Chapter 30:

As Jayden and Elyse drove home, Jayden said, "You're strong enough to know who's been spreading rumors about you. It's Kaelyn Bennett."

Elyse, curious, asked, "Who?"

"Kaelyn Bennett," Jayden replied. "She paid the paparazzi to spread those rumors. She wanted to ruin your reputation."

The news shocked Elyse. She wondered how much Kaelyn disliked her. Even after Elyse ended things with Theo, Kaelyn relentlessly pursued her. "Why would she do this?" Elyse asked, her voice trembling.

"I don't know," Jayden said. "I don't read minds. Just know she's your adversary."

Stunned, Elyse hadn't considered Kaelyn an adversary, but clearly, Kaelyn saw her as one. Theo was the wedge between them. Regardless of Elyse's actions toward Theo, Kaelyn saw her as an irritant.

Seeing Elyse's shocked expression, Jayden asked, "She's hurt you. What will you do?"

After a deep breath, Elyse responded, "Since she went to such lengths, she'll be prepared for my retaliation." She felt the full weight of Kaelyn's enmity and spite. Kaelyn's actions had nearly cost her her job—something she couldn't ignore.

Jayden had assumed she would overlook it, but her reaction surprised him. She was tougher than he'd thought. "Bringing her down won't be easy," he said. "Someone's backing her. You need to identify her vulnerability and strike a crippling blow."

"Is Theo backing her?" Elyse asked.

"No. Kaelyn's supporter is far more influential than Theo. He's not her weak point."

Elyse was taken aback. She'd always believed Theo was aiding Kaelyn.

Jayden added, "And the one spreading rumors online is your sister. I can help you deal with her."

"What? Mabel?" A bitter smile touched Elyse's lips. Often, those closest to us inflict the deepest wounds. Mabel had proven as venomous as a snake.

"I need to go home," she said, her smile tinged with sadness.

Seeing her subdued demeanor, Jayden reassured her, "You can confront her alone, but I won't just watch. I'll ensure your sister faces consequences."

Elyse remained silent. She knew pleading with Jayden would only anger him and damage their relationship.

Jayden understood her dilemma. Despite her sister's misdeeds, Elyse wasn't ready to sever ties. While tolerant of her soft heart, he was resolute in protecting his wife. He closed his eyes, accepting he could do little more.

After changing, Elyse, accompanied by Jayden's bodyguards, returned to her parents' house. Previously, visits home filled her with depression, but today she felt unusually calm. The security guard recognized her and opened the gate. As Elyse approached the door, where the maid helped her with her shoes, she heard Mabel's cries from the living room.

"Who did this? Who posted the list? I wasn't at that party! Why was my name on the list?"

The ellipsis at the end suggests the passage continues. The cleaned-up version improves flow, sentence structure, and word choice while maintaining the original meaning.