Chapter 252:

Sadness clouded Elyse's eyes as she said, "Jayden's affection for me isn't as deep as you think." Before Tracy could respond, a cutting voice interrupted, dripping with sarcasm. "Is that why you find solace in pursuing others' partners?" Turning, Elyse saw Freda striding toward her, exuding an aura of icy superiority. Dressed in a sleek black gown, her hair elegantly pinned up, Freda approached with a disdainful gaze.

Tracy, unfamiliar with Freda, felt a surge of anger. Stepping forward, she confronted Freda. "How dare you speak so rudely!"

With a scornful sneer, Freda retorted sharply, "I am simply denouncing Elyse's audacious conduct. Married to another yet clinging to Theo. What a slut."

Elyse met Freda's gaze with a frigid stare. "If you have grievances, take them up with Theo. I am not your target for misplaced anger."

With haughty resolve, Freda raised her chin. "Do you even comprehend who I am? I am a member of the esteemed Jimenez family."

Elyse sniffed dismissively. "You are but Theo's arranged date, not his betrothed. What gives you the right to judge? Do you have any evidence to support your claim of my seduction? If anything, it's Theo whose actions have crossed boundaries with me."

Freda seethed. "How dare you accuse Theo of misconduct! You, who are married to Jayden, should steer clear of Theo, you wretch."

Freda, developing feelings for Theo, initially believed him honorable. She later learned he had a former fiancée. Despite Elyse's marriage to Jayden, Freda felt a persistent unease and a sense of impending crisis. When she noticed Theo's peculiar demeanor around Elyse, her possessive instincts surged, fueling her anger.

"I see you're too timid to confront Theo, opting instead to direct your fury at me. Is that it, you coward?" Elyse's words dripped with disdain.

Freda's pride stung, prompting her to push Elyse. Behind Elyse stood a grand fountain. Seeing the water's edge, Elyse recognized the danger of a fall. With graceful determination, she steadied herself, instinctively clutching Freda for support. Elyse maintained her balance, but Freda tumbled beside the fountain.

As Elyse's delicate pearl crown fell into the water, a chill enveloped her heart. Tracy's voice erupted. "What is wrong with you? It was Theo who incessantly pursued Elyse, yet you dare to blame her. You are truly out of your mind!"

Freda stood, her cheeks ablaze. "Elyse Lloyd, whatever history you and Theo share is of no consequence to me. But mark my words, I am destined to marry him in the future."

Elyse's eyes lingered on the lost crown, memories of Kaelyn flooding her thoughts. With a smile that belied her inner turmoil, she responded, "I certainly hope your aspirations come to fruition."

Freda scowled, turned, and stormed away. Elyse glanced around and saw Theo near the window, his expression grave and inscrutable. He had clearly witnessed the altercation but hadn't intervened.

A wistful curve touched Elyse's lips. Theo's stoicism was evident; in trouble, he blended into the background. Had he offered an explanation, Freda's anger might not have been directed at Elyse. His silence only fueled the tension.

Tracy offered support. "Worry not about the crown. I'll arrange for its retrieval."

Grateful, Elyse nodded and turned toward the banquet hall. She then noticed Brook approaching. "Where is the crown that was on your head?" Brook inquired, his smile unsettling Elyse.

Suspecting Brook had witnessed the altercation and sought her out to cause further discord, Elyse replied dismissively, "It's far too precious. I've entrusted it to safekeeping."

Then, voicing her concern, Elyse asked, "Corrie has fainted. Shouldn't you be concerned for her well-being?"

A peculiar smirk played on Brook's lips. "Why should I be?"