Chapter 253:

Elyse couldn't understand Brook's words. "But I thought you were crazy about Corrie," she said.

Brook sipped his red wine, his smile vanishing, replaced by a chilly expression. "I was only interested in her because of her status, not because I really liked her."

Elyse was speechless. Brook, usually aloof and detached, watched with uncharacteristic compassion. Seeing Elyse's struggle, he offered some advice.

"I think you're setting yourself up for heartbreak," he said. "Not all Owen men are suited for love, not even Jayden."

Elyse was even more confused. Brook continued, his voice tinged with resignation. "We're all driven by ambition. We're only interested in gaining power and control of the company. Love and relationships aren't our priorities."

He skillfully changed the subject. "Do you think Jayden's parents love each other?" he asked.

Elyse's first instinct was to say yes, but memories of Bryce's birthday celebration clouded her certainty. Tess had been there alone; Andrew was supposedly away on business. Although Tess tried to dispel any doubt, Elyse felt uneasy.

A poignant silence followed, revealing Brook's meaning. "That's just the way the Owens are," he stated, his hand resting on Elyse's shoulder. "We can have children without feelings. You'll only experience pain if you're deeply in love with Jayden. There's no guarantee he won't abandon you for his own gain." The gesture emphasized the weight of his words.

"He doesn't know love," he said, his voice understanding. "He only knows ambition."

Removing his hand, Brook set down his glass decisively. He turned and left, leaving Elyse rooted to the spot. Her earlier playfulness was gone, her eyes downcast.

Worried about Elyse, Tracy decided to stay over, especially given Jayden's absence. After their evening routines, Elyse stood at the guest room door, pillow in hand. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked softly.

Tracy, already half asleep, looked up, confused. "You can, but what if Jayden comes home?" she asked sleepily.

Elyse was silent. After a pause, she said, her tone bitter, "He won't come back tonight."

Tracy's surprise was evident. "Are you sure? Did he say he wouldn't be home?"

Elyse's smile was weak and strained. Jayden hadn't replied to her messages all day.

Elyse imagined Corrie fainting, picturing Jayden at her bedside all night, worried. Tracy saw the sadness Elyse tried to hide. She pulled her friend into the room, her voice cheerful. "Forget about Jayden. It's been ages since we had a sleepover."

Elyse accepted Tracy's offer and got into bed. Her friend's embrace was warm and comforting, and she soon fell asleep. Tracy felt her friend relax, her breathing even and deep. Holding Elyse, Tracy felt a pang of sympathy for her friend's struggles.

Tracy's heart ached, not only for her own heartbreak but for Elyse's as well. Both their lives seemed full of struggles in the search for happiness, with heartbreak and frustration constant companions. "Why do Elyse and I have so much difficulty finding love?" Tracy wondered, her thoughts circling unanswered.

Jayden emerged from Corrie's ward, Peyton following. As they left, Peyton removed his surgical mask. "I've conducted a thorough examination. There's nothing physically wrong with Corrie."

He continued clinically, "If I must offer a cause, I'd say seeing you happy with Elyse broke her heart and triggered her fainting spell."

He questioned, revealing his doubt, "Do you really believe Corrie was heartbroken?"

Jayden, impassive, shook his head. Peyton sensed the futility of his efforts, and his tone softened. "I understand your reasons, but you can't show Corrie too much kindness," he urged.

Jayden remained silent for a long moment before speaking, his voice steely. "I know what I'm doing."

Peyton's exasperation grew. "You still think you know what you're doing. How about Elyse's feelings? Have you considered them? Where were you all day? Nobody could reach you, and everyone was worried. Did you realize how much Elyse needed you?"

Jayden raised his left hand. "I was in a car accident on my way back. I fractured my left arm."

Stunned, Peyton was silent. After a pause, he asked, "Then why didn't you tell us?"

Jayden sighed. "While my injuries weren't severe, I'm certain the individuals behind today's accident are the same as a year ago. I chose not to tell Elyse because I wanted to protect her from harm."

Peyton was speechless. "You need to tell Elyse. She deserves to know."

Jayden shook his head firmly. "I don't think so. She just needs to be protected by me," he declared.