Chapter 1190:

The next morning, Jayden went to the cafeteria to grab breakfast.

Amanda was there early, waiting. But when she saw Jayden carrying two breakfast trays, she felt a rush of irritation.

Approaching him with a bright smile, she said, “Jayden, getting breakfast too? What a coincidence! Want to eat together?”

Jayden’s expression darkened at the sight of her. “Nah, I’m taking this back to my room.”

Unbothered, Amanda persisted, “Is that other tray for Elyse? Why do you have to bring her breakfast? Can’t she come here herself?”

Jayden gave her a cold look. “Who are you to judge her?” And with that, he turned and left without another word.noveldrama

Amanda stood there, stunned by his response.

“Imagine being shameless enough to hang around after the actual girlfriend shows up. Some people just lack any self-respect.”

Hearing someone sneering behind her, Amanda turned to see a few men sitting nearby, watching her with mocking expressions.

She recognized them—they’d been on her last mission. Apparently, they still held a grudge. How narrow-minded could they be? It wasn’t like anyone actually died because of her!

Amanda walked over, her gaze icy. “What was that? ‘Actual girlfriend’? Did Jayden say it himself? Has he ever confirmed that? If not, then you’re just here making baseless assumptions. If you’re all so eager to gossip, maybe you should quit your job.”

Fuming, the men stood up and surrounded her, their faces tense with anger.

Amanda, ever arrogant, didn’t flinch, even when faced with confrontation.

She crossed her arms and sneered, “I’ll say it again. If you don’t understand, maybe you don’t need ears at all.”

As soon as she finished speaking, one of the men threw a punch. Only then did Amanda feel a pang of fear.

But the blow never reached her—Hardy had stepped in, blocking the attack.

Hardy pulled Amanda aside, his gaze steely as he addressed the other men. “Do me a favor. Let her go—just this once.”

The one who had thrown the punch sneered, “Who is she to you? Why are you so protective of her? Don’t you see how clueless she is?”

Hardy glanced back at Amanda, letting out a weary sigh. “I know. But I owe her one favor. I can’t just stand by and ignore her.”

Someone nearby piped up, “Forget it. Let’s cut Hardy some slack. But mark my words, Hardy—teach her a lesson. If she crosses us again, she’s fair game.”

“Appreciate it. Drinks are on me next time.” Hardy nodded, showing a flicker of gratitude.

Once they’d left, Hardy turned to Amanda, his expression darkening like a storm about to break.

He scowled, “Do you have to stir up trouble everywhere you go? Are you only content once someone’s finally had enough of you?”

Amanda shot back, her voice defiant, “They started it! I’m the one who got hurt here.”

Hardy let out a dry, sarcastic laugh. “Oh, I saw. Chasing after Jayden like that. They mocked you because of that little stunt. If you hadn’t done it, they wouldn’t have had a reason.”

Amanda’s face tightened. “Whose side are you on, anyway? Or have you forgotten your promise to my brother to look out for me?”

Raising an eyebrow, Hardy’s tone took on a pointed edge. “A promise to look out for you isn’t a contract to be your lifelong babysitter.”

Annoyance flickered across Amanda’s face. “Supporting me isn’t babysitting! You’re the one turning this into an insult.”

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