Chapter 304:

Elyse was reading on the sofa when Jayden arrived home for dinner. He looked worried. Noticing her injured knees, he said, "You hurt yourself after going out. Stay home from now on; it's safer."

Elyse glared at him. "I tripped because my legs were weak from our intimacy. Perhaps we should stop our intimate encounters."

Jayden nonchalantly removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his collarbones. A dangerous glint shone in his eyes as he said assertively, "We're married. There's nothing wrong with us having sex. If not me, who else?"

With a commanding presence, Jayden leaned closer, towering over her. Feeling trapped, Elyse shrank back into the sofa. Her voice trembled. "Only you, Jayden. I only want to have sex with you."

A hint of satisfaction played on Jayden's lips. He gently touched her cheek. A devious smile spread across his face as he asked smugly, "But why has another man—Theo—entered your life?"

Elyse pulled away. "I'm not discussing Theo now. Ask him." She turned her head, unwilling to engage. Jayden raised an eyebrow, surprised by her defiance. She claimed he didn't pamper her, yet she was so bold. No one else dared defy him.

He was about to punish her, but hesitated. He'd exhausted her with lovemaking that morning; more would only increase her discontent. He restrained himself, his fingers circling her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Would you like help with those photos?" he asked deliberately.

Elyse snapped, "If you can accept the rumors about me and another man, then don't interfere."

Jayden didn't truly love Elyse; his desire was merely possessive. She bottled up her anger, refusing to meet his gaze, clutching a throw pillow.

Jayden rubbed his temples, perplexed by her upset. He texted Tobin, requesting the removal of any related online information. Putting away his phone, he said, "I have something to take care of. I'll be in my study. Relax."

"What are you doing?" Elyse asked impulsively, then awkwardly turned away.

"Nothing significant. I'll be back soon," Jayden replied, smiling as he wheeled himself into his study.

He remained silent, wanting to protect her from his dangerous world. Elyse felt despair, not sadness, at his lack of explanation. She took a deep breath and tried to reassure herself. "It's alright. As long as I don't develop feelings for him, I won't get hurt."

Jayden lacked romantic intentions; she couldn't hope for love from him. Hugging the pillow, she felt a deep, chilling loneliness.

Kaelyn, hearing Theo was back, visited his favorite restaurant, packing his favorite dishes to welcome him home. The household staff knew her; a servant let her in. Kaelyn gave the takeout to the servant, asking her to heat it and serve it to Theo. Worriedly, she asked, "Where's Theo? Is he okay?"

The servant replied deferentially, "He's in the garden."

"I'll find him," Kaelyn hurried to the garden. Theo sat under the pavilion, staring sadly at his phone. Kaelyn tried to surprise him, but saw his screen: a photo of him and Elyse.

Kaelyn, unaware of the rumors, had rushed to see Theo after work without checking her phone. Her face paled. Theo was lost in the photo, his finger tracing Elyse's face, revealing his deep affection. Her heart shattered. She asked, her voice trembling, "Do you still love Elyse?" ...