Chapter 11:

As the morning sun rose, Elyse stood on her balcony and noticed a car slowly approaching the manor. A man in a white coat carrying a medicine kit stepped from the car. It had to be the doctor Driscoll had mentioned. Excited, Elyse quickly slipped on her slippers, hurried from her room, and went to the villa's first floor. There, she unexpectedly collided with Peyton, who was just entering the living room.

"Ma'am, this is Dr. Ellis," Driscoll announced. He continued, "Dr. Ellis, meet Mr. Owen's wife, Elyse Lloyd."

Elyse greeted Peyton politely. He nodded, pulled a candy from his pocket, and offered it to her.

"Why did you give me candy?" Elyse asked, her confusion evident.

"It's a nice-to-meet-you gift," Peyton explained.

"Thank you," she replied, accepting the candy.

Elyse watched Peyton walk toward the study. Curiosity overcoming her, she turned to Driscoll. "May I join them?"

"Of course, but I fear you may be disappointed," Driscoll replied, his tone resigned.

Elyse patted her chest, then tiptoed to the study door. Opening it slightly, she peered inside. Jayden sat with his pants rolled up to his knees while Peyton tapped his knees with a stick. After several unsuccessful attempts, Peyton sighed and tested the other knee. Jayden's legs remained numb.

Peyton looked up and asked, "Can your wife come in to hear what I have to say next?"

Jayden saw Elyse crouching at the door and said sharply, "Let her in."

Peyton offered a welcoming smile. "Ms. Lloyd, please don't crouch there. Come in and listen."

Blushing slightly, Elyse opened the door wider and entered the study. She glanced at Jayden, whose expression was unreadable, and her own expression grew somber. "Dr. Ellis, I noticed Jayden's legs didn't react at all. Is he...?" ... ... ...