?Chapter 1827:


    As Aileen’s expressions varied from amused to embarrassed, Clive surmised that her private interactions with Peyton might be more harmonious than she let on.


    Feeling Clive’s inquisitive gaze, Aileen quickly wrapped up. “I think I’ve asked everything I needed to. I should get going now.”


    She quickly walked away, but hadn’t gone far when Peyton, who had been lurking nearby, stepped forward.


    Upon seeing him, Aileen’s confusion deepened. “What are you doing here?”


    With a stern look, Peyton asked, “What were you discussing with Clive? You seem a bit flushed.”


    Memories of Peyton’s earlier affection made her cheeks glow even hotter. She dodged his hand, saying softly, “Please, it’s nothing. Let it be.”


    Peyton’s frustration was evident. In his mind, it was absolutely his concern.


    He approached Clive with a scowl.


    Clive, who had been trying to enjoy a peaceful moment, was put off by Peyton’s confrontational stance. Annoyed, he asked, “Shouldn’t you be mingling with your guests?”


    Peyton cut to the chase. “What did you say to Aileen?”


    Clive looked perplexed. “I didn’t say anything out of line.”


    “Why is she blushing, then? Were you flirting with her?” Peyton’s voice was tinged with suspicion.


    Clive, somewhat defensively, responded, “I honestly don’t know why she blushed. Our conversation was perfectly ordinary.”


    He gestured to his face, adding lightly, “Perhaps it’s just my appearance being a bit too striking.”


    Peyton’s annoyance intensified. “You do realize she’s my girlfriend, right?”<fnea99> For more chapters visit f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fnea99>


    Clive acknowledged with a nod. “I’m aware. But you’ve always said that she had a little crush on me. I’ve never seen any evidence of it myself.”


    Peyton’s patience thinned. “Are you trying to brag now?”


    With a half-smirk, Clive replied, “Not at all. I’m merely pointing out that young women might show fleeting interest in someone attractive. You’re misinterpreting her politeness as something more.”


    As Peyton’s frown softened into a slight smile, he conceded. “Maybe you have a point. It doesn’t mean there’s genuine interest.”


    Clive, with a hint of disdain, suggested, “Go and check on her, will you? Let me enjoy my smoke.”


    Peyton patted Clive’s shoulder, smiling more broadly now. “All right, bute join uster. Aileen and I are nning to dance.”


    Clive’s patience waned. “Stop pestering me. It’s getting annoying.”


    Peyton chuckled as he turned away, muttering, “Why so grumpy?”


    He then made his way back to the banquet hall, where he spotted Aileen with a drink in her hand.


    Sitting beside her, he asked softly, “You were talking to Clive. How was it?”


    Aileen looked puzzled. “It was fine. I don’t feel any different.”


    “You have a crush on him. I thought you confessed your feelings to him just now,” Peyton said gently.


    .


    .


    .