Chapter 195

Elyse was speechless. Jayden's words rang true, casting Judy's previous words and actions in a new, insincere light. "It's better to continue what we started than dwell on Judy's intentions," Jayden said, leaning closer, his gaze intense. Elyse shivered, raising her hands to stop him. Unable to meet his affectionate gaze, she stammered, "W-we didn't shower, and we can't do this in the living room." She pushed him away and dashed upstairs, her haste endearing.

Jayden watched her go, a playful smile on his lips. He gave her time to compose herself.

Meanwhile, Kieran escorted Judy home. She cried throughout the journey, finally falling asleep in her bed, exhausted. Bathed in moonlight, she lay in a soft bed, wearing a white slip. Kieran sat beside her, gently caressing her face. Her swollen eyes and reddened nose made her appear deeply pitiable. In a low murmur, he reflected, "My sister is so pitiable, yet Jayden shows no interest. He doesn't even seem like a man."

Judy sobbed in her sleep at the mention of Jayden's name. Kieran offered soothing words: "Don't be sad, Judy. I'm here for you. Those who hurt you won't have it easy." His resolve was firm. He wouldn't let Jayden and Elyse off the hook.

At eight o'clock, Lanny arrived at the hospital to visit Mabel, reluctant and frustrated by her disobedience. She had secretly visited Theo and been imprisoned by him. He couldn't believe he had such a foolish daughter. Despite his anger, he went at Glenda's pleading.

Pulling into the Inpatient Department parking lot, he saw a crowd of nurses and bodyguards surrounding a woman exiting the elevator. Assuming she was wealthy, he looked closer and was shocked to recognize the old woman who had escaped from the mental hospital. He'd finally found her—the woman who knew all his secrets. While he had reasons for not harming her, he needed to keep her under control. He'd been searching for her since her escape.

Lanny watched, unable to approach the well-protected woman. He hesitated, then watched helplessly as she was escorted to a car and driven away. Anxious, he approached a nurse and casually asked, "Who is that old woman with so many bodyguards? Is she from a powerful family?"

The nurse, eager to gossip, replied, "She's not rich. She's mentally ill, but fortunate to have the care of a wealthy man. She's going to a nursing home."

Lanny clenched his fists. As some nurses discussed something in the elevator, he pondered who had rescued the old woman and arranged for her care. Moments later, his phone rang—Glenda.

Annoyed, he answered brusquely, "What's up?"

Glenda's temples throbbed with anger. "Why do you even ask? I told you to come see Mabel! Where have you been?"

Lanny, with a looming headache, replied, "Don't rush me. I'll come after I finish my work."

Glenda, furious, cursed him before he hung up. In her anger, she smashed her phone.

"Mom, don't be angry. Maybe Dad has something important. Please don't be upset," Mabel said, feigning concern.

Glenda felt a warm surge of affection. Her daughter seemed to have matured. Unaware of Mabel's pretense, she felt reassured.

Mabel knew she'd crossed a line with Lanny. His delayed visit signaled his anger. To maintain her parents' financial support, she needed to appear sensible.

"Your father is stubborn, but softhearted," Glenda advised. "Say a few kind words; it might calm him down."

"I know, Mom. I won't make Dad angry anymore," Mabel replied, her eyes briefly betraying a flicker of calculation.

. . .