Chapter 246:

Elyse didn't recognize the man, yet he seemed familiar. Seeing her puzzled expression, he introduced himself. "I'm Egan Brooks. Pleased to meet you." Egan was Xander and Hiram Brooks's brother. It suddenly struck Elyse that she hadn't seen anyone from the Brooks family since Xander's wedding.

Noticing Elyse's silence, Egan deliberately raised his voice. "I've heard Jayden loves you very much. So where is he today? Does this mean he doesn't really love you?"

Kieran stepped forward, swirling his wine glass, and said playfully, "That's not necessarily the case. Everyone knows Jayden has rarely attended social events since his accident. He even threw this birthday party for his wife, which clearly shows his affection."

"Oh, then where is Jayden? Why isn't he here?" Egan pressed.

Observing the exchange, Elyse sensed their hostility. She clenched her teeth. It seemed they intended to humiliate her in front of the guests, especially with Jayden absent, turning both of them into a laughingstock.

Taking a deep breath, Elyse said calmly, "Today is my birthday party. I'm the one celebrating, so why are you so focused on Jayden?"

Meanwhile, Freda, holding a glass of champagne, watched Elyse with keen interest. Since their blind date, Freda had investigated Theo's past relationships and discovered that the woman she'd seen in the parking lot was Theo's ex, Elyse. She was astonished to learn Elyse had married Jayden on the day she was supposed to marry Theo.

Freda observed Elyse thoughtfully and slowly asked Theo, "Do you think Mr. and Mrs. Owen truly love each other?"

Theo didn't answer. Looking up, Freda saw that he was frowning, concerned, and staring intently at Elyse.

Feeling uneasy, Freda raised her voice. "I'm asking you."

Snapping back to reality, Theo pretended not to have heard. "Sorry, what was that?"

Trying to control her irritation, Freda asked patiently, "I was asking if you think Mr. and Mrs. Owen genuinely love each other."

"I don't know," Theo replied simply.

Freda sensed Theo's displeasure and anger. What was making him angry? Was it because she mentioned Elyse and Jayden? Why would that bother him? Could he still love his ex?

Her hand, clutching her glass, trembled slightly. She masked her emotions and quickly finished her champagne. Moments before, she'd been mocking Elyse, but now she wished Elyse would embarrass herself.

"How can that be? I hold you in high regard, Mrs. Owen. I'm just very curious about your husband since he's seldom seen these days," Kieran explained.

Egan added, "Yes, it's well-known you two get along well. I merely wanted to see you together to offer my blessings."

A cold smile touched Elyse's lips. She saw through their charade. Scanning the room, her eyes found Theo. He was looking intently at her, as if wanting to say something. But then she saw Freda beside him. She remembered Theo's words in the lounge, and now he was standing next to Freda.

Elyse turned away in disgust, vowing never to invite either of them again. Observing her gaze, Theo felt a surge of anticipation. He hoped she would seek his help. Even a look would suffice. He longed for her to show vulnerability, needing his assistance.

He waited hopefully, but Elyse avoided his gaze with clear disgust. Did she despise him that deeply? Would she rather face her troubles alone?

Theo felt a deep sense of bitterness. Why couldn't she see his good intentions?