Chapter 162

Elyse stared at Jayden's long legs, lost in thought. "How did you manage to get here without your wheelchair?"

Raising his head to glance at her, he asked, "How do you think I did?"

She stared at him, doubts about his disability creeping into her mind. She'd always felt Jayden was her savior when Joanna kidnapped her. Or was it all a dream?

Approaching him, Elyse pinched his thigh with all her might. Peyton stood aside, holding his breath, fearing Jayden would cry out in pain. Instead, Jayden calmly stared at him, visibly suppressing the pain.

Elyse's doubts vanished after the impromptu examination. "I can't feel the pain, but I'm sure there's a bruise. Would you like to examine another spot?" Jayden asked with a sigh.

Unsatisfied, Elyse withdrew her hand. "How did you get down here?"

"Ask him," Jayden said, gesturing toward Peyton.

Peyton trembled at the mention of his name. Why was he involved?

"Peyton, why are you at our house this late? And in the basement of all places?" Elyse demanded.

Jayden had invited them the previous night; he'd also walked to the basement himself.

Peyton rubbed his forehead, searching for an excuse. "I had a bad day, so I came for a drink with my friends." He glanced at Jayden and continued, "He didn't want to follow, so we carried him down here."

Jayden nodded in confirmation, shrugging helplessly. "See? I was forced here, against my will. I just wanted to go to bed."

Elyse remained unconvinced. Her disbelief didn't waver until she saw the whiskey and ice near Clive.

"What happened? Why did you bring him down here for a drink tonight? It's not good for him," she said to Peyton, her dissatisfaction evident.

"He broke up with his girlfriend," Jayden interjected.

"What?" Peyton was shocked. How could he have had a breakup without knowing?

The dissatisfaction in Elyse's voice softened to pity. "I'm sorry, I knew nothing about that. I wasn't aware you were seeing someone."

Clive stifled a chuckle, approaching Peyton and patting his shoulder. "We didn't know about his relationship until today either."

It made sense. Elyse was finally convinced. Yawning, she said to Jayden, "Where's your wheelchair? I'll help you get it."

"Don't worry. They'll help me. You go back to sleep," Jayden reassured her.

She left. Once they were sure she was gone, Clive said, "Fortunately, I saw her follow you to the basement."

Peyton hissed, facing Jayden. "It's time you told Elyse the truth."

Jayden stood, taking the whiskey bottle from Clive. He examined it, replying nonchalantly, "Why should I? You even had sex with her. Don't you trust her enough to tell her the truth?"

Peyton persisted, "I think she cares about you a lot. She deserves to know."

Jayden objected immediately. "She's not smart. I don't want her involved in my affairs."

Peyton frowned. "Have you considered how she'll feel if she finds out you've been lying?"

Jayden remained unmoved. "I have my plans. Besides, I'm certain she'll understand eventually."

Peyton's frustration was clear. Clive intervened, patting Peyton's shoulder. "Forget it, man. He just thinks it's not the right time. Brook has Enzo furious, and things are tense with the Owens."

Jayden nodded. "My mother's anxious to get Bryce a job at the company. She desperately wants a share."

Peyton sneered. "Your brother's a dumbass. He'll embarrass himself."

"More reason for me to go to the company tomorrow. I'll teach him a thing or two," Jayden replied.

"Really? Are you that kind?"

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