in the past, but it never went too deep. I can afford to be forgiving. As for her chasing after Gavin, who am I to stand in the way? The choice is Gavin’s to make, not mine.”


    Jayden probed further. “But what if he epts her? Wouldn’t that feel like a betrayal from someone you’re close to?”


    Elyse pondered the question, her expression thoughtful. “Feelings are a tricky business. If they find happiness together, then maybe it was meant to be.”


    gα?ησν????s takes you on a journey


    Jaydenughed softly. “That’s quite an open-minded take.”


    He gestured to Elyse with a yful smirk. “Come here.”


    Elyse nced around at the other maids lingering in the room and asked with a puzzled look, “Come where? What do you mean?”


    “Hey, did you forget aboutst night already?” Jayden pulled her close, tugging her onto hisp.


    Elyse squirmed a few times but eventually rested her head against his chest, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    “Why so bashful? We’re together, aren’t we? It’s normal to show a little affection,” Jayden teased.


    Elyse quickly covered his mouth with her hand. “Hush! Aren’t you a bit too loud?”


    Jayden admired Elyse for many things, but her shyness was something he felt needed a gentle nudge. Even simple disys of affection had to be hidden away.


    He pondered over the idea of helping her be more confident. Jayden hugged Elyse tightly and whispered just loud enough for her to hear, “You’ve seen me naked. You have to be responsible.”


    Elyse, looking bewildered, responded in surprise, “When did we undressst night?” Then, a thought struck her. “Haven’t we been down this road before?”


    Jayden pinched her cheek yfully and insisted, “Who else understands my past like you do? I feel so naked before you, so now you’ve got to take responsibility.”


    Elyse’s jaw dropped slightly as she stared at Jayden, who looked thoroughly annoyed. Then, like a spark lighting a me, a sly grin spread across her face. “Aha! I’ve figured it out!”


    .


    .


    .