Chapter 1335:

Felicia didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, that would be wonderful! I’d be over the moon to see you live, darling. I’m so proud of you.”

“It’s really nothing,” Elyse said gently. “But don’t stay up too late, okay? I need to get some sleep now, too.”

Felicia’s voice brimmed with joy. “Alright. Sweet dreams. Next time, I’ll be right there, cheering you on.”

After exchanging a few more warm words, Elyse hung up. She tossed her phone onto the bed, sighing softly as she settled in.

But just as her head hit the pillow, there came a knock at the door.

Driscoll’s voice called out, “Elyse, you have a visitor.”

Elyse groaned. “At this hour? Who on earth wants to see me now?”

“It’s Shaun,” Driscoll said.

Her eyes shot open. “Shaun? Wait, Shaun Kennedy? What’s he doing here at nearly ten o’clock?”

Rising, she approached and opened the door.

Observing Elyse’s exhausted appearance, Driscoll offered an additional explanation. “He didn’t elaborate on his visit, but I suspect he might be in an even more precarious state than you.”

Perplexed, Elyse inquired, “What do you mean?”

Driscoll gestured toward his eyes. “He bears pronounced dark circles. It appears he hasn’t experienced restful sleep in quite some time.”

Elyse felt momentarily speechless. “If he’s struggling with sleep, perhaps consulting a doctor would be more appropriate. Why come to me?”

Draping a shawl around her shoulders and adopting a cool demeanor, she declared, “Let’s go downstairs. I’ll hear him out.”

Driscoll followed Elyse as she descended to meet Shaun. Approaching the living area, she spotted Shaun seated on the sofa.

The sight of the sofa stirred an unwelcome memory—a fleeting image of her and Jayden sharing an intimate moment just days ago. The thought made her heart skip a beat.

Why was that popping into her head now? She shook it off, scolding herself silently for the distraction.

Clearing her throat, she walked forward and addressed Shaun with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. “What brings you here so late?”

Shaun tilted his head slightly, and Elyse’s heart skipped a beat as she took in his ghostly appearance. He looked nothing short of disastrous.

His hair, once neatly styled, now cascaded in wild, untamed locks, a testament to months of neglect. The haunting dark circles under his eyes spoke of countless sleepless nights, painting a portrait of sheer exhaustion. His chin, scruffily bearded, gave him the air of a wanderer lost in time.

As Elyse’s eyes roved over Shaun, from his haggard face to his disheveled attire, she couldn’t help but mock him with a playful sneer. “Really, Shaun? Looking like a castaway—surely your family hasn’t thrown you out with the trash?”

Her laughter filled the room, light and mocking, as she gracefully descended onto the plush couch, her spirits undeniably high.

Yet, Shaun’s face remained a mask of serene detachment, untouched by her barbs. With a voice calm as a dormant volcano, he inquired, “Does my plight really bring such joy to your heart?”