Chapter 127:

Jayden glanced at Judy indifferently and said, "Sure thing, whatever floats your boat." He was clueless about her offer to serve as his servant. Before sending the contract to his grandfather's mansion, he extended temporary kindness toward Judy, inadvertently fueling her unwarranted enthusiasm.

Judy beamed, sliding in beside him and enjoying her meal. She dug into the dishes with gusto, and seeing her satisfaction, Jayden's furrowed brow relaxed.

Meanwhile, Driscoll was on edge. Judy had brazenly taken Elyse's seat and commandeered her tableware—items explicitly reserved for Elyse. He sweated, hoping Elyse wouldn't come downstairs. If she did, the tension between her and Jayden would escalate.

Unfortunately, Elyse descended the stairs, violin case in hand. Seeing Judy in her seat, dining with Jayden, felt like a dagger to her heart. Turning away, she hurried out, clutching her bag.

Driscoll rushed after her. "Where are you going? I can get the driver to prepare a car," he asked.

Elyse forced a smile. "I've got something to take care of. No need to bother the driver. I'll grab a taxi." She left without looking back, and Driscoll, unable to stop her, returned inside.

Jayden remained composed, eating. Despite Judy's presence, Driscoll approached. "Elyse just left. Aren't you going to check on her?"

Jayden continued eating calmly. "She's not a child. If she doesn't want to eat, I won't push her."

Driscoll sensed Jayden's frustration with Elyse. Both were fuming, and with Judy involved, their relationship seemed on the verge of collapse.

Driscoll held Elyse in high regard, not only because she had saved Jayden in several difficult situations but also for her character. Jayden, having grown up in a difficult environment, needed someone who genuinely cared for him, and Driscoll believed only someone as genuine as Elyse could be his better half. He considered Judy scheming.

At that moment, Judy interjected, "This food is divine. It's a shame Ms. Lloyd isn't joining us." After a pause, she asked tentatively, "Mr. Owen, if I ask for seconds, will you think I'm a glutton?"

Jayden replied indifferently, "Suit yourself."

With an even brighter smile, Judy exclaimed, "Thank you, Mr. Owen. I'll clean my plate." Jayden said nothing more. Driscoll couldn't fathom his thoughts, so he backed off. It wasn't the right time to intervene; he would speak with Jayden later, privately.

After leaving the house, Elyse hailed a taxi to the studio and went straight to the practice room. Finding the room empty, she stood alone and began playing her violin. The music fluctuated between fast and slow tempos. She tried to lose herself in it, but only felt turmoil. She felt like a caged animal, trapped and hurting herself.

When she finished, tears streamed down her face. She slumped to the floor, utterly drained. Then, she heard clapping. Panicked, she looked up to see a man wearing a cap and sunglasses entering, applauding.

"You're incredible! Your music moved me," he said, approaching. He looked familiar. Taking off his sunglasses, he tried to remember. "Haven't we met before at the TV station?"

Disbelieving, Elyse asked, "Are you Richie Larson? What are you doing here?"

Richie extended his hand. "What a small world. We meet again." Elyse didn't take his hand, turning away awkwardly to wipe her tears. Noticing her distress, Richie pretended not to see. "Your violin playing is amazing. Can we be friends?"

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