Chapter 263

Corrie’s apparent persuasion was thinly veiled boasting. She flaunted her closeness with Tess to Elyse, directing her comments pointedly at Jayden, knowing Elyse would understand. "I never imagined your mother would favor me so much, even hoping for us to marry," she said with exaggerated gestures. "Apparently, she publicly expressed her desire for you to divorce Ms. Lloyd and marry me. Now, everyone sees me as her ideal daughter-in-law."

Corrie glanced at Elyse, who remained silent. Taking Elyse’s hand, Corrie said, "This must hurt you deeply, right? I empathize, being a woman myself. I understand your position."

Elyse's slight twitch of the mouth betrayed her composure, but she didn't respond.

Corrie continued, "If you feel wronged, just say so. I will make sure to set boundaries with Jayden so you won’t get hurt."

Elyse found Corrie repulsive but remained outwardly calm. She believed that by maintaining her composure and reasserting her love for Jayden, she could weather this.

Quietly, Elyse withdrew her hand; even the slightest contact made her uncomfortable.

Jayden put his arm around Elyse’s waist and observed her impassive expression. Puzzled, he wondered if she wasn’t upset by Corrie’s remarks. Fiercely protective, he frowned and suggested, "Why don’t you speak to my mom directly and ask her to refrain from talking such nonsense?" After a brief pause, he added, "By the way, aren’t you supposed to be dating Brook? Doesn’t my mom know about that? If you’re not careful, Brook might just leave you."

Corrie tensed, forcing a strained smile. Feigning ignorance, she asked, "What are you talking about? Why don’t you go and tell her yourself? Brook won’t tolerate this. If you still want to be with him, you should stop these rumors, or he might end things with you."

Jayden smiled enigmatically. He understood Brook's motivations; Brook might have pursued Corrie partly to one-up him. He imagined Brook's pride in claiming his rival's ex-girlfriend, but the situation, with Tess's gossip, might now backfire, making Brook look foolish. Brook wouldn't want to suffer that blow. Plus, a breakup with Corrie might leave her struggling to find another suitable partner.

Jayden tenderly ran his fingers through Elyse’s soft hair. After a while, he said, "I won’t intervene. Handle it yourself. Don’t expect me to come to your rescue."

Corrie maintained her strained smile, saying rigidly, "Can’t you do me this small favor?"

Jayden gave her a questioning look, silently asking, "Why should I help you?"

Undeterred, Corrie pressed on, "This could hurt Elyse. Consider it. How do you think she’ll feel when your mother says those things about her?"

Elyse, who had been quiet, spoke softly, "I’m fine. I trust Jayden won’t divorce me. Even if people talk, I won’t take it personally." She lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

Corrie was taken aback by Elyse’s resignation. Didn't Elyse love Jayden deeply? If so, why her willingness to endure this? Was her love so excessive that she'd tolerate anything? Was it truly unshakeable?

Only after hearing Elyse’s words did Jayden realize she felt wronged. He had assured her in private that he wouldn't divorce her, believing he could protect her within their marriage. But what about external threats? This weighed heavily on him.

He realized he needed to strengthen himself. Only by becoming powerful enough to withstand opposition could he truly give Elyse peace of mind.

Corrie smirked at Elyse before saying slowly, "Since you have such unwavering trust in Jayden, your relationship must be incredibly solid, isn’t it?"

Elyse remained silent. Jayden furrowed his brow and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

(...continued...)