Chapter 1303:

As the realization dawned, Elyse spoke, her voice cold. “Debora, are you still planning to contact the media?”

Feeling increasingly cornered by Elyse and Pearce’s intense scrutiny, Debora instinctively stepped back, her voice wavering. “What do you mean?”

Pearce’s response was blunt. “If you disclose this, we’ll be forced to respond accordingly.”

Debora stared at Elyse, shock lacing her voice. “Are you seriously saying you didn’t deceive me? You murdered my grandfather?”

Elyse shook her head, her expression resolute. “Murder? He was responsible for my child’s death. My actions were retribution.”

Debora’s tone sharpened, disbelief mixing with anger. “You took his life for an unborn child?”

Without warning, Elyse slapped Debora across the face, her eyes blazing. The slap landed hard, leaving Debora’s cheek red and swollen, the imprint of Elyse’s hand clearly visible.

Staggering back, Debora pressed her hand to her stinging cheek, her voice trembling. “How could you hit me?”

Elyse, her hand still raised, shot back, “Shouldn’t I? You think you’re above reproach?” Her eyes narrowed. “Say another word against my child, and it will be your last.”

It had been a long time since Debora last saw Elyse, and she remembered her as soft and yielding. She hadn’t realized the extent of Elyse’s transformation—this new Elyse was unrecognizable, fiercer than she’d ever imagined.

Jayden, who had been silently watching, intervened. “Stop this, Debora. This is beyond you. Let your parents pursue justice. They probably don’t even know you’re here, right?”

Humiliation and anger flashed in Debora’s eyes as she clenched her jaw, unwilling to show weakness.

Elyse interrupted with a sharp, probing look. “Jayden, are you trying to send her away because you think I’ll harm her?”

Jayden was acutely aware of Elyse’s volatility regarding her child. Although she stood quietly now, he sensed her internal agony. He knew her deeply, especially her profound connection to her lost child, which had driven a deep wedge between them—a gap he had been tirelessly trying to bridge.

Before Jayden could respond, Debora interjected fiercely, “I don’t need his protection. Now I understand you orchestrated my grandfather’s death! You monster, I won’t let this go.”

As Debora turned to storm out, Driscoll and the household staff blocked her exit.

“What is this? How dare you block my way? Don’t you recognize who I am?” Debora demanded.

Jayden exhaled wearily. “They know exactly who you are. But they can’t let you leave if you intend to harm Elyse.”