Chapter 331:

Elyse likely understood why Abram disliked her; it was all about Vicky stealing the spotlight. Despite this understanding, Elyse felt wronged. Tears welling in her eyes, she exclaimed, “If Abram can’t stand me, he can push me aside, but why fire me? Playing the violin is my dream!”

Jayden, stroking his chin thoughtfully, responded, “I doubt that orchestra is where your dreams will be realized. There are other ways to pursue them.”

Elyse, lifting her tear-stained face from her hands, asked, “What other way is there?”

“I’ll set up a solo performance for you,” Jayden offered.

Frustrated, Elyse retorted, “I’m not well-known. How am I supposed to qualify for a solo performance?”

Handing her a tissue, Jayden reassured her, “Look, I have the means to support whatever you want to pursue. Don’t limit your future to just that orchestra.”

Trying to smile through her tears, Elyse replied, “Playing the violin is all I know. If I have no chance to play, I’m lost.”

Jayden, distractedly nodding, ladled some soup and gently urged Elyse to eat. Then, absentmindedly, he said, “Don’t sell yourself short. You can be good in bed.”

Elyse glared at Jayden. “Can you take this seriously just once?”

Jayden, believing himself to be serious, carefully spooned soup into her mouth and reassured her, “Don’t worry about this. You should just focus on getting better.”

Elyse listened, but her gaze remained distant and unfocused. Jayden gently took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. “Hey, are you even hearing me?”

Tears welled up in Elyse’s eyes as she reached out her hand. “I need a new phone. I lost mine.”

“I’ve already got one for you. It’s with Driscoll,” Jayden said, releasing her chin and massaging his temples. “Look, I’ve got something to attend to. Please don’t bother me when I’m in the study.”

“Humph, I won’t,” Elyse snorted disdainfully and strode toward the bathroom.

Such a temper. It’s my fault for spoiling her. Watching her walk away, Jayden sighed, feeling utterly helpless.

After Elyse finished washing up, she descended the stairs to find Driscoll, who looked uneasy and immediately offered a solemn apology. This situation wasn’t Driscoll’s fault, yet Elyse took the time to clarify that Abram considered her a nuisance.

Upon discovering the reason for her dismissal, Driscoll exclaimed, his voice laced with frustration, “They’re worse off without you. Don’t dwell on it. You’re bound to find success elsewhere.”

Elyse offered a tentative smile, uncertain of her future but considering Jayden’s advice to take some time off and recover at home. She smiled again and extended her hand towards Driscoll. “Driscoll, I’ve lost my phone. Could I get a new one?”

Returning her smile, Driscoll replied, “Just a moment. I’ll fetch one for you.”

Elyse nodded and settled onto the sofa to wait. Shortly, Driscoll returned with a brand-new phone and some refreshments. As Elyse enjoyed her new phone and the refreshments, her spirits began to lift.

Just then, an unexpected visitor arrived. Driscoll’s expression hardened. “Mrs. Owen, Lanny, and Glenda are here. Would you like to meet with them?”

Hearing their names caused Elyse to flinch, and her phone slipped from her fingers, crashing to the floor. She hadn’t anticipated their arrival so soon and felt utterly unprepared.

Seeing Elyse’s reluctance, Driscoll proposed, “If you prefer not to meet them, I can ask them to leave.”

Elyse retrieved her phone, her expression a mix of emotions, and asked, “Why do they want to see me now?”

Driscoll looked uncomfortable. “It seems they’re here about Mabel’s situation.”

Turning her head, Elyse asked in bewilderment, “What’s wrong with her? Didn’t she leave a long time ago?”

After a brief pause, Driscoll explained, “She is currently confined in the basement. Without Mr. Owen’s permission, she can’t be freed. Her parents likely believe you can persuade him.”

Elyse remained still on the sofa. They were just here for Mabel. She had initially thought their visit was motivated by guilt, perhaps an attempt at reconciliation. It became clear she had been naive.

Raising her head, Elyse murmured, “I just fooled myself into thinking they were here for me. Silly, isn’t it?”