Chapter 278:

Elyse awoke dizzy and weak. "Are you alright?" Jayden asked, holding her close.

Confused, Elyse looked around. She remembered the hotel room from the previous day. Memories flooded back. Seizing Jayden's hand, pain etched on her face, she gasped, "Was I...?" She remembered Glenda's trickery—the drugging, the planned assault. Elyse hadn't told Jayden about meeting Glenda. Even if he'd intervened, she feared it might have been too late. Tears streamed down her face as she relived the events, her hatred for Glenda intensifying.

Jayden gently lifted her chin and kissed her forehead. "You're fine," he soothed. "I was with you. Nobody could harm you."

Elyse sobbed uncontrollably, believing his words were mere comfort. Jayden sighed, holding her tighter, trying to ease her distress. Elyse felt violated, struggling fiercely, but Jayden's presence steadied her. Eventually, exhaustion quieted her tears.

Jayden looked at her earnestly. "You are my wife. Have I ever lied to you?"

Wiping her tears, Elyse asked hesitantly, "You're not lying... did you get there in time?"

Jayden nodded solemnly, recounting his arrival at the hotel. He omitted the broken leg. After a pause, he said, "There's something else you need to know."

Elyse sniffled, regaining her composure. "What is it?"

"Your parents have been waiting outside all night, hoping for your forgiveness," Jayden said casually.

Elyse was puzzled. "All night? Why?" Before she could finish, Jayden's voice turned grave. "Glenda planned to send you to a man known for his promiscuity and STDs. If he'd succeeded, you might have been infected."

"How could she?" Elyse murmured, reeling. She wasn't naive; before falling asleep, she'd suspected Glenda and possibly Mabel. But she'd never imagined her mother's malevolence—not only assault, but deliberate exposure to disease.

"Why? Aren't she and Mabel Glenda's daughters?"

Her calm shattered. After a long time, she rose pale, draped a coat over her shoulders, and left the room. Jayden saw her forced strength. Together, they descended to the living room where Driscoll announced, "Breakfast is ready."

Elyse shook her head. "Please let my parents... let them come in," she requested. Driscoll fetched Lanny and Glenda, visibly exhausted from their vigil. Hearing Elyse was awake, they entered wearily.

Lanny feigned tears. "Sweetheart, are you okay? I've been so worried!"

Elyse looked at him, emotions swirling. She turned to Glenda, who tried to disappear. "Mom, don't you have anything to say?" she asked softly, her voice heavy with expectation and hurt. "Say it quickly," Lanny urged, aware of the stakes. If Elyse didn't forgive them, Jayden wouldn't be merciful.

Glenda met Elyse's gaze, stammering, "It's my fault. C-can you forgive me?"

Elyse managed a strained smile. "Mom, am I really your daughter?"

Glenda offered a placating smile. "Of course! I carried you for nine months."

"Then why? You sent me to a man with an STD! What kind of mother does that?" Her voice was filled with pain. "Sometimes I wonder..."

"Don't be silly. You are our daughter," Lanny interjected, anxious. He scolded her, "Your mother made a mistake, but you can't doubt we're your parents."

Feeling Jayden's scrutiny, Glenda added quickly, "Your father's right. I made a mistake. But questioning our relationship is out of line."

Elyse swayed. Was she not even allowed to doubt them? The ache of missing parental love was unbearable.

Jayden embraced her, offering support. He glanced at Lanny and Glenda. "So why'd you hurt my wife? Give me a reason, or I'll bankrupt your company."

Lanny glared at Glenda, urging confession. Knowing the consequences, Glenda revealed the truth: Mabel had accused Elyse of envy and requested Jayden blacklist her. Mabel wanted revenge and had meticulously planned the attack, using Glenda and threatening Jayden with scandalous photos to lift the blacklist. ... ... ...