Chapter 346:

Elyse sat on a bench outside the operating room, her gaze fixed on the empty bench opposite, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. Glenda, beside her, repeatedly tried to engage Elyse, but Elyse's detachment silenced her.

Jayden approached, breaking the silence. "What are your thoughts?" he asked. Elyse, nervously clutching her dress, struggled to answer; the elderly woman's words had unsettled her. She shook her head in dejection.

Glenda, unable to contain herself any longer, interjected, "Are you really going to believe that eccentric woman's ramblings? She's lying. I'm your mother." Elyse frowned, instinctively recoiling from Glenda's forceful tone.

Jayden stroked his chin. "If that's the case," he suggested, "why don't you two take a maternity test?" Both women were startled. "A maternity test?" Elyse echoed, uncertainly. "Is that really necessary?"

Glenda glared at Jayden, her frustration evident. He nodded firmly. "It's imperative. If the test confirms your biological relationship, it will definitively disprove the woman's accusations. You can then dismiss her claims."

Jayden looked at Glenda intently. "What are your thoughts?" Glenda's anger simmered, but she forced a smile and reluctantly agreed.

Jayden carefully observed Glenda. Since her arrival at the ward, he'd suspected something was amiss. He believed Glenda and the elderly woman were connected—their initial exchange, "What are you doing here?", and his lingering doubts about Glenda's relationship with Elyse, made the maternity test crucial.

Jayden summoned Peyton to oversee the testing process. After briefing him, Jayden was surprised by Peyton's question: "If this test disproves your connection, where are your biological parents?"

As Elyse gave the nurse a hair sample, Peyton's question hung in the air. Bewilderment clouded her eyes. The thought hadn't occurred to her: If Lanny and Glenda weren't her parents, who were?

Jayden rolled his eyes. "Let's wait for the results. Now, get back to work."

Peyton's lips tightened as he approached Glenda. She fiercely resisted his attempts to obtain a hair sample. Despite two nurses' assistance, Peyton skillfully plucked a hair.

Glenda threatened to report him, but Peyton shrugged. The hospital belonged to his family; he had nothing to fear.

Glenda's apprehension grew. She knew the truth awaiting Elyse. Fear consumed her; she dreaded Elyse discovering the truth about her parentage. How could she explain it?

Panic surged, making her want to flee. Elyse, accepting hot water from Jayden, warmed her hands. Remembering Glenda's likely thirst, she looked around—Glenda was gone. Elyse searched frantically, but Glenda was nowhere on that floor.

"Looks like she got cold feet," Jayden said casually.

Elyse shook her head. "Perhaps she just went to the restroom," she offered tentatively.

Jayden remained unconvinced. "I doubt she'll return. If you don't trust my judgment, just stay here."

Elyse's emotions were a whirlwind as she followed Jayden back to the operating room entrance. Glenda, meanwhile, left the hospital and went straight home to Lanny.

Jayden had leveled their opulent villa, leaving only a single-story house. Lanny and Glenda dismissed their staff and moved into the remaining residence.

Inside, Glenda found Lanny lounging on the sofa, sipping wine. Her anger erupted. She silenced the music. "Why didn't you answer my calls?" she demanded. "Do you know who I saw at the hospital?" ... ... ...