Chapter 118:

Elyse had a negative impression of the Foster family. With evident displeasure, she said, "I don't want to talk to you. Please leave."

Kieran responded apologetically, "Ms. Lloyd, I understand your anger. I've heard about what Joanna has done. I'm here to apologize on behalf of the Foster family. I hope you can forgive and forget."

Elyse scoffed. "Forgive and forget? Your family knew I'm Jayden's wife, yet you pushed Joanna to interfere in our marriage. She even had me kidnapped and caused me great suffering. How can you expect forgiveness?"

Kieran pulled a box from his pocket, opened it to reveal a pink diamond bracelet, and placed it on the bedside table. Elyse eyed it warily and demanded, "What is this supposed to mean?"

"I know no gift can undo the pain you've endured," Kieran began, "but we want to make amends."

"Make amends? You think a bracelet can compensate for everything your family has done?" Elyse was incredulous, seeing the gesture as an insult.

Kieran, laden with guilt, continued, "The Foster family is facing a critical situation. This perhaps explains, but does not excuse, Joanna's impulsive actions." Then he made a bold request: "I know it seems unfair, but I must ask if you would consider leaving Jayden. My family's stability and status depend on Joanna marrying him."

Elyse thought she had misheard and burst out laughing. "Are you serious?"

Kieran nodded earnestly. "As compensation, I'm willing to marry you."

Stunned, Elyse could only think, Why would he think I'd ever agree to marry him?

Kieran, looking uncomfortable, explained, "Though your family is not well-known, I am prepared to accept you as my only wife if you relinquish your current position."

Elyse, taken aback, asked, "You think you're making a sacrifice?"

Kieran responded, "I am able-bodied, unlike Jayden." He leaned in and whispered, "And I can provide more pleasure than Jayden ever could."

Elyse's expression turned to shock as she pushed him away. "Shame on you."

Kieran replied innocently, "This is the best solution I can offer. Don't be greedy."

Amused and annoyed, Elyse retorted, "Greedy? You guys are the greedy ones. Don't push your luck."

Seeing her disgusted expression, Kieran hesitated. "So, we're not in agreement?"

Glancing at the bracelet, Elyse snapped, "Take your bracelet and leave. I don't want to see you again."

Kieran shrugged, picked up the bracelet, and said with regret, "What a pity. I can't believe you're refusing me." He slid a business card across to her and murmured, "But I'm still willing to wait for you."

"Get out!" Her gaze was icy. She longed to physically eject him from the room.

He left quietly. Elyse tore up the card and tossed it in the trash.

When Jayden reentered the ward, he found Elyse visibly upset. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Elyse's expression darkened. "Kieran Foster was just here."

Jayden was taken aback. "The next head of the Foster family?" He quickly recalled information about Kieran and asked sharply, "What did he want?"

With a scoff, Elyse relayed, "He came under the guise of apologizing, then tried to coerce me into leaving you. He even offered to marry me." Her annoyance grew. Kieran's audacity appalled her.

Jayden didn't show anger, but chuckled. "The Foster family always has bizarre schemes, but they won't be so bold for much longer."

Elyse looked at him curiously. "What do you mean? Are you planning something against the Foster family?"

Jayden merely smiled enigmatically.

Outside, Kieran's demeanor shifted to a grimace as he strode from the hospital. He climbed into the waiting car. The butler in the passenger seat turned to him and asked, "Mr. Foster, did Ms. Lloyd accept your proposal?"

Kieran snorted dismissively. "She doesn't recognize a good deal. She'd rather stay with a cripple than marry me."

The butler clicked his tongue. "They say Jayden married his true love by chance. Could he and Elyse actually be a devoted couple?"

Kieran responded with scorn, "True love? I just didn't offer her enough money and leverage." His irritation flared. "Is Joanna back yet? Drive. She's been a disappointment."