Chapter 1174:

Louise seemed about to speak, hesitated, then her eyes filled with sadness. “I know. That’s why I should focus on Edward. Marrying him would be the sensible choice.”

Observing Louise’s peculiar expression, Elyse asked nonchalantly, “Did something happen between you and Garret?”

“No. Absolutely not,” Louise replied sharply.

Elyse was taken aback by such a strong denial. The intensity of Louise’s reaction only deepened her suspicions. Noticing Louise’s reluctance to discuss it further, Elyse chose not to push the issue.

Seeing Louise’s gloomy look, Elyse suggested, “Would you like to sleep in my room tonight?”

Louise wrapped her arms around herself and replied cautiously, “What are you implying? I’m a princess. Don’t assume you can take care of me.”

A smirk crossed Elyse’s face. “I’m only interested in men.”

“Even so, I prefer to sleep by myself,” Louise said, throwing her apple core away. “I’m actually going to stop talking now.”

Elyse responded, “Alright. Have a good rest then.”

Louise yawned and replied, “You too. I’ll talk to Garret about arranging a meeting with Jayden, so you don’t miss him too much.”

After Louise departed, Elyse leaned on the kitchen counter, exhaling deeply. Once she felt settled and began heading upstairs, she encountered Garret.

Garret extended a phone toward Elyse, saying, “The idiot’s calling. Answer it, or he’ll keep bothering me tonight.” Elyse wasn’t sure who Garret referred to. She looked at the phone and saw Edward’s name displayed.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable, she met Garret’s gaze. “Letting you use my phone,” he said, “just make it quick.” Garret then walked away.

Elyse took the phone, went back downstairs, and took the call.

As Elyse picked up, Edward’s angry voice boomed from the other end, “Elyse, you are quite courageous, aren’t you? How could you possibly venture to a location that is so dangerous?”

Elyse laughed nervously. “I wasn’t alone. I found someone to help me.”

Edward’s tone softened. “Who helped you?”

“Uh… I’m not telling you,” Elyse replied, unwilling to reveal Louise’s involvement.

“Ha! You won’t tell me? Garret already did. The nerve of Louise!” Edward was enraged. “These two women are both troublemakers.”

“Why ask me since you know already?” Elyse retorted, clearly annoyed.

“I wanted to check if you would be honest with me,” Edward explained. “It surprises me that Louise, who once disliked you, would assist you now. Have you two made a secret agreement?”

“If you keep this up, I’ll end the call,” Elyse said.

“I’m sending someone to bring you back, and you’re going to follow their instructions,” Edward commanded. . . .