Chapter 968:

Elyse set the dinner tray on the small table and silently observed Louise. She exhaled deeply and said, “Stop weeping. You were harsh to me, and now you expect my comfort? That’s unfair.”

Louise, engrossed in her sobbing, jumped at the sound of Elyse’s voice. She raised her head, her face streaked with tears, her eyes wide with bewilderment. She gave Elyse a stunned look.

Seeing Louise’s forlorn expression, Elyse sighed, took out a tissue, and offered it. “Clean your face. You’ve cried enough. You’re probably starving. Have something to eat.”

Louise scowled. “What are you up to? You don’t really care, so quit pretending!” She suspected Elyse was only being kind to charm Edward and gain his affection.

Elyse laughed softly. “Ah, you caught me. Seems you’re quite clever.”

“I’m warning you,” Louise snapped bitterly. “Someone as plain as you doesn’t stand a chance with Edward. He’s merely smitten with you now. Once he snaps out of it, he’ll abandon you.”

Elyse propped her chin in her hand and replied nonchalantly, “I hope he realizes that soon and leaves me be.”

Faced with Elyse’s composure, Louise understood she was up against a formidable rival. Despite the harsh words, Elyse remained calm, proving she wasn’t easily rattled.

Louise bit her lip, cleaned her face, and folded her arms. “Tell me. What do you really want from Edward? If it’s money, just name your price and leave him alone.”

Elyse found Louise’s accusation amusing but chose to be straightforward. “I have no hidden motives. I’m only here for a short time and will be leaving soon. There’s no need to worry.”

However, Louise remained unconvinced. In her eyes, Edward was remarkable, belonging to a distinguished family. Women went to great lengths to be near him. How could Elyse not have ulterior motives? Louise was convinced Elyse was playing hard to get.

With that thought, Louise clenched her teeth. How could she unveil this woman’s deceit? “Can you truly claim you have no hidden agenda?” Louise challenged.

“I can,” Elyse responded, calm.

“Then swear it!” Louise demanded, visibly upset.

Elyse looked at Louise’s furious expression, raised her hand, and swore, facing her directly.

Louise was caught off guard by Elyse’s serene manner. She remained skeptical, wondering if Elyse wasn’t scared of the consequences of her deceit.

Observing that Louise had quieted, Elyse believed she had soothed her. … … …