Chapter 1144:

Jayden’s jaw clenched. “What are you talking about?”

Elyse’s laughter was bitter, tinged with disbelief. “Do you seriously expect me to believe his ridiculous story? He claimed you two cooked up a scheme to steal the violin, only to come to blows when your alliance crumbled. Honestly, do you take me for an imbecile who’d believe such a cockamamie tale?”

Whatever newfound respect Jayden had developed for Edward evaporated like mist in the morning sun.

Seeing Jayden’s silence, Elyse pressed harder. “The stealing thing was a charade, right? That was real. What were you really fighting over? How long did it go on? Come on, spill it!” Her eyes bore into him, demanding the truth.

Jayden stood before her, his confidence unraveling under her unyielding stare.

The Elyse he once knew had been meek and pliable, trembling at his every word. But now, she wielded her newfound strength with startling force, turning the tables and reducing him to a cornered animal.

Stubbornly, he crossed his arms. “You think I owe you an explanation? I’m not telling you anything.”

Elyse’s lips curled into a mocking smile, her initial irritation giving way to amusement. “Oh, playing the tough guy now, are we? Fine, keep your secrets. But don’t you dare interfere when Edward and I go on that date.”

Jayden’s bravado crumbled.

He opened his mouth to protest, but Elyse had already turned on her heel, walking away with a determined stride, her back straight as steel.

When they returned to the ward, they found Anthony already back, holding a paper bag filled to the brim with freshly baked bread.

“Breakfast is served,” Anthony declared, distributing the bread among them.

Elyse accepted a serving and began to eat quietly.

Ten minutes later, George stirred from his sleep.

His eyes opened slowly, a weariness clinging to him as he surveyed the room. When his gaze finally settled on Elyse, he spoke with a strange, far-off look in his eyes. “I must’ve been dreaming. I dreamed of Rickey. He was apologizing to me. Said he’s too far away to visit me in my dreams, but he made it through this time—because of you.”

Elyse gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Really? My dad came to see you?”

George nodded, a soft smile on his face. He struggled to sit up, leaning on his arms. “When I couldn’t reach him by phone, I had a feeling something had happened. I waited—for him to come back for his violin, or for him to visit me in a dream, to give me an explanation.”

A peaceful smile spread across George’s face, a burden seemingly lifted from his shoulders. “Now I understand. I finally know why he didn’t come.”

Anthony muttered under his breath, “What’s all this talk about explaining things through dreams? Sounds pretty creepy. Dad, you should just sleep a little longer.”