Chapter 261:

After Theo left, Freda sank into deep contemplation. She recognized Theo's sincerity; his words were earnest, not jesting. His desire to reconcile with Elyse, despite her marriage, resonated deeply. Yet, Freda felt uneasy; relinquishing Theo wasn't an option. She believed in his inherent goodness. The ringing phone interrupted her thoughts; it was Zandra.

Apologizing profusely, Zandra lamented, "Freda, I'm so sorry for Theo's actions. I failed to restrain him, and I regret the distress he's caused you. I've scolded him and even slapped him to bring him to his senses. I won't condone his behavior."

Freda was surprised. She had initially believed Theo didn't want to see her when he approached her masked. "Mrs. Ward," Freda began, "whether or not you discipline him is irrelevant now. Theo and I are incompatible."

"That's not true. Don't give up so easily," Zandra implored. "I want no one but you as my daughter-in-law."

After Theo left home, tranquility settled over Zandra. Contemplating Theo's potential reunion with Elyse, she considered the Owen family's reaction. Despite Jayden's diminished influence, he still carried the Owen name. Theo's actions would damage the Owen family's pride. Regardless of Elyse's standing, Theo's actions would sow discord. Though the Ward family held considerable power, they paled in comparison to the Owens. Zandra hesitated to jeopardize the Ward family's reputation for Elyse. Thus, the alliance between the Jimenez and Ward families must continue unimpeded.

Freda remained unaware of Zandra's anxieties. She simply assumed Zandra genuinely cared for her. Hence, she remarked, "Mrs. Ward, Theo's resolve is unshakeable."

Urgently, Zandra countered, "Freda, don't lose hope. My son's efforts will fail. Elyse assured me she would renounce Theo and remain loyal to Jayden. Moreover, she's married. How could she abandon Jayden for Theo?" With a note of helplessness, she continued, "My son is to blame. His emotions cloud his judgment. He'll realize his mistake once Elyse rejects him. You're his best option."

Freda was swayed by Zandra's persuasion, but hesitated to relent too quickly. She couldn't easily forgive Theo's actions. "Mrs. Ward," Freda began, "Theo's actions deeply wounded me. I must consider your words carefully. This concerns my future. I cannot rush into a decision."

"It's wise to take your time," Zandra reassured her. "But reconsider, Freda. Theo is emotional and persistent. If his relationship with Elyse goes nowhere, wouldn't it be a positive outcome if he redirected his feelings toward you?"

Freda found herself swayed by Zandra's words. Theo was strikingly handsome and came from a respectable family. Observing his interactions with Elyse, Freda saw that he valued emotions and accountability. Contemplating marrying him and earning his affection, she envisioned a promising union. Though tempted, Freda remained resolute. "I understand your point, Mrs. Ward. Yet Theo's sincerity will determine my decision."

Perceiving Freda's hesitation, Zandra was satisfied. "Fear not. With you by his side, he'll realize your worth."

With Freda's decision unchanged, Zandra felt reassured about the marriage alliance. Freda resolved to gauge Elyse's feelings. If Elyse still held hope for Theo, would she succumb to his pursuit? Freda's only recourse was to ensure Elyse's heart remained unmoved by Theo's affections. When Theo faced rejection from Elyse, Freda would offer solace and affection.

Meanwhile, Elyse wandered the bustling streets, seeking solace in vain. Ignoring Jayden's incessant calls, her mind raced. Avoiding Jayden at all costs, she struggled against his control. At an intersection, a car stopped beside her; Jayden's loyal guards urged her home.

"Mrs. Owen, please come home with us. Mr. Owen is waiting for you."

"I refuse," Elyse retorted icily, poised to flee. However, Jayden's orders overruled the bodyguards' usual deference to Elyse. Quickly, she found herself forced into the car.

Seated inside, she watched the passing scenery, her resentment simmering. Upon reaching home, she encountered Jayden's angry stare in the study. Forced to comply, she offered a strained smile. His anger puzzled her. What had provoked it?

The ellipsis at the end suggests more to the story, but the provided text is now grammatically correct and punctuationally sound.