Chapter 306:

Mabel remained worried. "But someone told me Elyse found someone who can retrieve the deleted surveillance footage," she said. "It looks like she's about to get the evidence."

Kaelyn scoffed inwardly. How could Mabel think she was safe after deleting the footage? Elyse was bound to get it; Jayden could easily obtain it for her. Kaelyn had anticipated this, but deliberately refused to warn Mabel. She had much to gain from the chaos she'd created by encouraging Mabel's reckless online comments.

Speaking softly, Kaelyn said, "Calm down, Mabel. Elyse won't get access; the video's deleted." Mabel, ever naive, brightened. "Really? Are you sure Elyse will never find out?" she asked innocently.

"Of course," Kaelyn replied. "Don't doubt me. And don't be afraid of Elyse. Remember, you're my favorite, and I'll protect you."

Deeply touched, Mabel sighed. "You're an angel, Kaelyn. You care more than my own sister. It's a pity you aren't my sister; life would be better."

Kaelyn shook her head, amused. "Must everything Mabel says be so foolish? Fools are easily manipulated, yet they still believe in the goodness of others."

After a few more soothing words, Kaelyn hung up. Scoffing, she tapped the steering wheel, thoughts racing. Smiling wickedly, she muttered, "To repay your trust, I promise not to let you down."

Meanwhile, after dinner, Elyse practiced violin on the sofa when Jayden called her from his study. She pursed her lips, set down her violin, and slowly, limpingly, rose to go to him.

Jayden, seeing her pain, said, "Stay there. I'll come to you." Elyse nodded. He wheeled to her, coaxed her onto his lap, and teased, "Perhaps I should get you a wheelchair."

"It's just a few scrapes," Elyse replied. "They'll heal quickly. It'll hurt less tomorrow."

"Of course," Jayden said. "And the medicine I gave you is the best; you won't even scar." He held her securely and carried her into the study.

Elyse shut the door and asked, "Why did you call me?"

"Troy got the evidence," Jayden replied. "You should see it and decide what to do." He clicked on a video on his phone.

The video showed Mabel arriving at the orchestra building, smoothly transitioning from the entrance to the lounge, to stealing sheet music from Elyse's locker. Rebekah then appeared; they talked, exchanged numbers, and parted ways.

Elyse's eyes dulled. This wasn't how she expected the truth to be. Jayden put down the phone. "So, what do you plan to do? Releasing this will implicate your sister and an orchestra member."

Elyse pursed her lips. "You think I'll be lenient, right?"

Jayden nodded. "I believe you wouldn't want to hurt them. But if you want revenge, I'll gladly do it for you."

Elyse pouted. "That makes you the bad guy. I'll decide." Patting his hand, she added, "Take me back. I need time to think."

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Using me as a personal wheelchair taxi!"

Chuckling, Elyse shrugged. "Because I can. Hurry up."

Jayden sighed dramatically, then smiled dotingly and carried her back to her room.

Alone, Elyse's smile vanished. She messaged Rebekah and Mabel, offering them a chance to avoid public exposure. They refused, replying with offensive and sarcastic remarks.

Elyse nodded. Tomorrow, she would prove her innocence to the world.