Chapter 192:

Rebekah chased Vicky outside the restaurant, only to be slapped in the face as soon as she caught up. Passersby watched the embarrassing scene, humiliating Rebekah. Holding her cheek, she angrily asked Vicky, "Why did you hit me?"

Vicky's hand stung from slapping Rebekah harder than she had slapped Elyse. She mocked, "You know why."

Rebekah was speechless. "Don't worry," Vicky continued, glancing coldly at her. "I don't blame you for disliking Elyse. It just makes you less disgusting."

Rebekah gritted her teeth. "Don't worry, I won't give up on taking down Elyse," she said hastily. "And I promise never to manipulate you again."

Vicky, having gotten what she wanted, didn't even look back as she walked away. Rebekah awkwardly followed, shielding her bruised cheek from the curious gazes of passersby.

Meanwhile, Elyse ordered an ice pack from the waiter to soothe her cheek while continuing her dinner. After Vicky left, the somber mood at the table shifted to one of determination and resolve. Everyone vowed never to let Vicky win again. Even Elyse was motivated to fight harder.

After dinner, everyone began to leave. Standing on the roadside, Elyse texted her driver. Freddy approached and saw the handprint on her cheek. "I saw a different side of you when you struck Vicky," he remarked.

Elyse was confused. "What do you mean?"

Freddy shook his head, rubbing his temples. "You were just like your husband, Jayden. That icy look made me think he was teaching Vicky a lesson."

Elyse chuckled. "Well, after marrying Jayden, I've learned a lot from him."

Freddy continued, "You're his exact copy. It wouldn't surprise me if you had someone take out Vicky."

Elyse chuckled, feeling good as she sat in the car and waved goodbye to Freddy. "Is Jayden home?" she asked the driver, pulling out her phone to text him.

The driver smiled. "Yes, he's already home. He arrived before I even left."

Elyse nodded, planning to tell Jayden about Freddy's comments, but decided to do so with Driscoll present. Cheerfully, she went inside to find Jayden.

Jayden was watching TV when Elyse entered with a bright smile. However, her swollen cheek caught his eye, and he was startled. "Who hit you?" he asked, the room growing cold.

Elyse stopped, rubbing her cheek guiltily. "An orchestra member," she explained.

Jayden's gaze narrowed. "And you didn't fight back?" he asked sternly.

"Of course I did," Elyse replied confidently. "I slapped her so she wouldn't get the best of me." She sat on his lap and told him everything, hoping to avoid his anger.

Jayden relaxed when he learned Elyse had retaliated. She also bragged about Freddy's comment, expecting him to be proud.

But Jayden raised an eyebrow. "How could someone hit you if you were like me?" His words froze her smile.

"That's not the point. The point is, I'm becoming more like you," she said, embarrassed.

Jayden touched the handprint on her face, his eyes gleaming darkly. "You're not like me enough," he said, leaving Elyse speechless.

She suddenly became aware of their proximity, feeling Jayden's breath and the stubble on his face. A strange feeling surged in her heart, and the room seemed to warm as Jayden's hand circled her waist, making her breathe heavily.

His strength made her cling to him tighter; they were almost one. Elyse's mind was racing, and she was about to respond when Driscoll entered.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but Kieran Foster and Judy Foster are here to see you," he said respectfully, breaking the intimate moment.

... ... ...