Chapter 123:

Kieran pondered, realizing he and Judy disagreed fundamentally. "If you insist," he declared, "I'll involve Dad and let him intervene."

Judy rose, her dissatisfaction evident. "Kieran, you're missing the point. Choosing me is best for our family."

Kieran shook his head. "No. We own that land. Enzo will provide resources."

Seeing she couldn't sway him, Judy prepared to leave. Kieran stopped her, his tone chillingly stern. "Jude, don't forget your duty. Don't disappoint us."

"Understood," Judy replied, licking her lips. She left, her red leather shoes clicking on the path. She instructed her driver to take her to Jayden's residence.

Observing Judy's infatuation with Jayden, the driver ventured, "Miss Foster, why pursue this? Jayden and his wife are said to be deeply in love."

"You don't understand," Judy countered, her gaze fixed on the villa's entrance, anticipation shimmering in her eyes. "I fell for him long ago."

The Owen and Foster families had once planned a marriage alliance, but Judy's father had married Joanna instead. Judy saw Joanna's reluctance immediately. While Joanna hesitated, Judy sought her father's permission, only to be confined until recently. Upon her release, she discovered Joanna's tragic death in a car accident. "Joanna brought this on herself," Judy remarked callously. "She never truly loved Jayden." She blamed Joanna for damaging the Foster family's reputation with Jayden.

"Miss Foster, that appears to be Jayden's car," the driver said.

"Really?"

Excited, Judy saw an elegant luxury car entering the villa's garage. She lingered, admiring it, until the driver gently reminded her, "It's time to go home. Jayden is here. We shouldn't linger."

Without a word, Judy opened the car door, her red leather shoes striking a bold note.

"Miss Foster!" the driver exclaimed, surprised, moving to follow.

"Wait in the car. I won't be long," Judy replied calmly.

The driver wanted to dissuade her. Judy's marriage to a wealthy suitor was vital to the family's standing. If her boss learned of this visit, the consequences would be severe. The thought terrified him, but Judy's status as a Foster rendered him powerless. He could only watch her determined walk toward Jayden's villa.

Elyse and Jayden were in the living room when Driscoll approached. "A young lady from the Foster family wishes to speak with you."

Elyse's curiosity was piqued, especially after Joanna's death. "Should we see her?" she asked Jayden.

After a moment, Jayden nodded. "Let her in."

Driscoll admitted Judy. Elyse and Jayden waited expectantly. Driscoll soon returned with Judy.

Judy possessed an innocent countenance, a tender gaze that could soften even the sternest hearts. Unlike Joanna's striking beauty and assertiveness, Judy exuded a delicate purity.

Elyse observed Judy closely, sensing a subtle hostility, though she wasn't sure if it was her imagination.

Jayden, impatient, asked, "What is the reason for your visit?"

Judy lowered her eyes, her voice gentle. "Mr. Owen, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I've heard of Joanna's actions toward your wife, and I'm deeply sorry for any distress. I've come to apologize."

Elyse raised an eyebrow. "Kieran Foster already apologized."

"That's his concern. I'm here independently," Judy replied. She looked at Jayden, her sincerity evident. "I understand Mr. Owen has been hurt. I want to atone for these mistakes."

Jayden smiled subtly. "What do you propose?"

After a pause, Judy turned to Elyse. "I'm unsure if Ms. Lloyd will agree to my proposition."

Elyse pressed, "What is it?"

"I'm willing to serve you both until the harm is alleviated," Judy replied.

Elyse was stunned. Was she offering to become a servant? Was she mad? . . .