Chapter 178:

After offering Darren encouragement, Elyse retreated to practice violin, her heart heavy. She was determined to refine her skills until she felt satisfied. Returning home, she unexpectedly encountered Kieran. Surprised, she asked, "What brings you here?"

"I'm here to see Jayden," Kieran replied tersely, striding into the living room.

Perplexed, Elyse hurried to Jayden's side, her gaze lingering on Kieran with curiosity. Unmoved by her presence, Kieran remained fixated on Jayden, his expression weary. "Where have you taken my sister?" he asked.

Elyse realized Kieran's visit concerned Judy. Instead of interrupting, she remained silent, observing the tense exchange.

Setting aside his book, Jayden met Kieran's gaze directly. "Why do you want to see her?"

"She's been gone too long. I just learned she's here. Regardless of her transgressions, I beg you to release her," Kieran pleaded earnestly, his demeanor almost submissive.

"Judy is choosing her own path. Why interfere?" Jayden's brow furrowed in displeasure.

Kieran was taken aback. He knew Judy harbored feelings for Jayden. Had she taken drastic measures to gain his attention? Was she working at a nightclub? Many scenarios raced through his mind, but he never imagined she was working as a maid.

Kieran remained distant from the other Foster family members, treating them as tools. Even after Joanna's death, he showed no inclination to repatriate her remains. However, he genuinely worried about Judy's sudden disappearance. As his only sibling, she had always been the object of his affection and care.

His affection for Judy ran deep. His concern compelled him to humble himself before Jayden. He implored, his tone softened with deference, "Mr. Owen, I plead with you for any information. I just want to bring my sister home."

Jayden was silent, then glanced at Elyse, gently squeezing her hand. "What do you think? Should we...?"

Elyse's eyes widened. Why was he asking her opinion? She had intended to remain silent. However, Kieran quickly addressed her, saying, "I owe you an apology, Mrs. Owen. I once offended you. If you still resent me, direct it at me. Spare my sister."

Bemused by Elyse's puzzled expression, Jayden leaned in to whisper, "Remember, he once proposed to you." Only then did Elyse recall Kieran's earlier proposal, but it had long faded from her memory, holding little significance. After a moment, she turned to Jayden and said, "Tell him. He can take his sister home."

"Have you decided?" Jayden asked.

"Yes." Fearing Kieran might linger indefinitely, Elyse decided to reveal Judy's location. "She's at my grandfather's residence," Jayden murmured to Kieran.

Kieran stood stunned, his mind reeling with unimaginable possibilities. "Go get her, though I wonder if she'll come with you," Jayden remarked with a meaningful smile.

Before Kieran could fully grasp the implication, he thanked Elyse and hurried to find Judy. He knocked on the door, and upon its opening, clearly conveyed his intentions to the butler. He soon found Judy.

Judy, having just finished dinner and retreated to her room, was surprised to see Kieran. "Kieran, what brings you here?"

Kieran gently took her hand, scrutinizing her with tender concern. Relief washed over him as he saw she was well. With a serious expression, he produced a document, furrowing his brow. "Why did you sign this contract, Judy? As a member of the esteemed Foster family, why are you working as a maid? Your actions disgrace our family name."

Angry, Kieran grasped her hand. "Come home with me at once. Don't degrade yourself like this!"

"I refuse to return. I will soon be with Jayden," Judy protested defiantly.

"Are you insane? What obsession drives you to someone incapacitated?" Kieran's disbelief was palpable. Aware of his sister's fondness for Jayden, he was shocked by the intensity of her feelings.

"Kieran, it's been a struggle to hold on this long. If I give up now, I may never have another chance," Judy declared, unwavering. Upon learning of the possibility of being with Jayden, she had resisted less and applied herself diligently to her duties as a maid.

However, Kieran remained unconvinced, seeing through Jayden's schemes. "It's a deception to keep you here. Have you forgotten the principles our parents instilled in you?"

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