Chapter 1344:

“He is still at rest,” the maid replied. With the weight of familial complexities pressing down, Elyse made a decisive call. “Please, ask Debora to return later. Jayden isn’t prepared to entertain visitors just yet.” The maid nodded, retreating to manage the delicate refusal. Post-meal, Elyse retreated to her sanctuary, the strains of her violin briefly displacing her worries before she succumbed again to sleep. Roused at eight PM, she found Jayden awake at last. Driscoll approached with a gentle urgency. “Debora Owen has persisted at our doorstep for hours, despite our attempts to dissuade her. She remains adamant about meeting Jayden before she departs.” Startled by the persistence, Elyse exclaimed, “Has she really been waiting since this afternoon?” Affirming, Driscoll added, “We’ve informed her of your unavailability, yet she stands firm in her resolve to wait.” As Elyse bit into her chicken, she cast a glance at Jayden, curious to see how he would handle the unfolding situation. Jayden’s expression darkened slightly before he conceded. “Let her in.” Debora entered, her gaze immediately drawn to the inviting spread on the table. Her stomach betrayed her with a loud rumble. Catching the sound, Elyse offered warmly, “Why don’t you join us for dinner?” After a brief hesitation, Debora nodded and took a seat. As she ate, she seemed to reflect on her decision to wait outside all day without any provisions. She devoured her meal with an intensity that filled the room. Finally, leaning back and dabbing at her lips with a napkin, she looked more settled. Jayden, resting his chin on his hand, took the moment to probe. “Now that you’re fed, tell us—what brought you here today?” Debora’s expression shifted to one of distress as she responded, “My family is in dire straits. This morning, someone approached, offering aid during these tough times in exchange for 30% of the company shares. They’re exploiting our misfortune.” Jayden, pouring a glass of juice for himself and one for Elyse with methodical calm, replied leisurely, “And how does this involve me? I don’t hold any shares.” There was a time when Jayden had shares, but all that changed after his car accident, when he feigned a broken leg only for Enzo to seize all his shares. Since that day, Jayden’s influence and standing within the Owen family had diminished significantly. Debora, her voice tinged with desperation, pleaded, “Jayden, can you really just watch and do nothing?” “I’ve made myself perfectly clear. This isn’t something I can handle. I need to speak with your parents directly,” Jayden said, his tone steady and unyielding. Debora forced a bitter smile. “But they…” Her voice faltered. She knew her parents too well—they’d never swallow their pride to approach Jayden. Instead, they’d just push her to do it for them. . . .