?<strong>Chapter 1601:</strong>


    When the man’s voice carried across the room while ordering, recognition finally clicked.


    “Hardy?” Jayden rose, crossing to the man’s table with purposeful strides. “What brings you here?”


    Hardy’s eyes flickered up at the voice, darting past Jayden tond on Elyse.


    His fingers clenched briefly before rxing as he stood, offering a practiced smile. “What an unexpected pleasure.”


    “Hardy?” Elyse studied his features, memory stirring. Recognition bloomed as she recalled the mercenary who had oncee to her aid.


    She approached eagerly. “Are you vacationing? I thought you lived for your missions.”


    Hardy’s smile warmed slightly. “I’ve earned enough to take a breather, do some traveling. Running into you two was pure chance.”


    “Join us for dinner?” Elyse suggested brightly, ncing between the two men.


    Jayden’s smile grew wooden. He’d finally managed to secure alone time with Elyse, only to have Hardy materialize. The universe seemed determined to thwart his ns.


    Before Jayden could formte a polite rejection, Hardy gracefully bowed out.


    “I’m just grabbing takeout for my hotel room,” he exined with an apologetic gesture. “Besides, I wouldn’t dream of interrupting your evening together.”


    Relief flooded through Jayden even as disappointment flickered across Elyse’s features.


    After a moment’s consideration, she pulled out her phone. “Let’s exchange contact information. If you need anything while you’re in Watscar, don’t hesitate to reach out.”


    Hardy’s brow furrowed with momentary reluctance before he acquiesced.


    As they swapped details, Elyse caught a glimpse of his phone screen.


    Her breath caught. Tracy’s promotional headshot graced his top chat. The same photo that had delighted her friend during theirst campaign shoot.


    Elyse’s smile grew brittle though she maintained herposure.


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    Hardy hastily pocketed his phone.


    “I won’t keep you,” Elyse managed smoothly. “Our food’s arriving.”


    Hardy nodded. “Enjoy your meal.”


    Elyse grasped Jayden’s hand, leading them back to their table.


    Noting her sudden tension, he asked softly, “Something wrong?”


    She shook her head slowly. “I’m not certain, but I think… he has a connection to Tracy.”


    Jayden’s heart raced as he absorbed Elyse’s words, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face.


    “Are you absolutely certain about this?”


    Elyse let out a frustrated sigh, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil.


    “That’s just it—I’m not sure at all. It feels far-fetched. But I can’t shake the image of Tracy’s profile picture being in his contacts. And it wasn’t just any photo; it was her favorite.”


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