Chapter 208
Edward turned around, his handsome face a mask of frost and ice.
Elysia looked at him, suddenly feeling jealous.
How could Sophia—a woman with disabled legs confined to a wheelchair—attract two men who were so devoted to her?
But her purpose in coming here wasn't to anger Edward.
So she wouldn't say what she was really thinking.
Not only would she hold back, but she'd say the opposite.
"Actually, I quite admire Sophia, but unfortunately, her close relationship with Zephyr means we'll never become friends."
"I'm giving you 10 seconds to say everything you need to say. After that, you won't get another chance."
Edward truly had zero patience for others.
Even one extra sentence felt like a waste of time to him.
The only reason he was still standing here was to hear what this Elysia wanted to say.
Elysia got straight to the point, "Let's work together."
Edward narrowed his eyes.
"You're interested in Ms. Turner, and I want Zephyr back by my side. So let's team up to separate them—we each get what we want."
Elysia slowly moved closer to Edward, her face displaying a seductive, self-assured smile.
She was certain he wouldn't refuse.
"Of course," Elysia's fingertip lightly touched the button on Edward's jacket, "we could be partners or something more intimate, if you'd like."
She was alluring and seductive—a tactic that had never failed her with any man.
Even Zephyr had succumbed to her charms three years ago.
But today she faced Edward.
The Edward before her was cold as stone, his icy gaze drilling into her.
Elysia awkwardly withdrew her hand.
"I'm just kidding. My main goal in partnering with you is to win back Zephyr. If you help me separate them, I'm confident I can make Zephyr return to me. Then Sophia will be all yours."
Edward methodically unbuttoned his jacket.
Elysia was shocked, "What are you doing?"
He'd just seemed completely unapproachable, and now he'd changed his mind?
Edward removed his suit jacket, revealing a snow-white shirt underneath. The expensive custom-tailored jacket fluttered to the ground.
Elysia's expression immediately darkened.
Just because she'd touched a button, he was throwing away his entire jacket.
Was he that disgusted by her?
Edward's expression remained impassive, "If you're so capable, win Zephyr back yourself."
"Why not?"
She was convinced she hadn't misread him—Edward definitely had feelings for Sophia.
How could he possibly refuse?
Had she been wrong?
Edward turned to leave.
Elysia persisted, "Why? Don't you want to be with Sophia? You can't fool me—the way you look at her has already revealed your secret."
Edward paused mid-step.
"After what you said this afternoon, I would never work with you."
He strode away.
What had she said?
Elysia was confused for a moment, then carefully recalled and finally remembered.
She had humiliated Sophia earlier.
Edward was truly obsessed!
He couldn't tolerate even one negative word about Sophia.
Aaron stood nearby. Though he hadn't heard their conversation, he could guess what it was about.
He leaned against a tree, watching Edward.
"Why didn't you accept Elysia's offer?"
"She insulted Adeline."
Aaron pushed up his glasses, intelligence gleaming behind the lenses. "Edward, what exactly are you planning to do next?"
He knew Edward too well.
Edward would never sit idly by. The calmer he appeared now, the more violent the coming storm would be.
Edward didn't answer, his gaze fixed in one direction.
Aaron followed his line of sight.
Adeline sat in her wheelchair with Zephyr crouched beside her, his face tilted up to look at her, appearing attentive and gentle.
Edward suddenly looked away and departed.
Aaron hurried after him.
"Whatever you're planning, think it through carefully first."
"I know what I'm doing."
Edward wouldn't go too far, nor would he be stupid enough to make his actions too obvious.
That would only scare Adeline away.
"You'd better."
Aaron had been nervous earlier when Edward was challenging Zephyr to a drinking contest.
Edward had no right to be jealous right now—at least from Adeline's perspective, Edward hadn't discovered her identity.
Edward's behavior had been too impulsive.
That night, everyone partied late and stayed at a nearby hotel instead of returning home.
Adeline was on the balcony, lost in thought as she gazed at the moonlit sky.
"Care for a drink?"
Adeline turned toward the voice. Edward was standing on the adjacent balcony.
He was staying right next to her.
Edward held a glass of red wine, its subtle aroma carried by the breeze.
"A glass before bed helps with sleep."
"Thanks, but you enjoy it yourself."
Adeline slept quite well. The antidepressants her doctor prescribed had sedative properties.
Alcohol wouldn't mix well with them.
Edward took a sip of wine, slightly bitter on the palate.
"When are you and Zephyr getting married?"
Adeline had just taken a sip of water and nearly choked. She quickly moved the glass away and covered her mouth as she coughed.
"What did you say?"
"When are you and Zephyr getting married?"
Edward actually repeated the question.
Adeline confirmed she wasn't hallucinating. "Why would you ask such an absurd question?"
Why would she marry Zephyr?
"You two are dating. Haven't you thought about marriage?"
Edward's eyes narrowed slightly.
Adeline smacked her forehead.
How could she have forgotten about this?
"Right now we're focusing on our careers. We haven't thought that far ahead."
No plans for marriage—that meant he still had time.
Edward glanced at his phone. The screen showed a message from Aaron sent five minutes ago.
[What will you do if Adeline gets married?]
Edward replied: [She won't get married.]
At least not now.
[I'm talking hypothetically. What if their relationship progresses quickly and they decide to marry? Many young people have flash marriages these days.]
[She won't be able to get married.]
After sending this message, Edward stopped responding. He finished his wine and looked at Adeline. "Ms. Turner, you should get some rest."
"You too, Mr. Thomas."
Edward turned and went back inside. Adeline watched his retreating figure with a slight frown, the suspicion in her heart growing like a snowball.
Something wasn't right.
Edward was behaving very strangely.
He typically couldn't be bothered with other people's business, so why had he impulsively challenged Zephyr to a drinking contest this afternoon?
And the tense atmosphere between the two men had been impossible to ignore.
Unless...
No, impossible.
As soon as this thought surfaced, Adeline immediately shook her head in denial.
If Edward truly knew her identity, why wouldn't he expose her?
She pressed her lips together.
Details she'd previously overlooked suddenly became clear.
Olivia's hesitation...
Zephyr's words...
Adeline was deep in thought when the doorbell rang unexpectedly.
She went to answer it.
Seeing who stood there, she was surprised.
"It's you."