Chapter 308

Lanny, finding respite in Mabel's small, verdant garden with a cup of tea, wasn't surprised when Glenda approached. He'd anticipated this. He believed Mabel and Glenda lacked foresight. How could the evidence simply vanish?

Setting down his teacup, Lanny looked at the distressed Glenda with empathy. "Mabel's wrongdoing can't remain hidden, can it?" Glenda nodded, her discomfort obvious. "The online tide has turned. Our daughter is facing public condemnation while Elyse is declared innocent."

"You reap what you sow," Lanny remarked, recognizing Jayden's influence. "I urged you to heed my counsel. Now you understand the gravity of the situation. You should have listened." Despite his physical limitations, Lanny respected Jayden.

Lanny's keen observation hadn't failed him. Even a year in a wheelchair hadn't dulled Jayden's sharp eyes. They spoke of authority; his gaze was perpetually astute and uncompromising.

After considering, Glenda suggested, "Should we appeal to Elyse directly? Perhaps she could quell the online storm and help Mabel re-enter the entertainment industry later. We are family, after all."

Lanny scoffed. "I doubt family holds much sway now. Jayden likely sees us differently." Glenda retorted playfully, "Jayden's marriage to Elyse makes us family. How can there be ill will within a family?"

"Our priority should be self-preservation," Lanny insisted. "Your idea of getting Mabel back into show business is ill-advised. Once this is over, we should get Mabel married and be relieved of this burden."

Glenda's tone grew somber. "You know her defiance. Marriage is not something she'll willingly consider. Even now, you defend her. Encourage her to apologize sincerely and persuade Jayden to grant us clemency. Otherwise, we all face dire consequences."

With a steely glare, Lanny punched Glenda, leaving her reeling. As she sank to the ground, clutching her head, he spat on her. He considered Glenda and Mabel troublemakers, but abandoning them wasn't an option. Reluctantly, he helped her up, resolving to accompany her and Mabel in seeking reconciliation with Jayden.

When Mabel learned she needed to apologize to Elyse, she locked herself in her room, defiantly declaring, "Not even if the heavens demand it! I refuse to bend to Elyse's whims!" Lanny pounded urgently on her door. "Please come out. You're in a difficult situation, and it's time to make amends."

Mabel's defiant voice pierced through the door. "Mom promised to go in my stead. If you persist, I swear I'll jump from this window."

Alarmed by the prospect of Mabel's drastic action, Glenda intervened, stopping Lanny. "Let her be. If she's unwilling, Elyse will understand, considering our familial bond."

Lanny's frustration ignited. "Let her jump if she dares! A fall from the third floor won't kill her. If she chooses to jump, perhaps Jayden will forgive us."

Their three-story house, with an attic, had Mabel's room on the top floor, offering a panoramic view.

Mabel's furious laughter echoed from within. "So be it. I see your true intentions. You'd rather see me die than face Jayden's anger."

Lanny retorted sharply, "Then jump, and perhaps peace will be restored. If my death is what you desire, then I shall oblige."

Mabel fell silent. Trembling, Glenda asked, "Honey, did she really jump?"

Despite a pang of guilt, Lanny maintained his resolve. "Let her. Jump if she wants. I'll inform Jayden of the outcome. If anything happens to our daughter, you'll answer for it." Glenda shoved Lanny before rushing downstairs.

Barefoot, she raced to the garden. There, Mabel lay still, her eyes closed. A harrowing cry escaped Glenda. "Honey, come quickly. She… she jumped off the building."

Elyse, peacefully sipping tea in the garden, answered Jayden's call. Confusion clouded her voice. "What's the matter?"

"Glenda will call you soon," Jayden's voice rushed. "She'll tell you Mabel jumped off the building and ask you to come to the hospital. Wait half an hour after the call. I'll meet you there." He hung up.

Elyse was bewildered. Mabel, afraid of pain, jumping off a building? And how did Jayden know? Questions swirled, but Jayden was unreachable.

The extraneous text at the end has been removed.