Chapter 401:

Jayden's thrust took Elyse by surprise, eliciting a whimper. Unsatisfied, he spanked her. The sudden action startled her, intensifying her cries. He then bit her shoulder, a growl rumbling in his throat. "Not talking, are you?" Elyse frantically shook her head. "No," she whispered, "I want to be all yours."

A satisfied smirk played on Jayden's lips as he continued. Aching with desire, Elyse longed for nothing more than to be completely consumed by him. The bathroom filled with heat; the mirror fogged with condensation that trickled down like silent tears. Her gasps of pleasure, initially bright and eager, gradually faded into hoarse moans. Finally, at the peak of ecstasy, she fainted.

Exhausted, Jayden cradled the unconscious woman, his breathing ragged. Regaining his strength, he carefully removed her damp clothes, cleaned her gently, and carried her to the bedroom. Standing by the bed, he gazed at Elyse. He hadn't anticipated such a satisfying encounter, especially given its manipulative origins. A seed of possibility sprouted in his mind; perhaps there was more to explore.

With efficient speed, Jayden showered and left the room. Driscoll, bewildered, stammered, "Mr. Owen, aren't you using the wheelchair? Elyse is asleep." Jayden curtly replied, "Dinner later." Confused, but obedient, Driscoll postponed dinner.

Two hours later, Elyse stirred. Groaning at the soreness in her waist, she struggled to her feet, her legs trembling, and shuffled from the room. Seeing her enter the dining area, Jayden softly asked, "Hungry?"

Sensing his improved mood, Elyse realized her actions in the bathroom hadn't been in vain. Previously, she'd been consumed with worry; she couldn't bear the thought of Jayden falling into depression after Brook's humiliation. She reached the table, grimacing as Driscoll instructed the maid to serve the meal. The sight of food was a welcome relief. "Your favorites," Jayden said, gesturing to the spread. "Eat up."

Elyse beamed and began to eat. Just then, Driscoll reappeared, his voice urgent. "Security called, Mr. Owen. Tracy's here." Elyse's eyes darted to Jayden, who nodded curtly. "Show her in."

Driscoll escorted Tracy inside. Elyse rose to greet her friend, her heart sinking at the sight of Tracy, who appeared covered in dust, as if she'd rolled in the dirt. Jayden joined them, noticing a raw wound on Tracy's knee. Discreetly, he murmured to Driscoll, "Call the doctor." Driscoll nodded and immediately made the call.

Elyse grabbed Tracy's hand, concern etched on her face. "What happened?" Tracy offered a wry smile. "Mind if I crash at your place for a while, Elyse? I'm in a bind and can't go home." Elyse's brow furrowed. "What's going on? Weren't you filming?" Tracy hung her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Kicked out after a few days. Because of Shaun."

Elyse's eyes widened. "Shaun? What did he do?" Tracy's throat tightened, her voice thick with hurt. "He bought my agency and gave all my jobs to someone else. My agent told me to beg for mercy, but I refused. So he cut me off, threatened to blacklist me in the showbiz." Tears streamed down her face as she continued, her voice choked with emotion. "Furious, I confronted him today. He demanded I sleep with him. When I refused, he tried to trap me. I snuck out of the bathroom, dropping my phone in the process. I had to walk all the way here."

Elyse cursed under her breath, a torrent of fury rising within her. "That bastard!" Tracy, tears streaming down her face, choked out, "He controls my career, Elyse. Shaun wants to ruin me. I hate him." Witnessing Tracy's despair, Elyse turned to Jayden, seeking his help.

Clearing his throat, Jayden took control. "You can stay here for now, Tracy. Put your career on hold. We need to figure out what Shaun wants."