Chapter 134

Judy didn't wait for Driscoll's response; she strode confidently toward the stairs. Driscoll, however, disliked Judy's unilateral decisions and intervened, his tone impatient and warning. "Miss Foster," he said, "whether you're a guest or a maid, you have no right to interfere in Mr. Owen's affairs."

Narrowing his eyes, Driscoll cautioned, "Please remember your place and refrain from acting inappropriately."

Judy clenched her teeth, seething at Driscoll's presumption. He was just a butler—how dare he speak to her like that? She vowed that, as Jayden's wife, Driscoll would be the first person she dismissed.

Observing Judy's reluctance, Driscoll sensed her hidden agenda: she intended to go upstairs. He knew her presence was the primary cause of discord between Elyse and Jayden. Resolute, he wouldn't let her reach the second floor and disrupt their peace, no matter the circumstances.

Judy's lips twisted. "What's wrong with you?" she snapped. "You're as wary of me as a thief. Afraid I'll jeopardize their relationship?"

Maintaining his composure, Driscoll replied diplomatically, "Miss Foster, you're overthinking. I simply ask that you follow the rules." With gritted teeth, Judy reluctantly withdrew.

Half an hour later, Jayden emerged, looking content. Driscoll stepped forward, instructing a maid to bring his breakfast, which had been kept warm. A devoted butler, Driscoll respected his master's privacy and didn't pry into his personal affairs. Even if Jayden skipped breakfast, Driscoll remained discreet.

Yet Judy couldn't resist expressing concern. Approaching Jayden with genuine care, she asked, "Mr. Owen, why are you down so late? Are you unwell? Should I fetch a doctor?"

Jayden lifted his head and strode past her toward the dining room, his attention elsewhere. Undeterred, Judy trailed after him. "Why are you alone downstairs? Where's Ms. Lloyd? Is she still sleeping? Why is she sleeping in when you're up?"

Driscoll felt a twinge of discomfort at Judy's probing questions. As he prepared a reprimand, Jayden interjected sharply, "Her affairs are none of your concern. If idle gossip is your forte, perhaps domestic service isn't your calling. You're free to leave and gossip elsewhere."

Jayden's words deeply upset Judy. How could he defend Elyse so staunchly? She masked her emotions, simply replying, "Understood."

At that moment, Elyse descended from upstairs, violin in hand, moving quickly. Driscoll called out, "Mrs. Owen, breakfast awaits. Please join us."

Elyse met Jayden's complacent expression, her ire rising. His insistence on their morning intimacy had nearly made her late.

"I'll skip breakfast," she said. "It's too late. I need to join my orchestra members immediately." She hurried away.

Jayden tore his gaze from Elyse and addressed Driscoll. "Arrange for a sandwich to be sent to her later."

"Of course," Driscoll replied deferentially.

Judy glanced around silently.

Seated at the table, Jayden began his breakfast. Judy stood nearby, lightly touching her belly. "Mr. Owen," she said, "I've been waiting for you and haven't eaten yet. May I join you?"

Fearing rejection, she adopted an overly sweet tone. "May I, Mr. Owen?"

Jayden, without looking up, responded icily, "I recall you offering to serve the household, yet now you seek to join the master for breakfast. Are you committed to servitude or not?"

Judy's eyelids fluttered. Jayden's demeanor had changed overnight. What had caused this sudden shift? Cursing inwardly, she suspected Elyse's interference.

Judy's disdain for Elyse deepened, but she couldn't dwell on it. She needed to act quickly. "That's not my intention," she clarified hurriedly. "I'm eager to serve you. Please don't dismiss me."

Jayden remained silent, intensifying her anxiety. She had to stay by his side; otherwise, her plans would fail.

Then she noticed a red mark on Jayden's neck. Seizing the opportunity, she gently pointed it out. "Mr. Owen, are you injured?"

Jayden touched his neck, acknowledging the mark. With a hint of mischief, he adjusted his collar. "Yes, I was bitten by a puppy."

(The narrator's aside is out of place and should be removed or integrated differently. Consider adding it as a thought within a character's perspective instead of a separate, abrupt sentence.)