Chapter 149:

Elyse was roused from sleep by the insistent blare of her ringtone. Blinking away sleep, she answered groggily.

“Elyse, I need you to get a basket of fruit to the hospital,” Mabel’s arrogant tone sliced through the line.

Realizing it was Mabel again, Elyse felt annoyed. What possessed Mabel to be so energetic so early? Rubbing her eyes, Elyse retorted irritably, “Why am I the one to bring fruit to the hospital? Can’t you handle that?”

Mabel shot back, indignant, “How could you be so heartless? Theo’s in the hospital because of you!”

Bewildered, Elyse forced her eyes open. “What does that have to do with me? And why is it any of your business? Aren't you embarrassed chasing after him like that?”

Mabel harbored plans to marry Theo and had recklessly offered him her virginity. Elyse couldn't comprehend her sister's folly.

“You’re just envious because I’m still in touch with him. You can’t stand seeing us together,” Mabel shouted hysterically.

Elyse was fully alert now. She sneered, propped herself against the pillows, and said lazily, “Yeah, you’re right. I am jealous. If you two are so close, why don’t you take the fruit?”

Mabel’s desperation was palpable. Theo had made it clear he wanted Elyse to visit; otherwise, he’d have her removed. Mabel refused to leave, believing success would change Theo’s perception of her.

“You need to deliver it yourself. You’re in Theo’s debt,” Mabel declared haughtily.

Elyse was taken aback, half-convinced it was a prank. How could she be indebted to Theo? Then she remembered.

Before her marriage, under pressure, Theo had signed a deal with an overseas firm. This secured him the firm’s backing and newfound respect. He’d also wrestled control from Zandra, his ascent unchallenged—a testament to his capabilities.

Elyse had playfully suggested a celebratory basket of strawberries. Theo, however, had forbidden her from entering the company, rejecting her gift.

Remembering this, Elyse’s irritation flared. Theo had spurned her gesture; why did he expect amends now?

“Tell him I have no obligations to him, and he should stop trying,” Elyse stated firmly.

Just as she was about to hang up, Mabel interjected, dissatisfied, “Why do you treat Theo so coldly? Did you ever truly love him?”

Elyse smiled. Had she loved Theo? Absolutely. But she’d never felt truly loved by him, causing her affection to wane.

“It doesn’t matter now. I’m Jayden’s wife. Theo should remember that,” Elyse stated coldly.

Mabel retorted with displeasure, “Do you honestly believe Theo still cares for you? You’re not worth his time.”

Elyse, losing patience, shot back, “Remember, you’re a Lloyd, not a Ward. You don’t need to grovel. It’s beneath our family.”

“You have no right to—” Mabel exclaimed.

Elyse ended the call, leaving Mabel fuming. Realizing Elyse wouldn't send the fruit, Mabel anxiously pondered Theo’s reaction, fearing the consequences. Clutching her phone, she tiptoed toward the ward, hoping for forgiveness.

Elsewhere, energized by the confrontation, Elyse tossed her phone aside, feeling a mix of emotions. The morning’s unpleasantness had soured her day. As she pondered, Jayden entered, furrowing his brow. “You’ve been in bed all morning. Aren’t you hungry?”

Elyse patted her stomach. “Not particularly.”

“Get dressed and come to the garden for lunch. You need to eat,” Jayden insisted.

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