Chapter 311: Novel Drama

Elyse, feeling unjustly accused, bristled with indignation. She shrugged off Tess’s hand. "When did I betray Jayden? Please don't make unfounded accusations."

"Unfounded accusations? Stop denying it," Tess snapped, frustration evident as she pulled her phone from her bag. Dimming the screen, she showed it to Elyse. "Take a look. Didn't you have an affair? You were seen embracing another man. Do you think the Owen family is oblivious?"

The website address has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story.

As Elyse studied the photos, a myriad of retorts sprang to mind, but she swallowed them. Instead, she met Jayden’s gaze. "Haven't all these images been deleted from the internet?"

"They've been dealt with, but a few slipped through, and someone saved them," Jayden said, glancing at Tess. "Who sent these to you?"

In a fit of anger, Tess shouted, "It doesn't matter! Elyse betrayed you. Divorce her, or forget about me being your mother."

With a smug expression, Tess crossed her arms and glared at Elyse, sure Jayden would act as she wished. After all, no man could tolerate infidelity. But Jayden didn't react as expected. Calmly, he told Tess to leave. "You've said your piece. Go."

Tess was stunned. "You're kicking me out? I came to support you! How dare you?"

Jayden's response was nonchalant. "Did you ever consider me your son?"

Tess's expression darkened at his unexpected retort. Jayden showed no desire to continue. "If I were to divorce Elyse, who would you suggest I marry?"

Seated on the sofa, Tess sipped the tea Driscoll offered. "Naturally, someone useful. Corrie would be suitable. If you were to part ways with Elyse, Corrie would be a fine choice."

Elyse was bewildered. Did Tess not know, or was she pretending not to know, that Corrie was seeing Brook? Elyse looked to Jayden for clarification. Had Corrie and Brook already broken up?

Jayden’s interest piqued. "Did Corrie persuade you to come to me?"

Tess rolled her eyes. "She didn't. I decided to come." Enlarging a photo on her phone, she said intensely, "Don't you intend to divorce Elyse now that you've discovered she's like this?"

Jayden firmly shook his head. "No."

Frustration evident, Tess jumped up, a string of curses escaping her lips. "Having a son like you is humiliating! You're forsaking a wonderful woman like Corrie. If you stay with Elyse, a fickle woman who will probably betray you again, don't expect my support."

Jayden didn't mind Tess scolding him, but he wouldn't tolerate her berating Elyse. His casual demeanor vanished, replaced by coldness. "Driscoll, escort our guest out."

Driscoll approached Tess, gesturing for her to leave. Tess couldn't believe it. "Are you serious? I'm your mother!"

"How dare you contradict me? You, the seductress, must have manipulated him. I must teach you a lesson." Enraged, Tess raised her purse to strike Elyse.

Elyse, with injured legs, couldn't dodge in time. Tess's purse hit her face. Tess was about to strike again when Jayden intervened, gently cradling Elyse. "Elyse's past rumors have been quelled. Moreover, Corrie is now dating Brook. Stop these impulsive actions before you incur Brook and his family's wrath."

Tess gasped, her agitation subsiding as she processed his words. "Corrie is seeing Brook?"

After a moment, Tess's expression changed. She grabbed her purse and left hurriedly.

Internally chastising Tess's recklessness, Jayden turned to Elyse, his touch gentle. "Let me tend to your face."

Elyse, still nursing her wounded pride, shook her head. "I'm fine," she replied stubbornly.

Jayden sensed Elyse's mood would be gloomy, and his would mirror hers.

The ellipses at the end were removed as they are unnecessary.