Chapter 138

Emerging from the second-floor room, Elyse underwent a transformation. She slipped into a flowing gown, meticulously applied her makeup, and let her hair cascade elegantly around her shoulders. Descending the stairs in sleek black high heels, she effortlessly captured Jayden’s attention. His gaze lingered on her graceful form; a hint of jealousy crept into his voice as he asked, "What's with the fancy dress?"

Without glancing at him, Elyse responded icily, "I have matters to attend to." She brushed past everyone, her demeanor distant and determined, and exited the house. Driscoll sighed inwardly at Elyse's evident anger.

Meanwhile, Jayden felt an urge to pursue her and seek clarification, but Judy intervened. His gaze held an imperceptible hint of hostility as he challenged her, "How dare you try to stop me?"

Emboldened by Jayden's previous concern, Judy remained oblivious to the underlying tension in his voice. She calmly explained, "Look at her, all dressed up for her date. It explains her reluctance to dine at home."

Despite Jayden's simmering anger, Judy failed to register his displeasure. Instead, she cheerfully suggested, "I'm famished. Let's have dinner first."

Meeting her gaze with a glare, Jayden inquired, "Hungry?"

"Yes, aren't you?" Judy replied unfazed. Taking charge, she maneuvered behind Jayden's wheelchair, guiding him toward the dining room as if she were the household hostess. She attended to his needs with care, selecting food for him before gazing at him with affection.

"Please, you should eat before it gets cold," Judy insisted, her tone laced with concern. Jayden remained impassive, his expression somber as he moved to the elevator.

"Mr. Owen, where are you going?" Judy persisted, grasping the armrest of his wheelchair to halt his departure.

Jayden's response was curt and chilly. "Let go," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.

Reflecting on the afternoon's events, Judy couldn't help but believe Jayden harbored feelings for her. After all, his coldness wasn't exclusive to her; he treated everyone with the same detachment.

Convinced that Jayden's apparent indifference masked deeper emotions, Judy remained resolute in her belief that he held a special fondness for her. Driscoll escorted her away, but Jayden's commanding voice sliced through the tension as he motioned for Driscoll to intervene.

Driscoll's expression soured. He harbored no warmth for Judy; in his view, she failed to understand her place as a maid. Were it not for Jayden's inexplicable leniency, he would have disciplined her long ago. With firm resolve, Driscoll seized Judy, adhering to Jayden's instructions without hesitation.

"Take her back to her quarters. No one is to open the door for her without my permission."

"Of course, sir," Driscoll affirmed before briskly leading Judy away with an authoritative air.

Judy made one last attempt, reaching for Jayden's arm, but Driscoll intercepted, his grip firm and unyielding, ensuring compliance with Jayden's orders. As she was pulled away, confusion and sadness crept into her voice.

"What's happening, Mr. Owen? Why are you treating me like this all of a sudden? Did I upset you?" she asked, her tone tinged with sorrow and bewilderment.

Jayden remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, offering no acknowledgment. He maneuvered his wheelchair out of the house, leaving her questions unanswered.

Inside the room, Judy was confronted by Driscoll's chilly demeanor as he locked the door behind her. "Remember, you are just a maid here. Take this time to reflect on your actions," he stated icily.

Indignant, Judy protested, "What did you just say? I'm not a maid. I haven't done anything wrong. Let me out! I need to speak with Mr. Owen."

Convinced of her innocence, Judy refused to accept any wrongdoing. She was convinced that she and Jayden were destined to be together, especially considering his seemingly special treatment of her.

"Jayden cares for me deeply. Can't you see that?" she implored Driscoll, her desperation evident. "He treats me better than he does Elyse. Let me out, Driscoll."

Standing firm at the door, Driscoll listened to Judy's outburst with confusion. Though Jayden's behavior toward Judy seemed indulgent, it was clear to Driscoll that Jayden's feelings were anything but genuine.

"Perhaps it's time you seek medical attention, you delusional maid," Driscoll reiterated, punctuating his words with a reminder of her status before departing without a backward glance.

Judy's disbelief turned to frantic pounding on the door and desperate shouts, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Locked away, she found herself abandoned and ignored.

Meanwhile, the other servants were taken aback by Judy's predicament. Despite her claims of Jayden's favoritism, they questioned why he had locked her up. They laughed at Judy's intention of replacing Elyse.

In the aftermath of the commotion, Driscoll sought out Jayden only to learn that he had pursued Elyse. He stood in silence for a moment, resignation washing over him. "It seems I'm a tad too late. He should have followed her long ago," he murmured, his helplessness palpable.