Chapter 1143:

As Elyse’s words hung in the air, Jayden’s face darkened, like a storm gathering on the horizon. Meanwhile, Edward stood frozen, disbelief written on his face; his jaw practically hung open. “Wait. Are you serious? You’re really going out with me?”

With a steady nod, Elyse confirmed it—right in front of Jayden. And with each nod, Jayden’s expression grew more thunderous, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Then, as if a mischievous spirit whispered in her ear, Elyse’s eyes lit up with a sudden idea. She jabbed her finger into Edward’s chest, startling him into a gasp. Tilting her head with a playful smile, she purred, “But only if you tell me the whole truth.”

Her wicked grin sent icy shivers down Edward’s spine, and even Jayden joined in with a sardonic smile. “Come on, out with it already.”

Goosebumps prickled up Edward’s arms. Why on earth were those two joining forces against him?

With a quick breath, Edward steadied himself. “We broke into George’s house last night.”

Jayden shot him a sharp, intrigued look. This guy was becoming more interesting by the second. Elyse’s brow furrowed in suspicion. “And would you do something as reckless as that?”

Edward hesitated before replying, “We wanted to steal the violin for you. He kept jerking us around—first saying he’d sell it, then changing his mind. It was outrageous!” He paused, his tone growing more serious. “So, we decided to steal it.”

A swirl of emotions flickered across Elyse’s face before she seemed to reluctantly accept his explanation. “And how did both of you end up hurt?” she asked.

Edward sighed. “We had a disagreement about the theft,” he explained. “Things got heated, and we ended up fighting.”

With a pitiful look, Edward turned to Elyse, his voice softening. “Jayden beat me like I was his worst enemy. If you don’t believe me, I can show you my bruises.” He began to lift his shirt.

Elyse put up a hand. “Stop right there! No need to take your shirt off!”

Edward’s expression turned woeful, as if his unspoken message was clear: “If you don’t see injuries, you don’t care about me.”

Rubbing her temples in frustration, Elyse sighed. “I’ll go on that date with you after George wakes up.”

At those words, Edward straightened instantly, the fire of triumph flashing in his eyes as he shot a challenging look toward Jayden.

Jayden’s lips twisted slightly, his gaze darkening with an unspoken promise of retribution.

As soon as Edward excused himself to the restroom, Jayden seized the moment. He pulled Elyse aside to the far end of the hallway, his irritation barely concealed. “Are you out of your mind? Why would you go on a date with him?” he questioned, barely restraining his anger. “I don’t care how you do it, but you have to cancel that date.”

Elyse, her temper flaring, jerked her hand free from his grip. “You want me to cancel? Fine. Then tell me what you and Edward were really up to yesterday!” Her voice was rising, laced with sharp accusation.