?<strong>Chapter 1618:</strong>


    Zoe wasn’t buying it. With a sharp stride, she snatched the cigarette from his hand.


    “Don’t try to fool me, Jordy. I won’t fall for your nonsense.” She leveled him with a re. “If you want to stick around long enough to spend more years with me, you’d better kick this habit for good.”


    Jordy sighed in defeat, nodding obediently. “Got it, dear. No more smoking.”


    Zoe huffed, then turned on her heel and left, leaving Jordy slumped in his chair.


    Only after she was out of sight did he exhale deeply, relief washing over him. That had been way too close.


    For now, his secret was safe.


    Jordy had no intention of ending things with Corrie—she was young, lively, and made him feel like a man in his prime again. It thrilled him that he could still capture the attention of a woman so much younger.


    Yet, the problem was undeniable—Corrie was meant to be Brook’s future wife.


    Still, Jordy didn’t see himself as the viin here. Corrie hade to him willingly, hadn’t she?


    Right now, the biggest challenge was keeping their affair under wraps—making sure no one, not a soul, got wind of it. And the biggest obstacle in his way? Elyse. She was a problem he couldn’t afford to ignore.


    Leaning back in his chair, Jordy rubbed his temples, deep in thought. His mind drifted to what Corrie had told him earlier that day. Was Corrie right? Was eliminating Elyse truly the only way to keep their secret under wraps?


    While Jordy wrestled with the decision, Elyse had already made up her mind. Her bags were packed, and she was bound for Virelia.


    Onboard the flight, Chloe practically buzzed with excitement. “If this concert goes off without a hitch, your name will soar. You’ll be one step closer to headlining your own solo tour!”


    Elyse responded with a faint smile. “Easier said than done. A solo concert might never happen in this lifetime.”


    Chloe wasn’t having it. “Come on, don’t be so gloomy. I won’t let you give up on your dream.”


    Then, as if something just urred to her, she asked, “Hey, where’s Jayden? Isn’t he supposed to apany you?”


    “He had some business to handle,” Elyse said lightly. “Flew out to another city yesterday.”


    Chloe shrugged. “Doesn’t matter—I’m here, and I can protect you too!” Elyse chuckled but said nothing.


    As soon as the ne touched down, a striking sight greeted them: military personnel lined up in an official wee, and right in the middle stood Reba, her smile radiant.


    Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief.


    Just how close were Elyse and Reba? The grand reception looked like something fit for a world leader!


    Elyse took in the scene, her heart growing heavier by the second. But she masked it well, stepping forward with a poised smile as she extended her hand.


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