Chapter 213

Jayden questioned the elderly woman. "You mentioned Rickey Owen and Janet Lawrence earlier, but I couldn't find them. Can you provide any further information to help me locate them?"

The old woman, clutching Elyse tightly, regarded him with suspicion. Her apprehension was evident; she feared he would separate her from Elyse. Elyse looked uncomfortable; the old woman's grip was too firm.

Jayden tried to reassure her, emphasizing Elyse's unhappiness. "Elyse has suffered greatly. While she has parents, their treatment hasn't been ideal. I sometimes question whether she truly belongs with them." He gently urged, "Surely you don't want to cause her further distress, Madam?"

The old woman's vigilance eased. Still holding Elyse close, she conceded, "Take her. Those who brought her here are not good people. Her real parents are kind."

Elyse was perplexed, believing the old woman's mental condition had returned. Jayden, however, saw it differently. The woman seemed to possess vital information, but her mental illness hampered her ability to communicate it clearly.

"What's your name, Madam?" Jayden asked, seeking information he couldn't find elsewhere.

"My name…" The old woman's gaze drifted. "My name is…" She trailed off, unable to recall it.

Realizing she couldn't remember, Jayden changed the subject. As Elyse interacted with the old woman, they prepared to leave, but the old woman stopped them.

With a sudden burst of warmth, she said, "You've grown up; you can't wear little socks anymore. I'll knit you bigger ones. You're not alone; I care about you."

Elyse was surprised, then smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot to have someone who cares."

Jayden saw his opportunity and escorted Elyse from the room. Outside, he asked, "What did you think of her words?"

Elyse frowned thoughtfully. "She seemed confused again. She implied I had a hard life, but I've always lived with my parents. They might favor my sister, but my life has been relatively normal."

Jayden ignored this, asking instead, "Are you still upset? Are you blaming me for not pleasing you yesterday and leaving early?"

Elyse was taken aback. "Why would I be upset about that?" she asked, her tone slightly irritated.

"So you're upset because I answered a woman's call and left?" Jayden explained, "It was Corrie Bates. I had to go."

Elyse scoffed. "What do you mean you had to go?"

Despite their intimacy, he had left her.

Seeing her reddened eyes, Jayden sighed. "Please don't be upset. I didn't betray you."

After a pause, she said, "You don't want to tell me the reason, do you?"

Jayden remained silent. Disappointment crossed her face. "I understand."

Jayden was puzzled. "What are you thinking?"

Elyse looked at him, her emotions mixed. He seemed distant, preventing her from getting close. Despite their intimacy, they hadn't truly opened up. She had hoped things would change, but…

Jayden struggled to understand her feelings. His usual apologies seemed insufficient. Clearly, Elyse was in a bad mood.

Jayden felt a surge of irritation. "Why are you upset? I wasn't with anyone else. I had no choice but to leave."

Elyse replied, "Fine. I didn't say anything. Let's go home. I'm tired."

Her demeanor softened, so Jayden assumed all was well and escorted her from the nursing home.

Unseen, Lanny emerged from a corner, watching them leave with a suspicious expression. Why were they at the nursing home? Were they visiting an Owen relative?

Lanny had previously searched the home and found no trace of Jayden's relatives.