Chapter 25

[Remove the website address; it's inappropriate and potentially unsafe.]

“Really? That’s wonderful! I was afraid I’d upset you enough to start a hunger strike. If that happened, I’d feel terribly guilty,” Elyse said with a grin.

Jayden rolled his eyes. “You’re not capable of that yet.”

“Alright then, my dear hubby, would you care to join me for a candlelit dinner in the garden?” Elyse fluttered her eyelashes. “Driscoll told me the chef has prepared a lovely steak for us.”

“Ew. You manage to make that sound rather unattractive,” Jayden teased.

Meanwhile, in his living room, Theo persistently tried to call Elyse, hoping she’d calmed down after a few days. Despite repeated attempts, each call was cut short. Finally, he realized he’d been blocked. Seeing her name on his phone, he was shocked. The woman who had once loved him so deeply had blocked him. Had Lanny persuaded her to marry him?

Controlling his anger, Theo called Lanny. He had given Lanny numerous perks. If Elyse married him, Lanny would benefit greatly from those resources and projects. Theo knew Lanny’s character well. Given enough money, Lanny would do anything, even exploit his own daughter.

Theo was certain that keeping Lanny under his influence would bring Elyse back to him. When Lanny answered, Theo inquired patiently, “Mr. Lloyd, have you spoken with Elyse? Leaving her at the wedding wasn't my intention. I’m still prepared to marry her. Perhaps, when she’s feeling better, we could arrange another ceremony.”

He considered his approach polite and expected Lanny to cooperate. He leisurely poured himself a glass of wine, anticipating Elyse’s call. Did she think blocking him would solve everything? He found her actions quite…novel, even dramatic. ...