Chapter 117:

Jayden rushed Elyse to the helicopter, which immediately flew to the city's premier hospital. Peyton, alerted earlier, had made all necessary preparations and successfully suppressed news of the incident to prevent any investigation. Doctors immediately wheeled Elyse into the emergency room. After a quick examination, Peyton confirmed she wasn't in immediate danger, prompting Jayden to leave.

"Where are you going? Won't you stay with Elyse?" Peyton asked.

Jayden, looking down at Elyse's purple rubber band—which had fallen from her hair—explained, "There's something I need to handle before she wakes."

Peyton, though not trying to stop him, eyed Jayden's legs critically. "Stay hidden," he warned. "The Owen family noticed your search for Elyse. My contacts say Brook is watching you. Have they discovered the truth about your legs?"

"Does it matter?" Jayden retorted.

"Have you lost your mind? We've kept that secret for a year," Peyton argued. "The culprit behind the car accident is still at large. We need to lure them out. Keep a low profile until we know for sure what's going on."

Jayden stood with his back to Peyton for a moment before leaving. Peyton sighed, unsure if his words had any effect. He knew Elyse's condition deeply affected Jayden; her swift recovery was crucial.

After overnight treatment, Elyse awoke around noon the next day. Her eyes fluttered open to see Driscoll.

"Driscoll? Is that you? Am I dreaming?" she murmured weakly, reaching out a trembling hand.

Driscoll took her hand. "Yes, it's me. You're not dreaming. You're safe."

After a pause, Elyse asked hesitantly, "Where's Jayden?"

"He's handling some things. He'll visit as soon as he can," Driscoll replied, hoping to ease her worry.

Elyse closed her eyes and fell back asleep.

She awoke in the afternoon to find Jayden in his wheelchair, reading. Sunlight bathed him in a warm glow. After watching him for a while, she tugged at his clothes. He closed his book, took her hand, and softly asked, "Are you feeling better?"

"I'm hungry," Elyse said after a moment. "I want to eat."

"There's porridge," Jayden replied, a little helplessly.

Helped into a sitting position, Elyse, still groggy, gazed at Jayden. Accepting the porridge, she murmured, "I thought I saw you rescue me."

Jayden looked up, then remained silent. "It must have been a dream. Eat your porridge," he finally said. Elyse, partly convinced it was a dream—how could Jayden stand?—didn't argue.

While she ate, Peyton visited. "Nothing serious," he said. "Rest today, and you can go home tomorrow. Stick to light meals." He then left.

That evening, Jayden stepped out for a call and didn't return. A knock came at Elyse's door. "Come in," she called weakly.

A strikingly handsome young man entered. "Who are you?" Elyse asked, not recognizing him.

He smiled. "My name is Kieran Foster. I'm Joanna's cousin. I should have introduced myself earlier, but I've been busy with family matters."

Hearing he was Joanna's cousin, Elyse's face clouded. She vividly remembered her abduction. How could the Foster family be unaware of Joanna's actions?

... ... ...