Chapter 112

Brook's words confused Elyse, but she masked her displeasure. "No worries," she chuckled. "I'll enjoy it."

Brook's smile was grim and forced. He nodded once and left.

"Is he here for the Bayzee Group collaboration?" Elyse asked after Brook's departure.

Jayden nodded. "That's right. Grandpa likes to maximize his profits, so he's quite determined this time."

"I wonder who the Bayzee Group representative is, though. I haven't heard news of their arrival," Elyse said, looking around curiously.

"They're likely taking precautions," Jayden remarked lightly, sipping his wine. "It's no secret people are looking for the Bayzee Group representative tonight, and they wouldn't reveal their identity easily."

Elyse agreed. They milled around for half an hour, but there was still no sign of the representative.

"I'm bored," Elyse said, setting down her wine glass. "I need to use the bathroom."

"Go ahead. I'll wait here," Jayden replied.

Elyse left the main hall and went to the ladies' room. There, she saw Joanna, wearing a slinky black dress.

"What are you doing here?" Elyse asked. She'd heard Joanna had been sent home to be punished after leaving Enzo's residence. Elyse was surprised to see her here.

Joanna shot her a look of hatred. "You're lucky," she hissed.

Elyse frowned, instantly wary. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Joanna gritted her teeth, thinking of her family's brutal punishment: whipping and humiliation for her disobedience and for letting another woman take her perceived rightful place. They cared only about their family's reputation and profit, even if it meant exploiting their daughters. She seethed; the pain wouldn't change her refusal to be a cripple's wife.

Fortunately, Brook had offered help in exchange for her obedience—her only path to freedom.

"Elyse," Joanna said, "I'm being direct. I plan to marry Jayden, and you're an obstacle. You need to vanish."

Elyse, alarmed, searched for something to defend herself, but the ladies' room was empty of useful items. "What exactly do you mean?" she asked, cautiously backing away. To her horror, Joanna produced a taser. "Cooperate, and you won't face much trouble."

Elyse refused and tried to flee, but her dress caught on a stall. Joanna used the taser, causing Elyse to collapse. She repeatedly shocked the struggling Elyse until she lost consciousness. Joanna looked down at the unconscious woman, a triumphant sneer on her face. "How dare you try to go against me, you bitch! From now on, I'll be the only woman beside Jayden."

Jayden, waiting for Elyse's return, felt a growing unease. Something was wrong. He wheeled toward the ladies' room, encountering Brook along the way.

"Why are you alone?" Brook asked, feigning concern. "Where's Elyse?"

"She's in the bathroom."

"Oh, I see. I thought she got angry and left you," Brook said, a cunning glint in his eyes. He then turned and spoke to other guests.

Jayden felt a surge of foreboding. He reached the ladies' room to find it empty. There were no surveillance cameras—unusual for this hotel. Had they been deliberately removed?

Jayden clicked his tongue. He'd kept a low profile for too long; his enemies clearly underestimated him. He sat, brooding. "How dare you," he muttered, his voice dangerously low. "You must have a death wish."