Chapter 247:

Egan and Kieran relentlessly pursued Elyse. Unable to bear it, Peyton intervened. “This is Elyse’s birthday celebration. Why are you pursuing Jayden?”

Elyse smoothly deflected Peyton, recognizing the need to handle the situation herself. Failure would only confirm the men's expectations. Summoning her strength, she declared, “I welcome genuine well-wishers. However, if you're here solely to find Jayden under the guise of celebrating my birthday, please wait in the lounge. I will arrange a meeting at an appropriate time.”

Her gaze swept the room. “Those wishing to see Jayden, please join them.”

After a pause, a guest said, “Mrs. Owen, I’m here only to wish you a happy birthday.” Others echoed the sentiment. Kieran and Egan, insistent on seeing Jayden, were isolated.

Recognizing the futility of further disruption, Kieran relented. “In Jayden’s absence, happy birthday, Mrs. Owen.”

Elyse bristled at his sarcasm but remained composed, knowing a confrontation would only highlight Jayden's absence. Peyton's indignation grew, questioning Jayden's whereabouts and Elyse's humiliation.

Resigned to Jayden's absence, Elyse resumed greeting guests, skillfully deflecting inquiries about Jayden with grace and diplomacy, preserving her dignity. Throughout the evening, she handled numerous guests, discreetly navigating similar thinly veiled attempts to see Jayden.

Finding a brief respite in a secluded corner, Elyse's solitude was interrupted by Egan, who offered her a glass of wine. “What can I do for you?” Elyse asked.

Egan admired her, then sipped his wine. “I'm curious. Such elegance… why Jayden?”

Elyse subtly distanced herself. “Perhaps it was destiny,” she replied calmly.

Egan’s gaze lingered on her figure. “Don’t you think you deserve better than Jayden?”

Elyse was resolute. “Jayden is everything to me.”

“That’s because you haven’t met a better man,” Egan countered, his lust evident. He reached for her.

Fear caused Elyse to retreat, cornering her. Egan, sensing her fear, was perversely thrilled. Haunted by past failures against Jayden—both professionally and personally—and fueled by his brothers' resentment, Egan saw this as his chance to finally conquer his rival, even if it meant taking Elyse. He laughed. “Spend the night with me. I’ll show you a true gentleman.”

Before he could touch her, Jayden forcefully threw Egan to the floor. Elyse, terrified, stammered, “Jay…Jayden.”

Jayden, seeing her distress, beckoned her gently. She went to him, and he enveloped her protectively, glaring at Egan.

Egan, nursing his wounded pride, leaned against the wall. He smiled disingenuously. “Mr. Owen, your temper remains intact.”

“How dare you touch my wife! You will pay,” Jayden growled.

Egan feigned innocence. “What did I do? You’re the one hurting me!”

Jayden snorted. “If you want revenge, confront me directly.”

With that threat, Jayden left with Elyse. Egan watched them go, his fury growing.

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