?Chapter 1654:


    A chill ran down Elyse’s spine as a thought struck her—if Chloe was gone, she’d be home alone with Jayden and his boundless energy. And knowing him, that kind of “quality time” would be anything but restful.


    At the airport, Chloe spotted Elyse and Jayden heading in the opposite direction after clearing security. Frowning, she hurried after them. “Hey, where are you going? My gate’s this way!”


    Elyse blinked in surprise. “We’re headed to Manfek. Aren’t youing with us?”


    Chloe’s heart raced as she frantically checked her ticket. “Mine says I’m flying home!”


    Elyse’s gaze instinctively shifted to Jayden. He’d booked the tickets—he would know.


    Jayden gave a casual shrug. “Must’ve been a mistake by my assistant.”


    Elyse’s eyes narrowed, sharp as a de. “A mistake? Come on, Jayden. Maybe it’s time you start telling the truth.”


    Elyse squinted, unconvinced. “I don’t think your assistant would make such a mistake. He’s always meticulous and doesn’t miss details.”


    Chloe’s brows furrowed as she nced at Jayden.


    He rubbed the bridge of his nose, then spoke firmly. “You’re going to Manfek to get the violin repaired. So, I’lle along.” After a brief pause, his gaze shifted to Chloe,ced with disapproval. “Maybe it’s best if you head home. There’s no need to tag along.”


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    Elyseined, “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”


    Jayden shrugged, ncing at Chloe, who looked too stunned to respond. “I assumed she’d figure it out.”


    Chloe’s face burned with embarrassment. Her confidence faltered as she struggled to recover from the awkwardness.


    She hadn’t realized until now—Jayden wanted to be alone with Elyse.


    Looking back, it made sense. They’d barely left their room yesterday. When she went to fetch them for dinner, they’d been perfectly content, lost in their own little world.


    It hit her then: she’d been interrupting their private moments the entire time.


    Her palms grew mmy as embarrassment set in. “Actually,” she said awkwardly, “I’m not really up for going to Manfek. I’ll just head back to the lounge and catch my flight home. You two enjoy yourselves!”


    Before they could respond, she grabbed her luggage and hurried off, her retreat almost frantic.


    Elyse watched her disappear, then sighed. “Looks like you scared her off.”


    Jayden shrugged. “It’s fine. I did it on purpose.”


    If he didn’t rattle Chloe a little, he wouldn’t get to have Elyse entirely to himself.


    Their flight to Manfek departed earlier than the one heading home. By the time theynded, the evening sky had dimmed.


    At the hotel, Elyse sank onto the sofa, exhaustion evident in the slump of her shoulders. Jayden rubbed his hands together with a yful grin. “Tired? Want me to carry you to the bath?”


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