Chapter 17

Jayden clenched his jaw. “I came downstairs looking for you,” he said coldly. Elyse, too frightened to speak, lowered her head. Driscoll, misinterpreting their interaction as playful banter, felt a thrill of excitement. “By the way,” he said, “the Brooks family sent an invitation. Xander Brooks is getting married and has invited you both.”

“Xander Brooks,” Jayden repeated.

“Yes, the wedding is tomorrow,” Driscoll replied respectfully.

Elyse, puzzled, interjected, “He sent it the day before the wedding? Shouldn’t invitations be sent out weeks in advance?”

Jayden’s response was icy. “It’s not surprising. Xander’s a playboy; he’s never been serious about anyone. Maybe he got someone pregnant.”

Elyse’s mouth fell open in shock, but Jayden found her expression endearing.

“Will you attend the wedding tomorrow, sir?” Driscoll asked.

“I received the invitation, so I must go,” Jayden said indifferently.

Driscoll looked concerned. “But their relationship with you isn’t good. They didn’t attend your wedding; they only sent a gift. Why go?”

Jayden glanced at Elyse, his expression calm. “I have to go. If I don’t, how will they see how beautiful my wife is?”

Elyse met his gaze, feeling a wave of shyness. Her cheeks warmed.

“Let’s go. Don’t just sit around,” Jayden said. He took her hand and they headed for the entrance. Driscoll watched them leave, smiling with satisfaction.

“Where are we going?” Elyse asked, puzzled.

“To a wedding tomorrow. As my wife, you need to look stunning; it reflects on me.”

“Is being your wife always this stressful?” Elyse asked.

Jayden gave her a lazy glance. “Second thoughts?”

“No, I’m fortunate to be your wife,” Elyse responded, shaking her head.

The scene shifted. Jayden stated firmly, "How could any employee listen to me when I don't even work there?" Tess, clenching her teeth in frustration, found herself speechless.

Jayden glanced at a dejected Bryce. “If you’re concerned about Bryce, consider planning his future. I can’t help him.”

Bryce retorted loudly, “It’s clear you don’t want to help! You told me to leave the company. You have no respect for me!”

“Why do you look down on him?” Tess interjected.

Jayden tilted his head, poured Elyse a cup of tea, and said indifferently, “If Bryce truly had potential, Grandpa would have noticed it.”

Tess was speechless. Enzo had little faith in Bryce. When Jayden was healthy, Enzo frequently invited him to dinner or chats in the study. Jayden was clearly favored. Bryce wasn’t. At Enzo’s birthday party, other young men were invited to the study, but not Bryce.

Tess’s frustration showed. With two children, she couldn’t understand why Jayden was favored and Bryce overlooked. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face as she glanced at Elyse. “You treat your wife better than your own brother.”

“Remember, he’s your family by blood,” Tess suddenly called out. Elyse sat up straight, anxious.

Jayden glanced unhappily at his mother. “Our family has never cared much about blood ties. You know that, Mom.” Tess’s face paled; she was too angry to respond. The Owen family’s motto was profit first; kinship meant little. Only money and power mattered. Jayden gave a scornful laugh. “Tess only brought up blood ties because it suited her needs. Such a great mother.”

“Enough! Bryce needs to establish himself in the company. As his brother, it’s your duty to help him. Bryce, starting today, you’ll live with your brother and learn from him,” Tess declared, ignoring everything else. Glancing at Jayden’s legs, she added, “Your legs may be weak, but your mind is sharp.”

Elyse’s expression darkened. How could Tess say that about her son? Didn't she realize how sensitive he was about his legs? She was furious and wanted to defend Jayden. Jayden sensed this and stopped her, saying with annoyance, “It’s fine. He can stay.”

Tess’s mood improved at Jayden’s agreement. Tilting her head, she declared arrogantly, “Just guide your brother. The Owen Group will belong to us one day.” She left, leaving Bryce, Jayden, and Elyse.

Elyse, a mix of emotions on her face, turned to Driscoll. “Prepare a guest room for him.” Driscoll nodded respectfully and instructed a servant.

Bryce lounged on the sofa, giving Jayden a disdainful look. “Like it or not, you have to help me. I’m the future of our family.”

Elyse, puzzled by Bryce’s attitude, frowned and stood. “You think this is your house? Why should he help you? If you’re the future, prove it.”

Bryce was taken aback by Elyse’s defense of Jayden. He snapped, “Bitch, you have no right to interfere! This is my home!” Elyse retorted sharply.

A dark look crossed Bryce’s face. He resented Elyse; he blamed her for Joanna’s death. His voice low and cold, he declared, “You’ve never been, and will never be, my sister-in-law. I refuse to accept you.”