Chapter 335:

Driscoll watched Elyse contemplatively, pondering the inappropriateness of Jayden's detached response, especially in Elyse's presence, considering Lanny and Glenda were her parents. Elyse's stoic demeanor, tinged with grimness, belied her inability to remain indifferent. Sensing her turmoil, Jayden probed, "Are you worried they might go through with it and feel compelled to intervene?"

Elyse tried to appear indifferent, taking a deep breath, but couldn't fool herself. Reluctantly, she admitted, "I can't ignore their well-being. I'm sorry."

Driscoll nodded understandingly. "It's understandable. They're your parents, after all."

Jayden shrugged nonchalantly, gently squeezing Elyse's hand. "If you're concerned, I'll go with you," he offered.

Grateful, Elyse replied, "Thank you for being here."

"Let's not waste time," Jayden urged, leading her toward the villa gate, their hands clasped.

As they approached, the anguished cries of Lanny and Glenda pierced the air. Glenda's voice was urgent and distressed. Elyse frowned at the cacophony, grateful for the villa's seclusion. She shuddered at the thought of the chaos downtown, attracting a crowd.

Reaching the gate, she gestured to the security guard, who opened it. Outside, Lanny clutched a bottle of pesticide. "Elyse, please open the gate and let us see Mabel. We're family. Please." He saw Elyse approaching, her face a tumult of emotions; Jayden stood stoically beside her.

Avoiding Jayden's gaze, Lanny addressed Elyse. "We understand our actions deeply wounded you, but you can't punish your sister for our mistakes. If you're angry, we can make amends." Brandishing the pesticide bottle, he declared, "I'm prepared to drink this as a gesture of repentance."

Shocked, Glenda embraced him, tears flowing freely. "Lanny, what will I do without you? I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Lanny's expression was resolute. "I have no other recourse. I must face the consequences of my actions. I'm ready to accept responsibility."

Overwhelmed, Glenda directed her anguish at Elyse. "Do you truly want to witness your father's death? How can you be so heartless? We raised you, yet you show us no mercy."

With a steely gaze, Elyse saw their attempt to manipulate her emotions as unjust. They had only acknowledged her as their daughter when convenient. They always positioned themselves as righteous, making her the perpetual scapegoat. She scrutinized Lanny, her tone measured. "Why do you fail to shed tears for your own sorrow? Is your grief not genuine?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Lanny's face before he composed himself.

In a fit of rage, Glenda exclaimed, "Elyse, how can you be so ruthless? Do you really want to reduce your father to tears? I warn you, release my daughter, or I'll expose your actions online. There's no escaping the consequences."

Lanny frantically tried to silence Glenda, bewildered by her outburst and her threats in front of Jayden.

Frustrated, Glenda pushed his hand away. "I must speak my mind. Perhaps I shouldn't have raised her at all."

Finding Glenda's words ironic, Elyse tilted her head. "Didn't you abandon me long ago? Didn't you choose Mabel over me? I thought you ended our mother-daughter relationship. Do you still consider me your daughter?"

Her question embarrassed Glenda. She exchanged a glance with Lanny before reluctantly conceding, "Even though we didn't rescue you back then, we're still your parents."

Suppressing a bitter laugh, Elyse pondered their audacity. They had never considered the peril she faced; now they expected her care. The hypocrisy was palpable. What kind of familial bond was this?

Disgusted, she withheld further comment, refusing to entertain their pleas.

Sensing the tension, Jayden interjected, a hint of amusement in his voice. "So you simply wish to take Mabel home. That's straightforward enough." ...