Chapter 303:

With Troy and Darren's help, Elyse slipped past the paparazzi and reached the hospital for treatment. Troy, holding his laptop bag, stood faithfully by her side. As the doctor treated her injuries, he attempted to sound older than his nineteen years. "Mrs. Owen," he said, "the boss requested I ensure your safe return home once your bandage is removed."

Elyse blinked, studying him. "Troy, how old are you? Are you an adult?"

Clearing his throat, Troy replied, "I'm nineteen. I consider myself mature."

"Are you still in college?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm a student," he replied, nodding. "But I consider myself very responsible. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to help."

Elyse smiled kindly. "Thanks, Troy."

Her gentle smile made Troy scratch his head bashfully. "I'll take you home now. The boss should be back soon."

"Understood," Elyse replied. Troy drove her home. Once there, Elyse considered inviting him to dinner, but he politely declined, explaining he needed to review surveillance footage to gather evidence that would clear her name. After he left, Elyse checked her phone and discovered several pictures of her and Theo had gone viral. The paparazzi had snapped them in various poses, including one that appeared to show them sharing an intimate kiss.

Soon, Elyse was trending for all the wrong reasons. "#ElyseCheatingWithHerEx" was a top trending hashtag. Scanning the comments, she was bombarded with harsh accusations of exploiting Mabel and infidelity, with public opinion largely siding with Mabel.

Disheartened, Elyse put down her phone. She realized that avoiding the comments was the only way to protect herself from the pain they caused.

In a Bayzee Group office, Jayden worked methodically, concentrating on his tasks. A knock interrupted him. "Come in," he called.

Eva carefully placed a document on his desk. "Mr. Owen," she said, "the CEO of our partner company is here to see you. He'd like to have dinner tonight to discuss cooperation."

Jayden didn't hesitate. "No," he replied coldly. "I have dinner plans at home tonight. Tell him the partnership is off, and there's no room for negotiation."

Eva, intrigued by Jayden's cold, commanding demeanor, maintained her composure. After Tobin left that afternoon, Eva finally had a chance to enter Jayden's office. It was usually difficult to speak with him. After some thought, she asked, "The secretaries are having a dinner gathering tonight, Mr. Owen. Would you like to join us?"

In truth, she fabricated the invitation, hoping for a private dinner with Jayden. If he accepted, she would treat her colleagues; if he declined, she wouldn't pursue it further. Without looking up, Jayden replied, "Thanks, but you all go ahead. I'd rather have dinner at home."

"Understood, Mr. Owen," Eva replied dutifully before leaving the office. Once the door closed, she muttered in the hallway, "He always goes home for dinner and has turned down countless invitations. Strange… isn't he single?"

Rumors about Jayden occasionally circulated online, but Eva dismissed them as the efforts of women seeking his attention. Still, she couldn't shake the suspicion that his unwavering dinner routine hinted at someone waiting for him at home.

Returning to the secretary's office, Eva approached Mia Fuller, the head secretary, with a curious look. "Mia, is Mr. Owen single?"

Mia adjusted her glasses. "I have a feeling he might have a girlfriend."

"How do you know?" Eva asked, surprised.

Mia smiled playfully. "No gossiping on the job. If you keep asking, I might have to deduct your pay."

Eva looked taken aback. "Please don't. I'll get right back to work."