Chapter 348:

Elyse had no intention of using the restroom. She rushed from the ward and took the elevator directly to the small hospital garden. Arriving there, she paused, uncertain what to do next. Then she heard Mabel's voice.

Turning, she saw Mabel at a first-floor ward window, shouting with a fierce expression, “Elyse! What are you standing there for? Hurry and get me out of here! Do you hear me?”

Elyse hesitated, remembering Glenda's account of Mabel's suicide attempt. With a stern face, she approached the first-floor window, stopping at the lawn's edge. “Can’t you be a little quieter?” she said coldly.

“Cut the crap and help me,” Mabel retorted, pointing to the bandage on her forehead. Despite her pale, vicious-looking face, she challenged Elyse. “Are you really my sister? Why are you so cold and heartless? If you don’t help me, forget about us being sisters.”

Elyse pursed her lips. Her confusion vanished, replaced by cold clarity. She glanced at Mabel and replied slowly, “I’m not your sister. Since you dislike me so much, there’s no need to maintain our relationship.”

Mabel was taken aback. “Not my sister? You just don’t want to help, so you said that? Fine, I’ll accept you as my sister. Help me immediately!” Her tone grew impatient.

She waited for a response, but Elyse simply stared back, unmoved. After a moment, Elyse asked, “I’ve done so much for you, helped you countless times. Have you ever appreciated my kindness?”

Mabel’s patience snapped. “Your kindness? That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re my older sister. Shouldn’t you?”

Elyse’s gaze remained calm, her heart devoid of emotion. “That’s not my responsibility. I’m not your sister,” she replied.

Confusion clouded Mabel’s thoughts. Elyse’s denial seemed bizarre. “Are you really not my sister? Are you kidding me?” she asked, her curiosity laced with desperation.

Elyse, no longer wishing to engage, turned and walked away. Watching her go, Mabel felt a sinking feeling. Was Elyse telling the truth? Was she not her sister? Where was her real sister? Was she an only child?

Panic set in as the realization hit her. If Elyse wasn’t her sister and refused to help, she’d be trapped. “No! No way, Elyse, you are my sister! You can’t leave! You have to save me!” she cried, clinging to the window and attracting the attention of several passersby.

But Elyse was already too far away to hear. After taking a deep breath, Elyse returned to the ward, finding only Jayden; Peyton was absent.

Jayden patted the empty seat beside him. “Come sit here, Elyse.” Without a word, Elyse obeyed.

“Have you decided?” Jayden asked. “If you’re ready, I’ll have someone bring them here.”

Elyse paused, took a deep breath, and nodded. “I’m ready.” The shock of learning Lanny and Glenda weren't her biological parents still lingered, along with her curiosity about her real parents.

Jayden gently touched her head, speaking in a rare soft tone. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you.”

Looking up at Jayden, Elyse felt a mix of sadness and comfort. She whispered, “Okay.” Jayden was the only person she truly trusted.

Following Jayden’s instructions, his men soon arrived at Lanny and Glenda’s home to collect them. Though the couple had prepared themselves, uncertainty and worry still gnawed at them as they sat in the car.

. . .