Chapter 279:
Jayden sneered coldly at Glenda's full confession. Stroking Elyse's soft hair, his eyes gleamed with chilling intent. "If your plan had succeeded, do you think I would have lifted the ban or spared your lives?" he asked icily.
Glenda shivered under Jayden's formidable presence. Her legs trembled; her knees buckled, forcing her to the floor. Lanny, equally terrified by Jayden's tone, fell to his knees, pleading, "Mr. Owen, please spare us! The blame lies with Mabel. We were not involved."
Jayden's smile widened, but his eyes remained harsh, conveying a palpable threat. He thought back to the previous day, thankful his suspicions had prevented Glenda from harming Elyse. The possibility had haunted him all night. He was determined to protect her.
"You want to live? I might allow that," Jayden said, his voice eerily calm as a twisted smile stretched his lips. "Bring Mabel here to apologize in person, and then I might consider sparing your lives."
Elyse bit her lip, wanting to interject, but Jayden quickly covered her mouth. Her innocent, confused eyes looked up at him. He held her closer, guessing she might plead for her family. He couldn't bear the thought.
Unaware of his turmoil, Elyse would have defended her position, had she known. Despite her naivetรฉ, she would never have pleaded for those who had tried to harm her, even if they were family. What surprised her was the depth of Jayden's protectiveness. Though he seldom showed his feelings, his care for her was clear.
Lanny, relieved by Jayden's conditional mercy, responded immediately. "Thank you, Mr. Owen. You are so generous. I promise to bring Mabel and ensure her apology."
Glenda remained silent, her thoughts turbulent. She had never truly loved Elyse, and the idea of Mabel apologizing was unsettling. She doubted Mabel's agreement; she herself found it difficult. However, their predicament left them little choice.
Jayden, resolute and authoritative, set a deadline. "Tie her up and bring her to me within three days," he said firmly.
Lanny agreed, hurrying Glenda from the villa. He feared Jayden might change his mind. Once safely in their car, both exhaled deeply, relieved to escape the intense atmosphere.
Glenda, uneasy, asked, "Do we really have to tie up Mabel and deliver her to Jayden? I don't think it will end well for her. Jayden is clearly not someone to be trifled with."
"Now you realize it's foolish to mess with Jayden? I've told you not to provoke him, but you wouldn't listen," Lanny retorted sharply, turning the steering wheel. "I didn't have to be involved in this mess. It's all your fault. Mabel's out of her mind, and so are you," he added angrily.
Feeling aggrieved, Glenda protested, "My daughter has been wronged. Shouldn't I stand by her? You never care about her."
"If you care so much, go deal with it yourself. I'm done," Lanny snapped, his patience exhausted.
Glenda's heart sank; she feared he might abandon her. Facing Jayden alone terrified her. She'd heard of his fiery temper, but hadn't expected him to be potentially lethal.
After escorting Lanny and Glenda away, Driscoll returned to the villa. Noticing Elyse's distress, he reassured her. "Mrs. Owen, please don't worry. Mr. Owen is here. He won't let anything happen to you."
After a long silence, Elyse nodded, attempting a smile. "I'm hungry. I want breakfast."
Jayden saw her forced smile and pinched her cheek, his tone unusually harsh. "If you don't want to smile, then don't. A forced smile looks terrible."
"Don't touch me if you think my smile is ugly," Elyse retorted, brushing away his hand and pouting.
"You only act tough with me," Jayden said, half annoyed, half amused. She only dared to defy him. She was assertive only with those who cared deeply for her, accommodating everyone else.
Jayden deliberately pinched both her cheeks. "Don't touch me. I'm upset now," Elyse protested, unhappiness coloring her voice.
Seeing her verge on tears, Jayden softened, pulling her into his arms. "You're upset again. I was defending you, wasn't I? I'll make those who upset you kneel and apologize," he said, trying to console her.