Chapter 270:

Observing Aylin's shameless demeanor, Elyse realized she had no intention of helping her. Aylin's priority was facilitating Mabel's song releases, aligning with the company's interests. Irritated, Elyse remarked, "The thief should bear the consequences. Do you expect me to shoulder the losses? Do you think I'm a stupid pushover?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed Aylin's face. Unable to outwit Elyse, she replied, "I must report this to my superiors. I can't make independent decisions."

Elyse's anger simmered. "I await your favorable response. After all, you wouldn't want me to expose this scandal and tarnish your company's reputation, would you?"

Aylin managed a strained smile. "Of course not." Elyse left without accepting the water Aylin offered.

Alone, Aylin dialed Mabel's number. Despite her years in the industry, this was her first time being duped by someone so young. After several attempts, Mabel finally answered, clearly agitated. "Aylin, do you realize I'm in the middle of filming? Why are you calling me repeatedly?"

With a sneer, Aylin confronted her. "Your sister confronted me at the office. When you presented the songs, you claimed your sister gifted them to you and allowed you to take credit. How dare you deceive me?"

Mabel remained composed, reassuring Aylin and advising her not to worry. Fuming, Aylin pounded the table, shouting, "How can I not be anxious? Do you comprehend the extent of the damage this could cause the company? Are you prepared to accept responsibility?"

Mabel remained unperturbed. "Elyse lacks evidence, Aylin. Don't worry about it."

Aylin's anger continued. Mabel's unsettling smile widened as she said, "I mean, Elyse lacks evidence to prove ownership of the compositions or that I stole them, Aylin. There's no need to be so anxious."

Taking a moment, Aylin responded, "So Elyse has no leverage?"

"Yes, and I can ask my parents to vouch for me. Besides, those three songs couldn't possibly be Elyse's creations," Mabel hastily added. "Aylin, there's no need to be so anxious."

Upon Elyse's return home, she anticipated a swift response from Mabel's agency. However, days passed without news. Eventually, she learned that Mabel's popularity had skyrocketed, and her album was poised to receive a prestigious award.

Suppressing her frustration, Elyse called Aylin. To her surprise, Aylin's attitude had changed; she stated that Elyse was free to take legal action if she wished.

Jayden entered the room, overhearing the conversation. When Elyse ended the call, he casually inquired, "What's going on?"

Elyse hesitated, unsure whether to confide in him. Noticing her struggle, Jayden commented, "We may be at odds, but we're not divorced. If you're facing difficulties, you should share them with me."

Elyse's resolve wavered. Amid their recent cold war, neither had yielded.

Jayden retrieved his coat, his tone warning. "Declining my assistance when you're in trouble will only exacerbate our problems."

Confusion clouded her thoughts. Had she inadvertently worsened their situation?

Feeling the weight of Jayden's stern expression, she recounted the entire ordeal.

Upon hearing her explanation, Jayden embraced her. Despite the warmth, he suppressed his impulses, stating, "You handled it poorly."

Perturbed, Elyse asked, "Why do you say that?"

Jayden explained, "You turned to Mabel's agency for resolution, but Mabel and the agency are intertwined. If there's a conflict, they'll protect Mabel at your expense."

Elyse realized her actions had been rash. She bit her lip and asked, "Then where should I have turned?"

"You should have come to me immediately," Jayden responded, draping his coat over her legs.

Then, to her surprise, he slid his hand between her legs, touching a sensitive spot he had long desired during their estrangement.

Shaken, Elyse protested, "What are you doing? Let go of me!" ... ... ...