?<strong>Chapter 1495:</strong>


    Pearce stood up, offering a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Elyse. They’re all just my friends. Come sit next to me, and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”


    Still a little jittery, Elyse took Chloe’s arm and followed, settling into her seat.


    Victor broke the ice with a friendly smile. “Hey, Elyse! Do you like berries? The ones here are super fresh.”


    He ced a bowl of berries in front of Elyse with a flourish.


    Elyse couldn’t hide her delight. She was a sucker for berries, and seeing her favorite fruit made her heart lift. She shed Victor a grateful smile. “Thanks, Victor. But I don’t think I ever told you I liked berries, did I?”


    Victor chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. “We’ve crossed paths a few times, and I couldn’t help but notice you seemed to enjoy them, so I made a mental note of it.”


    A man, clearly enjoying himself, teased, “Since when did you start paying so much attention to Pearce’s cousin, Victor? You don’t even know my favorite fruit, yet you’ve memorized hers. What’s going on here?”


    Victor quickly shot back. “Hey, don’t go using me.”


    The man grinned and continued, “use you? You walked in and ordered berries without hesitation, but when we reached for them, you acted like they were a precious gem. Even Pearce here doesn’t have your level of attention to detail.”


    Pearce, sensing something wasn’t quite right, raised an eyebrow, his eyes wide with realization. “Wait a minute, Victor, you sly dog! You’ve got a thing for Elyse, don’t you? I’m warning you, my innocent-as-an-angel cousin deserves someone better than you.”


    Elyse, unable to stay silent any longer, gently interjected, “Pearce, please don’t make me sound like some saint.”


    Pearce chuckled and ced a calming hand on her. “Hush now. In my eyes, you’re as pure as an angel. Just sit tight while I handle this rascal.”


    Victor, rubbing his chin with a yful smirk, retorted, “I’m just looking out for her.”


    “You want to look out for her? I’m her family. I can do that!” Pearce’s voice was tight with irritation as he challenged the situation. “So you’re the hero for taking care of her, and I’m the failure?”


    Victor shed a knowing smirk. “I’ve figured out Elyse’s likes and dislikes just by paying attention. That makes me more thoughtful and considerate than you, doesn’t it?”


    “Elyse is my cousin, not yours!” Pearce said, his frustration mounting. “Can’t you stick to your own family instead of trying to butt into mine?”


    Unruffled, Victor shrugged, still smiling. “Elyse is delightful. Can you me me for wanting to be close to her?”


    Right then, one of their friends cut in with a sly grin. “Victor, it sounds like you’re hunting for a girlfriend.”


    Pearce’s expression darkened. He rose abruptly. “Victor, we need to talk. Outside, now.”


    Victorplied, following Pearce out without a word.


    Left in the room with Pearce’s friends, Elyse felt a flush of nervousness. She gripped Chloe’s hand, seeking sce, and offered a hesitant smile. “Hi, everyone,” she began, her voice quivering a bit. “I’m Elyse Lloyd. It’s great to meet you guys.”


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