Chapter 289:

Elyse awoke in darkness, unable to discern her surroundings. She searched with her eyes, but found nothing. Lost and confused, a pang of sadness struck her as thoughts of Glenda, who favored Mabel over her, filled her mind. "Why doesn't my mom care for me?" she wondered, her head bowed low, her eyes reflecting her despair.

From the shadows emerged a woman with long, white-clad hair. She approached Elyse with a gentle gaze, her eyes filled with compassion. Drawing near, the woman tenderly embraced Elyse, causing her to tremble. Elyse wanted to turn and see her captor, but she was unable to move, held fast in the embrace.

"I love no one but you, my dear. You will always be my precious daughter," the woman whispered. Elyse's earlier fear dissipated; the woman's voice had a calming effect, dispelling her sorrow. Remaining in the embrace, Elyse felt no fatigue, only the warmth she had yearned for since childhood—the embrace of her mother.

Yet, curiosity gnawed at her, compelling her to wonder about the woman's identity. Restlessness grew, prompting her to attempt turning around, her mind consumed with questions. Sensing Elyse's restlessness, the woman released her and gently urged, "It's time to wake up, my dear."

With a gentle push, Elyse found herself able to move. As she took a step forward, the darkness faded. In an instant, her eyes snapped open; she was under a white ceiling, feeling dazed.

Jayden's face lit up with joy at her awakening. Hastening to her side, he grasped her hand, his concern evident. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Turning to meet his gaze, Elyse whispered, "Jayden, I dreamt of my mother. She hugged me."

Raising an eyebrow, Jayden's eyes softened. "What did you talk about?"

Elyse pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "We didn't talk. But her embrace felt just as warm as I had imagined."

Weariness seeping in, Elyse drifted back to sleep. Jayden gently tucked her in, his expression a mix of emotions.

Meanwhile, hidden in Mabel's suburban home, Glenda sat with her chin in her hand, her gaze anxiously fixed on her phone. Despite incessant calls from Lanny, she chose not to answer. She knew his intentions and feared Jayden's wrath, knowing she had offended him and potentially faced dire consequences.

However, despite her mounting worries and Lanny's persistent calls, Glenda was torn between her daughter's needs and the impending danger posed by Jayden. Mabel's tearful pleas tugged at her heartstrings, compelling her to set aside her own fears and attend to her daughter's needs. After all, as Mabel's mother, her love for her daughter outweighed her concerns for her own safety.

Even as Lanny's calls continued, Glenda remained steadfast, though her anxiety intensified with each missed call. Mabel warmed their meal and set it on the table before going to Glenda.

Opening the door, she saw Glenda's pale face. "Mom, please eat something," Mabel implored gently.

Glenda shook her head, her expression solemn. "I have no appetite," she murmured, waving her hand in refusal.

Mabel entered and softly asked, "Are you still worried about Dad getting angry?"

With a heavy heart, Glenda dismissed Mabel's concern. However, the memory of Jayden's piercing gaze that morning sent a shiver down her spine. "You don't understand how dangerous Jayden Owen can be. Offending him could have dire consequences," Glenda replied, her voice tinged with fear.

Mabel, undeterred, rolled her eyes in frustration. "Mom, don't forget Elyse is still part of our family, no matter how much Jayden despises us. He can't touch us because of her. Elyse isn't heartless."

Glenda opened her mouth to respond but held back, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself. She chose not to reveal the truth about their past to Mabel, opting instead to maintain the lie that Elyse was still her biological daughter.

Observing Glenda's inert state, Mabel intervened, pulling her up and nudging her towards the door. "Why are you so scared? I've told you they won't harm us. Let's eat. As long as Elyse shows weakness, we'll win."

Mabel's buoyant demeanor contrasted sharply with Glenda's distress. Confidence radiated from her; she believed victory was assured. With support from online followers and no evidence from Elyse, Mabel felt certain she would win, believing Elyse's reputation would suffer.

Yet she harbored no sympathy towards Elyse, citing Elyse's refusal to share her compositions as justification for her lack of pity. She believed that if Elyse had cooperated earlier and willingly shared her works, the situation wouldn't have become so complicated.

The extraneous website address has been removed. The ellipses at the end suggest further text that was not provided.