Chapter 233:

After bidding Cody farewell, Elyse returned home with a troubled expression. Jayden glanced at her and asked, "Did someone pick on you?" Peyton, hearing her approach, turned and offered her a cupcake. "Feeling down? Have some cake; it might cheer you up."

Elyse, sitting beside Jayden with a solemn look, accepted a warm towel from Driscoll, wiped her hands, and asked, "What brings you here?" Peyton huffed, rolling his eyes. "Can't I just drop by for dinner?" "Of course," Elyse reassured him.

Jayden passed her a cupcake, explaining, "His vacation's almost over. He's here for one last free meal before returning to work." Taking a bite of his cake, Peyton chimed in, "Actually, I came to share some juicy gossip."

Intrigued, she leaned in. "What kind of gossip?" Peyton's eyes lit up as he narrated, "Just a few days ago, I saw Corrie on a blind date while I was out to dinner. She's been at the same restaurant for blind dates three days in a row."

Jayden elaborated, "Her family owns a chain of restaurants, including several upscale ones. It's not surprising to see Corrie on dates at her family's restaurant." Peyton smiled. "Three blind dates in three days. Is Corrie that eager to get married?"

Jayden replied nonchalantly, "Her grandfather is seriously ill. He's had three life-saving injections this month, each costing 860,000. Corrie's ambitious. If she marries before her grandfather passes, she stands to inherit a great deal more."

"Is that a Bates family secret? How did you find out? They've never publicized anything, and I only stumbled upon Corrie's dates by chance," Peyton remarked.

Elyse, equally shocked, turned to Jayden with a puzzled look, questioning his sources. Jayden smirked. "Of course, I know. I have my own network of informants. Doesn't your family have one, too?"

Peyton rolled his eyes at Jayden's response. Elyse remained silent, her gaze fixed on Jayden. She pondered the reach of his network, possibly more extensive and efficient than Peyton's family's. Could it mean Jayden, though seemingly uninvolved in the business world, had a secret team?

Realizing the implications, Elyse gasped. If Jayden possessed such a hidden talent, what were his plans? Was he truly content with being excluded from the Owen family, or was he plotting a return to power?

The more Elyse considered it, the more plausible it seemed. She'd always sensed Jayden was concealing something. She was now convinced this was his secret. But why hadn't he confided in her about his ambition to regain his influence? If he had such plans, she would support him. There was no need for secrecy.

She felt an urge to discuss this with Jayden but remained silent. If Jayden chose not to share, so be it. As his wife, she could still support him quietly.

Their conversation drifted. When Peyton learned Elyse was performing at the concert hall the next day, he exclaimed excitedly, "I want to see your performance tomorrow!"

"I'm afraid you might not see me onstage. I'm not the concertmaster; I'm just part of the ensemble."

"That doesn't matter. I'll spot you even in a crowd. I have sharp eyes," Peyton said, moving closer to Jayden.

Jayden eyed him suspiciously. "What are you up to?"

Peyton looked at him curiously. "Are you going tomorrow? Maybe I could come along."

Jayden saw through his intentions. "Why don't you buy your own ticket?"

Raising an eyebrow, Peyton countered, "The performance is tomorrow. What decent seats could I possibly get now? I bet I'd get better ones with you."

Elyse chimed in, glancing at Jayden. "You could give him a ticket. Didn't I give you three?"

Peyton's frustration was evident. "Three tickets? Why won't you take me?"

Jayden, feeling cornered, conceded, "Alright, I'll give you a ticket."

With a sly grin, Peyton suggested, "There's still one left. Why not give it to Clive? He's always wanted to hear Elyse play the violin."

Elyse looked surprised. "Really? He should ask me. I'd be happy to play for him."

Peyton dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "How could he possibly ask? You're Jayden's wife. How could he ask you to perform for him?"

Elyse and Peyton continued their conversation, completely ignoring Jayden. Jayden's expression turned grim. Peyton knew Elyse was his wife, yet he still expressed a desire to hear her play. ... ... ...