Chapter 121:

Jayden followed Elyse's gaze to a photograph, seemingly taken secretly. Judging by Joanna's attire, it appeared to be from Enzo's birthday. Exchanging a knowing glance, Jayden and Elyse went to the living room.

Tess's attention was fixed on Bryce; her hand firmly grasped his as she asked with concern, "Sweetie, what's troubling you? Why this sudden outburst?"

Andrew echoed Joanna's sentiments, his voice filled with conviction. "That's right. Tell Dad and Mom. We'll help you."

Despite their urging, Bryce remained silent, occasionally glancing at Jayden. Sensing this, Jayden quipped, "Why are you looking at me? Am I the cause of your distress?"

Tess's brow furrowed. "What's wrong? Has Jayden upset you?"

Bryce's demeanor shifted; his gaze turned fierce as he angrily declared, "I want him gone! I never want to see him again! Get rid of him!"

Tess and Andrew were bewildered by Bryce's sudden animosity toward Jayden. However, they respected his feelings, understanding there must be a reason.

Tess, therefore, resolved to send Jayden away. "Did you hear him? My son doesn't want you here. You and your wife should leave immediately. Don't return."

Bryce's voice thundered, his declaration echoing through the room. "Forever! I never want to see you again!" "It's your call, forever," Tess affirmed, her demeanor instantly turning icy toward Jayden. "Please leave immediately. We wouldn't want my son further distressed."

While Jayden remained silent, Elyse's frustration boiled over. Rising, she exclaimed, "Have you lost your minds? How could you treat Jayden this way? You summoned him when you needed him, only to push him away the moment he became unnecessary. You forced him to come, and now you're driving him away because of one sentence from Bryce. Yes, Bryce is your beloved son, but isn't Jayden your son, too?"

Elyse's anger flared, her eyes blazing as she asked Tess, "Is it because Jayden is in a wheelchair that you believe he's unworthy of your love, or even of being your son?"

Tess's face darkened with fury. "How dare you admonish me?"

"Elyse Lloyd," she snapped, "you are my daughter-in-law. You will heed my words, regardless of your opinions."

But Elyse stood firm. "Were you present when Jayden and I exchanged vows? I am his wife, recognized or not. My authority over him surpasses yours."

Tess seethed, clutching her chest as she struggled to breathe. Seeing her distress, Bryce rushed to her side, his expression fierce. "You've hurt my mother," he growled, "and for that, you'll pay."

But before he could act, Jayden intervened, his grip stopping Bryce. "And whom do you intend to harm?" Jayden's tone was icy.

Bryce froze, realizing Jayden didn't regard him as a brother, but as an adversary. Jayden's commanding presence still held sway. In his absence, all was calm; with his return, Bryce trembled, fearing Jayden's wrath.

"You're my brother. You can't treat me like this," Bryce murmured, his voice feeble with remorse.

Jayden managed a strained smile. "And now you remember our bond. But whom were you shouting at moments ago?"

"I... I apologize. I spoke in haste, consumed by emotion. Please, Jayden, forgive my outburst," Bryce pleaded, his haughty demeanor humbled, his legs trembling.

Jayden's forceful shove sent Bryce tumbling onto the sofa. "My dear, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" Tess rushed to Bryce's side, concern etched on her face.

Bryce remained silent, unable to lift his head. Jayden, unmoved, dismissed him with a disdainful glance. To Jayden, Bryce was merely a facade of strength, propped up by Tess and Andrew's indulgence but weak in the face of real challenges.

"Don't bother calling me for trivial matters anymore. If you truly wish to sever ties, do so swiftly. I hate procrastination. You can do it without telling me," Jayden stated firmly, taking Elyse's hand as they headed for the door.

It dawned on Tess that Jayden intended to sever their familial bond. Yet she hesitated, clinging to the hope that Jayden, with his residual influence, could still aid Bryce in his future endeavors.

"Jayden, Elyse scolded me earlier. I understand your silence, but must you also cut ties with me?" she implored, her voice tinged with anger.

...