"if you think i’m lying, dare him to deny it," she challenged, her gaze locking on jayson. her smile widened as she saw his fists clench tightly.

Marianne, seated nearby, glanced at him with a quiet concern. Her gentle gaze seemed to soften his anger for a fleeting moment. Catching her eyes on him, Jayson let out a faint, forced smile.

"I’ll be back," he said quietly, his voice calm despite the storm raging inside him. Marianne nodded, and he gently placed Emilio beside her before turning toward Sophia.

Sophia’s face was a mask of composure, but her fiery gaze betrayed her intentions. As Jayson approached, he hesitated for a...