Chapter 262:

Jayden twirled his pen before setting it down and leaning back in his chair. He scrutinized Elyse and asked, "How much longer do you plan to be angry with me?"

Frustrated by Jayden's attitude, Elyse replied, "Do you think it's all my fault? Am I upset for no reason?"

Jayden frowned. "Haven't I assured you that you'll always be my only woman? I can give you everything you could ever want. Why aren't you content?"

Elyse instinctively wanted to explain that she desired neither material possessions nor what Jayden deemed best for her. She couldn't articulate it, however. What she truly wanted was Jayden's love; not to be a superficial addition to his life, but a true companion, someone with whom she could share a genuine connection.

Their marriage, however, was founded on practicality, each fulfilling their own needs. Jayden provided protection and support; Elyse fulfilled her role as his wife, maintaining his reputation.

Elyse realized her desires might be too ambitious. She longed for Jayden's affection, but their relationship was built on practicality, not passion. She felt he had adequately fulfilled his marital duties, while her longing for affection seemed excessive.

Noticing the myriad emotions playing across Elyse's face, Jayden asked, "What's on your mind?"

Elyse met his gaze, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She recognized that, despite their transactional relationship, she had slowly fallen in love, nurtured by Jayden's care. "Elyse," Jayden prompted, puzzled by her silence.

After a moment, Elyse replied, "It's my mistake. I won't repeat it." She turned abruptly, opened the door, and left the study.

Jayden couldn't ignore the disappointment etched on Elyse's face. Panic surged through him as he watched her crestfallen expression. He hurried from the study and ran into Driscoll. Despite his hesitation, Driscoll said, "Mr. Owen, Miss Bates has expressed her desire to see you and Mrs. Owen."

Elyse paused, glancing at Jayden, awaiting his decision. After a moment, he agreed. "Let her in," he said. Turning to Elyse, he added, "Stay in the living room with me."

Elyse complied, her expression stoic as she entered the living room.

Initially, Driscoll felt relieved, thinking Elyse and Jayden might have resolved their issues. However, her lackluster gaze made him uneasy; the tension between them seemed only to have deepened. Corrie entered promptly, carrying a gift box and wearing a wide smile.

Without preamble, Jayden asked, "What brings you here?" Handing the box to Elyse, Corrie replied, "I've come to apologize. My behavior at Ms. Lloyd's party was embarrassing for her, so I'm here to apologize."

Elyse bit her lip, sensing an undercurrent of accusation in Corrie's words. Jayden nodded curtly. "Very well. You may leave now." However, Corrie remained seated. "Also," she added, "I want to thank you, Jayden. Even after our breakup, I'm touched by your continued concern."

Jayden sneered. "There's no need for thanks. I was merely concerned about the potential trouble you could cause at my wife's birthday party if you died."

Corrie pretended not to notice his sarcasm, smiling gently. "I understand. We shared a lot, and I know you care about me."

Driscoll's expression changed, surprised by Corrie's disingenuous behavior. She seemed to be manipulating Jayden into confessing his feelings. He glanced warily at Elyse, worried she might misunderstand Jayden's intentions. He was relieved to see her remain composed, silently absorbing Corrie's words.

Jayden said indifferently, "You can leave now." But Corrie remained seated, displaying a sense of self-importance. Following her behavior the previous day, her family assumed she still had a connection with Jayden. Furthermore, she was seeing Brook; her grandfather had even shown interest in her love life for the first time. She believed this could benefit her family, increase her wealth and shares, and even propel her to a top executive position within the Bates Group. She increasingly saw the Owen family as a stepping stone to her ambitions.

Glancing at Elyse, Corrie deliberately raised her eyebrows and said to Jayden, "Please let your mother know I have a date. There's no need for her to push us back together." With a touch of feigned sadness, she continued, "It's obvious we can't be together anymore."

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