Chapter 421:

Freda knew Jayden's background intimately. She considered him a mere Owen family castaway, his name a façade of authority. Accusing Elyse with a pointed finger and aggressive tone, Freda spat, "I saw you hugging my boyfriend. Isn't your man satisfying you? Are you eyeing mine now?"

Standing beside Jayden, Elyse fearlessly retorted, hands on her hips, "If you believe that, prove I hugged your boyfriend. Otherwise, you're spreading lies!"

Freda, seething and ready to retaliate, was restrained by Theo. Puzzled, she asked him, "Don't be scared. I've got your back."

Theo's gaze remained emotionless. He showed no gratitude. To him, she was insignificant. "This is a misunderstanding," he stated flatly. "Let's end this and go our separate ways."

His expression hinted at injustice, yet he showed no desire to investigate further, projecting an image of noble self-restraint.

Elyse, shocked, couldn't believe his performance. He played the innocent victim flawlessly.

As the crowd dispersed, Elyse jabbed, "Now you're playing the sympathy card? You were clearly scheming against me. Admit it!"

Freda defended Theo, snapping, "Scheming? Get your facts straight! What about you is worth his time to scheme over?"

As Freda's agitation grew, Theo intervened, calming her. He fixed Elyse with a serious gaze. "I genuinely love you. If you don't trust me, there's nothing more I can say. You think I'm acting."

Elyse scoffed. Wasn't it the truth? Hadn't Theo again abandoned her in difficult times? She saw through his façade; he lived in a detached bubble. She wouldn't be fooled. Knowing his true character, she wanted nothing to do with him. With Jayden at her side, she turned and left.

Theo tried to follow, but Freda held him back. "Please, don't go. Elyse is with Jayden. She won't look at you. Let's leave!" she pleaded, her voice filled with pain.

Freda was deeply hurt. She had witnessed Theo's attempt to force Elyse, intending to harm her, but Elyse's quick thinking had saved her. Freda hated seeing him labeled a "harasser," but she also wouldn't falsely accuse Elyse. With the crowd gone, she didn't want Theo entangled with Elyse again. "Let go," she urged. "Elyse doesn't need you."

Theo impatiently pushed her away. "Don't think helping me once earns you brownie points. I'm not interested in you. Stop wasting your time!"

Freda felt a stinging blow, her disbelief evident. Theo gave her a disgusted look, brushing past her to chase Elyse.

Alone, Freda was bewildered. What had she done wrong? Her actions, at best, hadn't won him over; at worst, they had made him despise her. The realization hit her, and she began to laugh bitterly, a hollow sound echoing in the empty corridor. She laughed until tears streamed down her face, collapsing against the wall in despair. Her face was wet with tears.

"Why, Theo? What did I do to deserve this?" she cried, covering her face, overwhelmed with emotion.

The corridor lights flickered out one by one, leaving Freda alone and sobbing in the dark.

Theo caught up with Elyse as she hurried from the concert hall. She leaned in and kissed Jayden openly before he could speak.

Jayden's fists clenched, rage rising. "Elyse! Have you no shame?" . . .