Chapter 174
“In the future, someone might replace me, but for now, I am your sister-in-law,” Elyse declared with a sneer, her tone casual. Turning to Driscoll, she added with icy detachment, “Since he loathes me, he’ll dine in his room. I’m sure he wouldn’t want to share a meal with me.”
Driscoll paused, his eyes shifting to Jayden. Jayden replied, “Why are you looking at me? Elyse manages the household.”
Bryce’s face contorted in shock and dismay. “So you’re excluding me from dinner?”
Elyse, hands trembling, said, “Of all the family, you alone refuse to accept me. Therefore, I’m accommodating your wishes.”
Bryce glowered at Jayden, scoffing, “I had no intention of sharing a table with you anyway.” He then stormed upstairs to his room.
Jayden looked at Elyse, remarking, “Bryce is utterly unredeemable. He’s a fool and wicked. Don’t worry about him. Our mother has spoiled him for too long.”
“I can see that,” Elyse replied, her face unreadable but filled with silent jubilation at Jayden’s support.
As usual, Jayden went to his study. Elyse, meanwhile, took her violin to the garden to practice, hoping to impress Cody.
During her practice, an empty plastic water bottle fell from above, striking her head. “Ouch!” she exclaimed, rubbing her head. She looked up to see Bryce walking away with a smug expression. It was clearly intentional.
Furious, Elyse grabbed the bottle and sought Bryce. He was in his room and refused to come out. Driscoll, hearing the commotion, investigated. A glint of shrewdness appeared in his eyes as he reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll tell Mr. Owen.”
With the upcoming selection competition in mind, Elyse decided to ignore Bryce’s provocation and walked away.
Driscoll watched Bryce’s door, sighed, and went to the study. He knocked, entered, and found Jayden reading a report by the window.
Without looking up, Jayden asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Bryce intentionally hit Mrs. Owen with a water bottle,” Driscoll said. “Should we let him stay?”
“I’ll have him leave in a few days,” Jayden replied, still reading. “Is she alright?”
“She’s upset,” Driscoll answered.
Jayden’s voice grew colder. “Tell the chef not to prepare any meat for Bryce. He’s overweight. A little weight loss won’t hurt. If he refuses to eat, let him stay in his room. And if he dares to come out looking for food, make sure he regrets it.”
“Yes, sir,” Driscoll replied, nodding respectfully and exiting.
At dinner, Elyse heard Bryce cursing and things smashing. She frowned, about to investigate, but Jayden stopped her. “Leave him be. He often loses control.”
“But if anything happens to Bryce, Mother will blame you,” Elyse said, concerned.
Jayden pulled her back to her seat and offered her fish. “He’s prone to smashing things. You’ll get used to it.”
This reminded Elyse of her sister Mabel, who also smashed things when angry.
Jayden patted her head. “They’re both spoiled. Ignore them.”
Elyse, accepting Jayden’s wisdom, continued eating. Unbeknownst to her, Bryce’s fury stemmed from finding only boiled cabbage on his plate—a deliberate act by the chef, following Jayden’s orders.
“What does Jayden think he’s doing? Is he trying to starve me?” Bryce muttered, glaring at Driscoll.
Driscoll replied respectfully, “There’s been a misunderstanding. He hopes you’ll lose weight. An overweight CEO isn’t good for the company’s image.”
“Bullshit! Jayden wants to starve me!” Bryce retorted. He tried to leave but was restrained by two bodyguards, screaming in anger.
“Spend the next few hours in your room,” Driscoll instructed, winking at the bodyguards, who quickly locked the door.
Bryce was stunned. He pounded on the door, yelling, “Jayden, is this how you treat me? I’m your brother!” ... ... ...