Chapter 1242:

Jayden gave her a disdainful look. “Do you know why I avoid you? It’s because you’re foolish and mean-spirited. You think you’re entitled, that anyone can be replaced so easily. You’re nothing but trouble. If I’d known how much, I’d regret ever helping you that day.” His voice turned cold, cutting.

Fiona winced, her dignity crumbling under his words. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Jayden, can’t you see I’m injured? I’m so miserable. I don’t even have money for treatment.”

Jayden raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “That’s my problem? You made your choices, and now you’re facing the consequences. Do I look like a charity?”

Fiona forced a bitter smile. “Do you have to be so heartless?”

Jayden felt an overwhelming urge to avoid Fiona. Her self-centered nature was exhausting; she expected everyone to cater to her whims, unable to tolerate any attention straying from her. People like her deserved to be kept behind the walls of a mental hospital, not roaming freely and wreaking havoc on others.

With no sympathy, Jayden turned on his heel, deciding to wait for Elyse in the car instead.

Observing Jayden’s cold indifference, Fiona clenched her teeth on her lower lip so fiercely that she drew blood, yet she didn’t relent in her self-imposed punishment.

As the clock struck seven that evening and rehearsal wrapped up, Elyse and Darren stepped out and moved directly toward Jayden’s parked car.

Darren approached with a warm smile, calling out to Jayden, “Elyse is starving. Shall we grab something to eat?”

Elyse gave Darren a quick, silent look, her expression obedient as she slowly raised her finger. Anticipating her next words, Darren gently pressed her hand down and whispered, “You’re hungry, right?”

Elyse found herself at a loss for words. Maybe she was a bit hungry, but why did it feel like she was just a pawn in Darren’s game?

Jayden, feigning ignorance, calmly announced, “I’ll take you both for a bite now. Elyse, I’ve also picked up a new phone for you. I’m still searching for your old one.”

Elyse nodded, taking the phone Jayden handed her, and started to familiarize herself with its features.

Upon their arrival at the restaurant, a waiter stopped them at the entrance.

Darren was the first to voice his frustration. “Didn’t we make a reservation? What’s with the wait?”

The waiter looked sheepish as he explained, “I apologize, there’s been an oversight. The restaurant was fully booked today, and unfortunately, your reservation was cancelled.”

“But you never called to inform me,” Jayden protested.

“I’ll double-check with the reception and sort this out,” the waiter assured them before disappearing back into the restaurant.