Chapter 422:

Startled, Elyse abruptly stood. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Theo punched Jayden, knocking him to the floor.

Jayden had initially planned to dodge and tackle Theo. However, seeing Elyse nearby, he decided against revealing his legs were unharmed. He'd received so much sympathy from Elyse previously that he chose to continue playing the victim.

Consequently, Jayden allowed Theo's fist to connect before dramatically tumbling from his wheelchair.

Witnessing Jayden's fall, Elyse screamed, dropped her flowers, and rushed to his side. "Jayden, are you okay? Please, tell me you're not hurt. Don't frighten me like this," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Theo snorted disdainfully. "How dare you, pretending to be helpless, steal a kiss from my girl? You think you're her husband, but remember, she's only with you temporarily."

Ignoring Theo's bitterness, Jayden clutched his side, feigning agony. "I might be injured," he groaned, adding with a grimace, "It really hurts."

Gathering her strength, Elyse wiped her tears, called her driver, and urged him to come immediately. After ending the call, she reassured Jayden in a trembling voice, "Don't worry. I'll get you to the hospital as soon as the driver arrives. You'll be okay."

Leaning on her shoulder, Jayden shot Theo a smug glance when Elyse wasn't looking.

Noticing this, Theo's fury intensified. "Jayden Owen, cut the act. You're perfectly fine. Stop playing the weakling."

Elyse reached her breaking point. Setting Jayden down, she stood and slapped Theo across the face.

"Theo Ward," she warned sharply, "this is the last time I'm telling you. Stay away from me, or don't blame me for being rude next time."

Theo stood breathless, pointing at Jayden in disbelief. "He's perfectly fine! He's putting on a show. And you hit me because of him? Do you have any idea how much that hurts?"

Elyse faced him squarely, her tone unwavering. "Can't you understand human language? Get out of my face. I don't want to see you again."

Theo stood dumbfounded. In that moment, he realized Elyse's feelings had completely changed. She no longer loved him; she despised him. Jayden had turned her against him.

Consumed by fury, Theo wanted to retaliate against Jayden, but he restrained himself, knowing he couldn't act in Elyse's presence.

"Mrs. Owen, I'm here," the driver announced, opening the car door. He saw Jayden on the ground, appearing weak. Alarmed, he nearly knelt.

Approaching with concern, he asked, "Mrs. Owen, is Mr. Owen alright?"

Elyse felt a wave of relief. She gestured towards Jayden's legs. "Jayden's hurt. Help me lift him. We need to get to the hospital."

The driver was baffled; he saw no injuries. Despite his confusion, he helped lift Jayden into his wheelchair. They hurried to the car and sped off, leaving Theo behind. He watched silently, his heart aching unseen, as Elyse showed concern for another man.