Chapter 36:

The next day, Elyse woke with bleary eyes, rubbing away sleep as she rose from bed. After a quick wash, she went downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning! Please join us," Driscoll greeted her.

Elyse joined them, noticing Jayden's absence. "Where's Jayden?" she asked.

"He's in the study. I'll bring him breakfast later," Driscoll replied.

Knowing Jayden preferred the study, Elyse suggested, "Let me take it to him. I'll give him a massage afterward."

"Alright, I'll prepare it," Driscoll agreed, smiling.

Elyse planned to check on the orchestra later, now that the internet rumors had subsided and her clarification had been released. Breakfast consisted of bread and butter.

Afterward, she accepted a tray from Driscoll and went to the study. Jayden was on a phone call. Hearing her, he ended the call and settled into his wheelchair, feigning nonchalance.

"Breakfast is served!" Elyse announced cheerfully, placing the tray before him.

Jayden glanced at the food. "Why bring it here?" he asked.

"Huh?" Elyse was taken aback.

"It's the servants' responsibility," Jayden said. "You shouldn't bother."

Holding a glass of milk, Elyse said, trying to ease the tension, "Bringing you breakfast is a gesture of care."

Jayden saw her disappointed expression and relented. "Well, I'll reluctantly accept it then."

Her face lit up. "Now eat up. Afterward, I'll continue the massage," she insisted.

"Save your energy," Jayden urged.

Elyse pursed her lips. "Why? You promised to cooperate. Can't you keep your word?"

Jayden, feeling sheepish, averted his eyes. "Do as you please."

Driscoll watched them with a gentle smile. He knew Jayden cared for Elyse, though Jayden stubbornly refused to admit it.

After the massage, Elyse went to the orchestra's studio with her bag. Wanda was in a meeting, so Elyse waited. She took activated charcoal from her bag to address the lingering paint odor in her locker. She couldn't remove the paint, but she could eliminate the smell.

"Elyse!" someone called.

She turned to see a young man. Recognizing him, she greeted him warmly. "Hi Freddy! Welcome back."

"I heard about what happened. Are you alright?" Freddy Sugden, her high school and college classmate and fellow music lover, asked. He specialized in piano; she played the violin.

"I'm fine. Everything's resolved," she assured him.

Relieved, Freddy sighed. "I was worried you'd take it hard. Weddings are a big deal."

He saw the activated charcoal and the red paint in her locker. Concern etched his features. "Who vandalized your locker? How bad is it?"

Spotting Rebekah entering, Elyse subtly nodded toward her. "Who else?" she indicated.

Freddy locked eyes with Rebekah. "You're back from your tour, Freddy! Congratulations! I heard it was a smashing success!" Rebekah exclaimed, rushing over. Freddy was a talented pianist and quite the heartthrob; Rebekah had had a crush on him since college, even after he'd rejected her confession.

Freddy's tone was annoyed. "What's your issue with Elyse? Why did you vandalize her locker?"

Rebekah struggled to maintain a smile. "It was a misunderstanding. I've already apologized. Please don't be upset."

Elyse interjected firmly, "Whether you apologize or not, transfer the money to me."

Freddy frowned. "You damaged her belongings. What were you thinking? Don't you consider her a classmate?"

Rebekah, ashamed, couldn't meet his gaze. She quickly transferred the money and murmured, "I'm sorry, Elyse. I didn't mean to. Can you forgive me?"

Elyse sensed Rebekah's insincerity; she was just putting on a show for Freddy, who valued justice.

"It's fine. I'll accept the payment. Just don't do it again," Elyse said calmly, showing her phone.

(The ". .noveldrama" at the end is unclear and has been removed.)