Chapter 264:

Corrie realized she had underestimated Elyse. She'd assumed Elyse married Jayden for his wealth and status, but surprisingly, Elyse genuinely loved him. What was so special about Jayden? He was disabled, and his intimate capabilities were unknown. Any sensible woman might hesitate to marry him, making Elyse seem hopelessly foolish in Corrie's eyes. Corrie rolled her eyes covertly, her disdain growing.

Elyse pondered how to respond politely to Corrie's question. Before she could answer, Jayden's voice boomed, startling everyone: "I won't divorce Elyse, Corrie. You might as well give up." Elyse, taken aback, looked at him with complex emotions. Jayden, usually reserved about his feelings, had just publicly committed to their lifelong relationship, leaving her baffled.

Jayden's gaze locked onto Corrie. His voice, firm and irritated, conveyed his protective stance toward Elyse and his disdain for Corrie's audacity in questioning his marriage. Corrie was insignificant to him.

After a moment, Elyse lifted her head. "I have never wanted to divorce Jayden either, Miss Bates. There's no need for your tests," she said firmly. Their united front almost wiped the smirk off Corrie's face. Corrie had expected to provoke Elyse, not to be so effectively countered. Still, she wasn't ready to back down.

Remembering her gift, Corrie felt a renewed sense of hope. "Alright, I've said what I wanted. Please excuse me. Your public displays of affection are excessive," she said, glancing pointedly at Jayden's legs and offering Elyse a subtle smile. "By the way, happy belated birthday. I hope you two find lifelong happiness."

Elyse forced a smile. "Thank you." Corrie grabbed her purse and left. Watching her go, Elyse dropped her polite facade and headed upstairs. Jayden noticed the immediate shift in her mood—from nestled in his embrace to withdrawn. His expression turned grim.

Driscoll, having observed everything, suggested, "Mrs. Owen seems upset. Why don't you try to soothe her? This could strain your relationship."

Rubbing his temples, Jayden replied wearily, "I've tried repeatedly. What more can I do? Should I kneel down to her?"

Driscoll remained silent. Jayden was under immense pressure. Debora had just returned from overseas, the future of the Owen Group was uncertain, and the person who harmed him a year ago had been identified. He planned to eliminate the threat. He'd considered telling Elyse but decided against it; he knew her caring nature would only add to her worry. He'd underestimated her persistence in massaging his legs, something she'd started when he initially dismissed it as a joke.

"Don't worry. She'll come around. Everything will be fine," Jayden said casually. Driscoll grunted, unconvinced. His own twenty-year marriage had taught him that ignoring his wife's feelings rarely ended well—a lesson Jayden hadn't yet learned. Driscoll looked at Jayden with compassion.

Elyse returned to the bedroom, leaned against the door, and sighed, unsure of what she wanted. After a while, she sat down. A knock came at the door. It was Driscoll with a gift box. "This is Miss Bates' gift. You left it in the living room," he explained.

Elyse pursed her lips. "What good could come from anything Corrie gave her?" She suspected Corrie's visit was malicious and the gift part of a scheme.

Driscoll cautiously suggested, "If you'd prefer, I can dispose of it."

Raising an eyebrow, Elyse took the box. "It's fine. It's her way of extending a gesture. I'll accept it."

Driscoll, puzzled, nodded and left. Elyse took the box to her dresser. Her instincts screamed foul play, but curiosity won. With a resolute expression, she opened the box. Seeing its contents, Elyse scoffed.

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