Chapter 29:

Elyse dashed to the car, a mix of relief and curiosity driving her. She swiftly opened the door and slid inside. "Why are you here?" she asked.

"All the staff heard the buzz. I came to check on you. So, it's true you were dismissed from the orchestra," Jayden remarked, his gaze assessing her with a hint of judgment.

Elyse flushed with embarrassment. "The online news spread like wildfire. Everyone in the orchestra found out. They had no choice but to let me go," she stammered, trailing off under his scrutinizing stare. She felt like a scolded child.

"Let's go home. Start the car," Jayden instructed. Turning to Elyse, he added, "This whole debacle seems targeted. Your name's plastered everywhere, while Theo's hidden under an alias. Who could be behind this?"

After a moment, she hesitantly suggested, "Maybe Kaelyn Bennett. But I'm done with Theo. I don't see why she'd target me."

As she pondered, her phone rang, displaying an unknown number. Confused, she answered, "Hello? Who's calling?"

"You actually picked up? You're Elyse Lloyd, right? You're a disgraceful, shameless bitch!" the voice spat.

Jayden swiftly ended the call. Shaken, Elyse exclaimed, "Who was that? Why would someone say that? I don't even recognize the voice."

Before she could finish, another call interrupted. Bewildered by the incessant ringing, she wondered aloud, "Who's calling me now?"

Jayden quickly grabbed her phone and removed the SIM card. "Ignore it. You're just getting cursed at. Consulting his own phone, he discovered the cause. "Your private information's been leaked online. Everyone has your number. Those callers? Just strangers."

Sitting in stunned silence, Elyse struggled to comprehend who held such a vehement grudge.

Back at home, the butler expressed his indignation. "Fret not. We've got your back online. You're the wronged party, and we're rallying for you."

Noticing Elyse's despondent demeanor, Jayden asked, "Overwhelmed by the online gossip?"

"Not overwhelmed. I'm baffled by who could harbor such animosity," Elyse replied.

"Some people hate you, some adore you. Don't our staff adore you endlessly?" Jayden pointed out.

As Elyse looked at the butler, Driscoll, and the loyal maids, a lump formed in her throat. "You're right. I shouldn't let it get to me. I need to stay strong."

After a moment, she declared, "I'll record a video explaining what happened at the wedding and dispelling these rumors."

Concern creased Driscoll's brow. "Will that really help? The online mob is relentless. Our fingers are sore from all the typing and fighting back."

Elyse wasn't sure. "I'm not sure, but I'll try. I can't just let people insult me, can I? Besides, everyone here has my back. How could I chicken out now?"

Jayden added, "Release the video now. We'll gauge the response afterward."

With swirling thoughts, Elyse, aided by everyone, recorded and uploaded the video.

Nervously clutching her phone, she asked, "Do you think my video will clear things up?"

"A clean hand needs no washing," Jayden reassured her. "Don't worry. Focus on changing your number. The whole country knows it. Let's get a new one."

Agreeing, Elyse accompanied him to get a new SIM card. However, she ran into a woman who recognized her and publicly accused her of cheating.

"I've already posted a video clarifying what happened at the wedding. I was the victim. Please don't harass me again. If you persist, I'll call the police," Elyse seethed, a rare sight for Jayden, who found her adorable in her anger.

Her threat seemed to deter some of the gossipers. With a steely glare, Elyse left with Jayden, unflinching and resolute.