Chapter 1299:

Elyse laughed softly, teasing, “You really hang on to his every word, don’t you?”

Jayden shrugged, a boyish grin forming. “Peyton’s more grounded than I am. If I follow his lead, I might just get it right. On my own? I’d surely make a mess.”

Elyse shook her head, her voice carrying a quiet conviction. “You’re not as flawed as you think. The differences between us are born of experience, not anything inherently wrong with either of us. All we need is time to untangle those knots.”

Jayden’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. “Then let’s start untangling tonight. Will you work through things with me?”

Elyse playfully swatted his arm, her voice firm but amused. “Separate rooms tonight!”

His face darkened in mock indignation. She had just preached about working through issues, yet when he presented one, she dismissed it outright! No, he wasn’t going to let her off so easily.

Elyse, oblivious to his resolve, was still wrapped in the warmth of the quiet moment. The hum of the car filled the silence, now peaceful rather than tense.

When they arrived home, Driscoll greeted them at the door, his expression lined with unease.

Jayden’s brow furrowed. “What’s wrong? Is there an issue at home?”

The butler hesitated. “Debora called. She’s landed and will be here in half an hour to see you.”

Elyse froze at the mention of Debora, her voice sharp with confusion. “Why is she coming?”

Jayden had already cut ties with the Owens, so why was Debora coming to see him? Elyse’s concern deepened, her mind racing with questions.

Jayden’s expression turned contemplative. After a moment, he said, “I’ll find out when she gets here. Let her in.”

Elyse searched his face, her concern palpable as the air around them grew heavier. “Are the Owens in trouble? Could she be seeking your help?” Elyse’s voice carried a hint of unease.

Jayden’s gaze darkened, shadows flitting across his features. “I don’t know. But we’ll soon find out.” He gently placed a reassuring hand on her back, his voice softening. “You have an early day tomorrow. Go freshen up and rest.”

Elyse hesitated for a moment, concern still etched on her face, but she eventually nodded and retreated toward the house. Jayden watched her disappear inside, a long sigh escaping his lips.

Driscoll, still standing nearby, spoke cautiously. “Sir, Debora might not have good intentions.”

Jayden loosened his tie, his tone calm yet resolute. “Whatever her motives, let her in. We’ll deal with it.”

Jayden sat in his study, his attention fixed on the mountain of work before him as time ticked by. Twenty minutes passed before a knock echoed through the door. It was Driscoll, informing him that Debora had arrived. Without lifting his eyes, Jayden’s voice remained icy and detached. “Let her wait.”

The work on his desk demanded his focus, and Debora’s impatience could simmer for as long as necessary.