Chapter 337:

With no work obligations, Elyse woke naturally and went to the kitchen for breakfast. Afterward, she went to the garden to practice her violin. Pausing for a sip of water, she turned and saw Taylor Norris.

Rubbing her eyes in disbelief, she exclaimed, "Taylor! When did you get here?"

Approaching him with a surprised look, Elyse reminisced about their last meeting months ago. After exchanging pleasantries, she noticed his sly grin as he leaned against a table. "I've recently returned, and I've heard about your violin skills. Today, I finally get to hear them," he remarked.

Returning his smile, Elyse asked, "So what brings you here?"

Taylor said mysteriously, "I'm here to collect a debt from your husband."

Taken aback, Elyse hesitated before asking, "How much does he owe you? Is it a large amount?"

With a playful tone, Taylor quipped, "Yeah, quite a lot. I doubt you could cover it."

Elyse coughed, feeling embarrassed. She wondered about Jayden's debt and the potential financial strain. The thought of hardship worried her, and she bit her lip, contemplating a return to work. Her expression reflected her anxiety.

Observing her turmoil, Taylor found amusement in her transparent demeanor. Elyse remained openhearted and unassuming, her innocence protected by Jayden's care. Sensing her concern, Taylor reassured her with a smile. "Even though he owes me money, it's not like he can't afford it. Don't fret too much."

Relieved, Elyse responded, "Really? That's a relief."

Taylor glanced at his watch. "It's about time. Can you escort me to Jayden?"

After a moment, Elyse carefully put away her violin and replied, "Of course. He's in the study. Follow me."

When Jayden and Taylor's eyes met, Jayden, assuming a stern demeanor, demanded, "What brings you here? Leave."

With a sly grin, Taylor retorted, "Who do you think you are ordering me around?"

Jayden sneered, "I own this house."

Tension filled the air. Caught in the middle, Elyse felt uneasy. Both men were of noble status, making their confrontation perplexing.

Just as she considered leaving, Driscoll intervened. "Mrs. Owen, your friend is here."

Elyse seized the opportunity, slipping past Taylor and leaving the study.

Once Elyse had left, Jayden rose and shut the door. Annoyance etched on his face, he asked, "What do you want? Didn't I compensate you for the cruise?"

Taylor produced a check and tossed it onto the table. "I don't need your money. I'm not strapped for cash."

Arms crossed, Jayden met Taylor's gaze with indifference. Observing Jayden, Taylor sighed. "How long will you keep up this charade with your wife? Does she even know you can walk? Will you continue to deceive her, or has she never suspected?"

With a scoff, Jayden retorted, "That's none of your business. What do you want?"

The cruise ship Baxter boarded was linked to Taylor's family. Had Jayden not discovered this connection, he wouldn't have planned to thwart Baxter and his associates. To his surprise, Taylor had declined compensation after Baxter sabotaged the cruise ship. ...