Chapter 173

"How could any employee listen to me when I don’t even work there?" Jayden stated firmly.

Tess, clenching her teeth in frustration, was speechless. Jayden glanced at a dejected Bryce and suggested, "If you’re concerned about Bryce, consider planning his future. I can’t help him."

"It’s clear you don’t want to help!" Bryce retorted loudly. "You’re the one who 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 a cup of tea for Elyse, and spoke with indifference. "If Bryce truly had potential, Grandpa would have noticed it."

Tess was speechless. Enzo had indeed shown little faith in Bryce. When Jayden was healthy, Enzo frequently invited him to dinner or chats in his study. Jayden's favoritism was evident to everyone. Bryce received no such treatment. At Enzo's birthday party, several young men were invited to the study for a discussion—but not Bryce.

Frustration was etched on Tess's face. As a mother of two, she couldn't understand Enzo's favoritism toward Jayden and neglect of Bryce.

Glancing at the silent Elyse, annoyance flickered across Tess's face. "You treat your wife better than your own brother. Remember, he’s your blood relative."

Suddenly addressed, Elyse sat up straight, looking anxiously at Tess. Jayden glanced unhappily at his mother. "Our family has never cared much about blood ties, Mom. You know that."

Tess's face paled. She was too angry to respond immediately. The Owen family motto was "profit first." Kinship meant little in their pursuit of profit; only money and power mattered. Everyone in the Owen family—including Tess and Andrew—upheld this principle.

Jayden laughed scornfully. "Tess only brought up blood ties because it suited her needs. Such a great mother she was."

Ignoring the others, Tess declared, "Enough. Bryce needs to establish himself in the company. As his brother, it’s your duty to help him. Bryce, starting today, you’re going to live with your brother and learn from him." She glanced at Jayden's legs and added, "Your legs may be weak, but your mind is sharp."

Elyse's expression darkened. How could Tess say such a thing about her son? Didn't she realize how sensitive Jayden was about his legs? Furious, she felt compelled to defend Jayden. No matter how aggressive Tess was, Elyse couldn't bring herself to hurt her son.

But Jayden, sensing her intentions, stopped her. With a hint of annoyance, he said, "It’s fine. He can stay."

Tess's mood improved at Jayden's agreement. Tilting her head, she regained her pride and declared arrogantly, "Just guide your brother. The Owen Group will belong to us one day."

With that, she left, leaving Bryce, Jayden, and Elyse behind. A mix of emotions crossed Elyse's face as she finally turned to Driscoll and instructed, "Prepare a guest room for him."

Driscoll nodded respectfully and instructed a servant. Meanwhile, 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 now."

Elyse was puzzled by Bryce's disdain for his elder brother. She frowned and stood, clearly unhappy. "You think this is your house? Why should he help you? If you’re the future of the family, prove it yourself."

Bryce was taken aback by Elyse's defense of Jayden. "B*tch, you have no right to interfere in our conversation. This is my home, and I’ll speak if I want to," he snapped.

A dark look crossed Bryce's face. He resented Elyse, blaming 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."

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