?Chapter 1834:


    “What were you two talking about?” Elyse whispered.


    Jayden ced his hand on her head and shed a wide grin. “Not telling.”


    Elyse pouted, huffed, and strode away. She had no interest in dealing with either of them right now.


    Meanwhile, Peyton received Elyse’s text saying they wouldn’t make it. He slipped his phone into his pocket and made his way to the bar alone.<fnb8e0> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? f?ndnovel</fnb8e0>


    He hadn’t been there long when he spotted a familiar face.


    Aileen, arm in arm with Erica, took a seat at the bar, her expression sour. Erica attempted to console her, but Aileen’s mood remained decidedly dour.


    Peyton observed from a distance, his hands clenching as he watched Aileen’s sulking face.


    Gushing about some celebrity in front of him? Discussing ns to fly across the country for a concert? That was thest straw.


    He had justpleted a life-saving, groundbreaking surgery. Surely that was more impressive than any mboyant pop star? She was utterly superficial! Peyton’s gaze hardened. If she pulled any stunts, he was ready to confront her. For now, though, Aileen appeared to simply wallow in her mood.


    A few men at the bar, captivated by her striking looks, watched her for a moment before deciding to approach.


    As the men neared, Aileen looked up, quickly losing interest.


    Being around Peyton had significantly heightened her standards. She found no appeal in entertaining men who couldn’t measure up to his level—at least in terms of looks.


    “Hey, beautiful, you look a little down. How about a drink with us?” one of the men offered.


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    Aileen’s expression was frosty. “Leave me alone. Stay as far away from me as possible.”


    Though visibly offended, the man hesitated before reluctantly departing.


    Erica observed the entire exchange with evident anxiety. “The intensity of his gaze was truly disturbing. I worry he might attempt something harmful toward you.”


    “What possible action could he take? Your prohibition against my drinking eliminates any opportunity for intoxication,” Aileen responded with discontent, eyeing the fruit juice in her hand with disappointment.


    Erica released a weary breath. “Alcohol consumption remains inadvisable for you. Your personality undergoes an rming transformation when intoxicated.”


    “Such assertions arepletely unfounded. Alcohol consumption does not alter my fundamental nature. My faculties remain entirely intact,” Aileen countered defensively, taking a small sip of her juice beforeunching into an extended critique of Peyton’s unreasonable behavior.


    Erica suddenly interrupted Aileen’s monologue, directing her attention across the room. “Observe—isn’t that DeWitt? What brings him here?”


    Following Erica’s indication, Aileen confirmed it was indeed DeWitt.


    Having noticed their presence simultaneously, DeWitt approached their booth with calcted confidence, beer bottle in hand and wearing a practiced smile. “What a delightful coincidence encountering you here. Aileen, what beverage do you prefer? Let’s drink together.”


    Already experiencing emotional turbulence, Aileen found herself further irritated by his unsettling demeanor.


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