Chapter 1202:

The sight of her in such a state deeply pained him. He quickly secured the door behind him and hurried to her side, comforting her. “I’m back now. Don’t be afraid.”

Elyse’s trembling subsided slightly at the sight of Jayden, but her body still quivered.

Jayden frowned, his concern evident. “Are you still frightened? Don’t worry. I’m here with you now. I won’t let anyone harm you.”

Elyse’s voice quaked. “There was something in the milk that was delivered here, Jayden. Did you really intend to force yourself on me? If you desired me, why would you resort to drugging?”

Jayden was taken aback. “What milk? I didn’t order any milk.”

Elyse’s eyes welled up. “You’re lying. The person who brought the food claimed the milk was ordered by you.”

She gripped the blanket tightly, her face unnaturally flushed. “I feel dreadful. You see that I am not compliant, and you resort to this method?”

Jayden’s mind whirled; he had not arranged for any milk or planned any such act. Wait! Drugging her?

His jaw clenched. “It wasn’t me. It was Amanda. On my way here, I found two unconscious mercenaries at the door, and there was a peculiar scent on Amanda.”

Elyse looked puzzled. “Amanda? Are you saying this was all her doing?”

Seeing Elyse’s confused expression, Jayden recalled Peyton’s earlier warning. He took a deep breath and admitted, feeling the effects himself, “I caught a scent from Amanda’s perfume as well. It seems to be affecting me too.”

Elyse looked at him incredulously. “Really? You were drugged as well?”

Jayden nodded, pulling Elyse closer. “Do you feel it? My body temperature is significantly elevated.”

With her eyes widening in response to Jayden’s intense gaze, Elyse’s mind frantically searched for some semblance of calm. “You? Under the influence? That can’t be true. Are you messing with me?”

“I definitely am not,” Jayden answered tensely. “I feel so warm right now.” He knew he’d had only a modest amount, and while he wasn’t as impacted, the medication still lingered in his system.

Elyse looked at him curiously, her gaze betraying her confusion. “You don’t look or act like you’re drugged. You seem… normal,” she said, tilting her head.

Jayden drew her in, his arm around her waist as he stroked her back. “That’s only because you felt the drug’s effects earlier and more intensely. Just trust me now and let me help ease your discomfort. It hurts me to see you suffer like this.”