?Chapter 1823:


    As they contemted this peculiar decorative theme, Clive appeared apanied by a woman in an elegant ck gown, who looked distinctly ufortable.


    Elyse, her curiosity piqued, asked directly, “Is this your romantic partner?”


    Clive nced briefly at the woman. “She’s actually my sister, though she possesses the temperament of a man.”


    His sister exhaled with exasperation, rolling her eyes dramatically. “You mentioned your friend’s birthday celebration. I naturally presumed your friend was male. I dressed formally for the asion. You never specified it was a female friend. I would have selected entirely different attire.”


    After a moment of awkward silence, Clive responded wearily, “My friend is indeed male.”


    His sister’s expression transformed into utter astonishment. “Your male friend appreciates these… frilly decorations? Unbelievable!”


    Clive stood speechless, unable to formte a response.


    Chloe wandered away in search of refreshments.


    Jayden turned toward Elyse. “Aren’t you hungry?”<fn4a4d> Content originallyes from find~novel</fn4a4d>


    Elyse swirled the wine in her ss contemtively. “I’m more intrigued by understanding the evolution of Peyton’s aesthetic preferences.”


    As she voiced this thought, Peyton appeared, impably dressed and humming a cheerful melody.


    “You’ve finally arrived! I’ve been anticipating your presence!” he eximed with unbridled enthusiasm.


    Elyse gestured broadly at the overwhelming disy of pink and glitter. “What exins this decorative theme?”


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    Peyton sighed, his face marked by a trace of helplessness. “I mentioned the idea of hosting a birthday party to Aileen casually, and she seized the opportunity to help organize it. Little did I know she’d opt for such a charming theme.”


    Elyse watched Peyton’s face, clearly amused. “She swapped your rugged party theme for something sweet, and you aren’t upset?”


    Peyton answered, “Isn’t it obvious I’m seething?”


    Elyse shot a puzzled look at Jayden, questioning whether Peyton was genuinely angry.


    Jayden slung his arm around Peyton’s shoulders and leaned in for a quiet word. “You’re still clinging to your stubborn ways?”


    Peyton yed dumb. “Stubborn about what?”


    Jayden chuckled. “Stop inventing stories about me. You’re simply another man withmon tastes.”


    Peyton persisted. “Stop fabricating things about me. It’s Aileen’s father who respects my character and implored me to marry his daughter. I was left with no choice but to ept the engagement.”


    Jaydenughed gently. “You could decline. As your friend, I’m here to help you call off the engagement, allowing you to be with the one you truly love, and letting Aileen choose someone she prefers.”


    “No, that won’t be necessary!” Peyton cut him off quickly, but his inherent stubbornness pushed him to rationalize. “Actually, she’s quite taken with me, and she’s agreed to marry me.”


    Jayden saw right through him but didn’t call him out, instead yfully adding, “She took a liking to Clive.”


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