Chapter 248:

Elyse composed herself as she walked, then calmly asked Jayden, “Where have you been? Why are you so late?”

Jayden patted her hand reassuringly. “I had some trouble, but it’s all sorted now. I’m here for you, so don’t worry.”

Elyse remained silent. His casual dismissal of the issue, lacking a real explanation, failed to address her vulnerability during his absence.

“Jayden, where were you? Why didn’t you tell me?” Elyse's disappointment was evident; she felt defeated.

Jayden tried to soothe her again. “Don’t worry. I haven’t betrayed your trust. Something unexpected came up. I’ll make it up to you later.”

“What unexpected thing?” Elyse pressed.

Clearly irritated by her persistent questioning, Jayden’s annoyance was unconcealed. “I’ve already said it’s not important. Why do you keep asking?”

Elyse stopped. “I’m your wife, aren’t I? Shouldn’t I know what’s going on?”

Jayden, maintaining a serious expression, said slowly, “Elyse, you’re going too far.”

Shocked, Elyse stared at him in disbelief. Jayden clenched his jaw, as if about to speak, but she looked away and continued walking in silence.

Jayden sighed quietly and followed at a slower pace.

Back in the banquet hall, guests engaged Jayden in conversation, leaving Elyse feeling excluded. Noticing her disappointment, Tracy approached, putting an arm around her. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you glad Jayden’s back?”

“Why should I be? I wish he hadn’t come back at all,” Elyse replied sharply.

Tracy, sensing the tension and realizing they had argued—more seriously than she’d anticipated—said, “Come on, it’s your birthday. Try to enjoy it. Don’t be so upset.”

Just then, Brook Owen approached, accompanied by Corrie, bearing a gift.

“Happy birthday, Elyse,” he said, presenting the gift.

“Thank you.” A servant took the gift. “I was delayed by something important today,” Brook explained, his gaze involuntarily drifting toward Corrie. Corrie, in turn, gave Elyse a thoughtful look.

Sensing something unusual about Brook, Elyse asked intently, “Why did you bring Miss Bates? Do you know each other?”

Brook coughed, covering his mouth. Affecting an air of sophistication, he said, “She’s my date. She knew about your birthday and wanted to come.”

Corrie smiled brightly. “I didn’t know it was your birthday. I just wanted to wish you well.”

Brook gave Corrie a condescending look, leaving Elyse puzzled by his behavior. He seemed vain and self-absorbed.

From a distance, Jayden, in his wheelchair, noticed Brook and approached slowly. His gaze lingered on Corrie before shifting away. “I came for my wife’s birthday.”

Brook’s eyes lit up upon seeing Jayden. He put his arm around Corrie. “Allow me to introduce my date, Corrie Bates. Today is our first date. We connected and are seeing where things go.”

Corrie glanced at Jayden, perhaps expecting a reaction. Jayden’s expression remained neutral as he quipped, “So you’ve finally settled down and gotten a girlfriend?”

Brook grinned slightly. “I half expected you to object, considering Miss Bates was your ex-girlfriend. I didn’t want any hard feelings, as your brother.”

Jayden replied casually, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

Corrie felt a surge of anger at his indifference. Jayden was disabled, but how could he be so casual? Their two-year relationship, built on mutual interests, meant nothing? Were those two years less significant than his few months with Elyse? Did his affection for Elyse run that deep?

Frustrated and insulted, Corrie felt utterly degraded, her pride and dignity trampled upon.