Chapter 347:

Initially, Lanny basked in contentment, savoring his wine and the melodies filling the air. This tranquility shattered upon Glenda's return. She unleashed a storm of confrontation. Impatiently, he asked, "Are you out of your mind? It's none of my concern who you saw at the hospital."

Glenda's face darkened. "I saw that madwoman," she said, her words sharp and cold.

Lanny impatiently asked, "Which madwoman?" After a pause, he straightened, his expression serious. "Who did you say you encountered?"

"Dorothy Conner," Glenda replied with a sneer. "The woman you've been searching for. She told Elyse I'm not her mother. Your worst fear is coming true."

Lanny remained composed. "She's not in her right mind. Does Elyse believe her?"

"Jayden wants a maternity test," Glenda revealed.

Lanny's eyelids twitched. "Did you agree?"

Glenda nodded resignedly. "I had no choice. They forced me. I had to come back to you."

Lanny set down his wine glass, running a hand through his hair. A memory surfaced. "Where is Dorothy?"

Glenda slowly refilled her wine glass, observing his agitation. "She's in the emergency room. She was nearly dead, but we were careless and let her escape."

Lanny pondered this. "Under care... If only she were dead, but her continued existence... She must be eliminated."

Glenda took a swift gulp of wine, regarding him with chilling resolve. "Aren't you concerned her presence could cause trouble?"

Lanny harbored no desire for Dorothy to reveal their secrets. Pouring herself another glass, Glenda continued, "I've thought about it. Even if the test proves I'm not her mother, Elyse doesn't need to know her true parentage."

Lanny nodded. "You're right. We need to deceive Elyse, keep her from dwelling on this. Only then will we be safe."

Glenda and Lanny spent hours planning their next move. Three hours later, Peyton arrived at the hospital with the maternity test results.

Elyse and Jayden were in a private room with Dorothy. Despite being out of surgery, Dorothy's condition worsened, requiring a ventilator. She looked like a withered autumn leaf, frail and near death.

Elyse looked up as Peyton approached, anticipation in her eyes. "Are the results in?"

Peyton solemnly nodded, handing her the report.

Elyse scanned the document, her heart racing. It read: "After careful consideration, it is concluded that Glenda Lloyd and Elyse Lloyd are not biologically related."

Realization washed over Elyse, leaving her adrift. "She's not my mother," she whispered.

Peyton felt a pang of sorrow. He was astonished; his earlier comment about Glenda's hair had been a joke. He never imagined it would be true.

The news hit Elyse hard, tears welling in her eyes. She felt lost, severed from the maternal bond she'd always known.

Elyse's clear yet confused expression stirred guilt in Peyton. "According to the report, that seems to be the case," he said reluctantly.

Elyse affirmed this, her vulnerability deepening. She reached for Jayden's hand for comfort.

Jayden reassured her. "Calm down. We'll talk to them later and get clarification."

Lost in her emotions, Elyse remained oblivious. Only Peyton noticed the chilling undertone in Jayden's words. He silently shook his head, realizing the ordeal awaiting the Lloyd couple.

"I need to use the restroom," Elyse announced, leaving the ward.

Peyton was surprised. "Isn't there a bathroom here? Why go outside?"

Jayden hesitated. "She needs some time outside, not just the restroom."

...