Chapter 362

Tears welled in Glenda's eyes as thoughts of her daughter, Mabel, overwhelmed her. "I heard she's struggling terribly," she confided. "She seems deeply depressed. If we leave her to fend for herself, I fear the worst."

Lanny sighed heavily, his voice tinged with helplessness. "I'm not sure Jayden can forgive us. All we can do is wait until tomorrow."

Later, Glenda returned home, clutching two urns close to her chest. These urns, intimately connected to her daughter's well-being, demanded her utmost care. Unable to sleep, consumed by worry and anticipation, she stayed awake all night. As dawn broke, she gently woke Lanny. After quickly freshening up, they went to Jayden's, carrying the urns.

Driscoll recognized the urns' significance and immediately admitted Glenda and Lanny. Inside, Glenda clutched the urns even tighter, knowing they were her only leverage. Driscoll offered to help with the delicate items, but she refused, determined to maintain control.

They didn't have to wait long. Shortly after their arrival, Elyse and Jayden emerged from the elevator. Elyse's eyes immediately fell on the aged urns in Glenda's arms, their surfaces marked by time. A visceral reaction surged through her—an instinctual desire to touch them. But Glenda, sensing her intent, quickly turned away, shielding the urns.

"What is the meaning of this?" Elyse asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and concern.

Facing Jayden, who looked slightly sleepy, Glenda stated her intentions plainly. "I want to make a deal with you," she declared.

Jayden leaned back, resting his chin on his hand. His question was casual. "Think you have enough bargaining power to swing a deal with me?"

Glenda's response was immediate and dramatic. She lifted the urns slightly, her voice steady. "These are my bargaining chips." Then, raising them higher, she made a threatening gesture, feigning an intent to smash them on the floor. "If you don't agree to my request—"

"No! Don't!" Elyse screamed, panic flooding her voice at the potential destruction of something so precious.

Jayden's reaction was a mixture of mockery and contempt; a smirk played on his lips. "Alright, then, lay it on me. What's your price?"

Glenda's voice cracked with urgency. "Get my daughter out of the police station. That's my demand."

Jayden glanced at Elyse, noting her distress, then back to Glenda, nodding slowly. "Fine. I'll see what I can do, but only after the trial. That's when I can step in."

Glenda, unyielding, retorted, "That's not soon enough! I need her out today. No delays."

Jayden shook his head dismissively. "I can't do it. Go ahead, smash them if you will."

Glenda was taken aback. Could he only get Mabel out after the trial? In her shock, her grip faltered, and the urns nearly slipped from her hands. Lanny reacted swiftly, catching them before they hit the floor.

"Don't you dare," Lanny admonished her quietly, his brow furrowed. "Do you really think it's that easy?"

Regaining her composure, Glenda clutched the urns to her chest, her panic subsiding as she realized she had almost lost her leverage.

Jayden, unfazed, turned to Driscoll. "Bring the urns to me," he instructed calmly.

Driscoll approached Glenda carefully, avoiding any sudden movements that might provoke her. He took the urns and moved a safe distance away.

"Thank you for your help, Mr. Owen," Lanny said, managing a strained smile.

Jayden responded curtly. "You can go now. I will arrange for you to see Mabel after the trial is over."

Lanny's relief was palpable, and he bowed deeply. "Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Owen."

Before leaving, Lanny paused and turned to Elyse, a hint of sheepishness in his demeanor. "Elyse, I've been your father for so many years. I know I've wronged you. But I hope we can still be family, and you can call me uncle."

Elyse's face was shadowed and unreadable; she remained silent. Lanny's request wasn't just about family; it was an attempt to maintain a connection to the influential Owen family.

After Lanny and Glenda left, Jayden looked at the silent Elyse. Sensing her need for support, he gave Driscoll a meaningful look. Driscoll understood and approached Elyse, carrying the urns with solemn reverence.

Standing beside her, the weight of the urns and the gravity of the moment filled him with somber silence. He intended to offer comfort but found himself speechless.

They stood in silence, a shared mourning for what Elyse had lost. Finally, Elyse whispered, "These are my biological parents."