Chapter 137

Judy felt a tingling sensation on her scalp at Jayden's words. She wasn't sure if she was imagining it, but she had definitely sensed malice from him a moment before. Seeking an escape, she quickly said, "Ms. Lloyd realized she forgot something and sent me to retrieve it."

Jayden fixed a long, searching gaze on her before asking, "Have you retrieved the item?"

Judy fought to maintain her composure. "Yes, I've found it. I'll deliver it to her later."

Overhearing the conversation, Driscoll was enraged. He believed Judy's presence in Jayden's room was clandestine. "How could she claim she was merely assisting Elyse? Elyse wouldn't ask her for help; she dislikes Judy."

With a stormy expression, Driscoll waited for Jayden's order, skeptical that he'd be so easily deceived. Jayden, thoughtfully tapping his fingers on the table, slowly asked, "I see. Did she request immediate delivery?"

"Yes, sir," Judy replied, nodding.

"Very well, you may leave," Jayden said.

Startled by her easy dismissal, Judy exclaimed, "Thank you!" Excitement bubbling over, she practically bounced from the study.

Left alone, Driscoll was stunned by Jayden's reaction. Judy's response was clearly unsatisfactory. "Even if Jayden chose not to punish her, he should have dismissed her. Yet he let her go so easily!"

"Sir, why don't you punish her? She's clearly lying," Driscoll protested.

"I have my reasons," Jayden replied curtly, waving him away.

Driscoll, biting back further arguments, reluctantly left.

Later that evening, Elyse arrived home by car. Entering the house, she overheard snippets of conversation from the servants in the garden.

"Did you hear? Mr. Owen allowed the new maid, Judy, into his room. She even used Mrs. Owen's exclusive tableware," one servant whispered.

"Mr. Owen is so kind to Judy. What does this mean for Mrs. Owen? I thought they were in love," another mused.

"You're mistaken. They aren't in love. Maybe Judy is the right person for Mr. Owen," a third added.

Elyse chose not to confront them. With a heavy heart, she entered the villa and was immediately greeted by Judy's flirtatious voice. "Mr. Owen, why don't we plant some flowers in the garden? Roses! They'd be beautiful in bloom."

Jayden thoughtfully replied, "Do you like roses?"

Watching from a distance, Elyse saw Judy shyly lower her head. Her feelings for Jayden were evident.

Realizing this, Elyse clenched her fists. She feared history repeating itself. Just as Kaelyn had taken Theo, could Judy take Jayden? A wave of sadness washed over her as she looked at Jayden with mixed emotions.

Jayden noticed her return and casually asked, "Are you planning to dine at home tonight?"

Elyse furrowed her brow. Why would he ask? Or was there truth to the servants' whispers that he no longer loved her?

Suppressing her sorrow, she replied, "Do you want me to dine at home tonight?"

Jayden seemed puzzled. Unaware of Driscoll's cautionary glance, he said, "If you're not eating here, I'll ask the chef to prepare less food."

"Sir," Driscoll exclaimed, taken aback. "Did Jayden realize the impact of his words?"

Elyse forced a smile. "You go ahead and eat. I have other plans and won't be dining at home." With that, she ascended the stairs.

Unable to contain his frustration, Driscoll, Jayden's longtime servant and childhood companion, felt at a loss. He ventured to ask, "Sir, aren't you concerned she'll be upset?"

Jayden remained silent, his frown deepening, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Judy reveled in her delight. She saw an opportunity in the couple's discord to further her own ambitions. She was now certain that driving a wedge between Elyse and Jayden would be easy. With a little more effort, she could secure her place as Jayden's wife.