Chapter 447:

Jayden returned to the bedroom from his study at midnight, intending only to sleep. Elyse was already asleep. However, he immediately detected the distinct scent of blood.

He rose, dressed, and went to the living room, where Driscoll, the maids, and bodyguards stood silently, watching him.

Driscoll reported, "Sir, the security system has been disabled, and the power is out. I believe the assailants breached the gate. Please remain vigilant."

Seeing the maids clutching knives, Jayden ordered, "Go upstairs and protect Elyse. She must not be harmed."

They nodded and hurried upstairs.

At the window, Jayden saw numerous dark figures in the garden. Were these his would-be assassins?

Driscoll whispered, "Sir, we still don't know who sent them."

Jayden replied indifferently, "We won't know until we catch them." But a common thread linked tonight's attack and the previous two accidents—they all involved people acquainted with him. The mastermind knew his schedule, orchestrating the car accidents. This time, they disabled the security system and cut the power. Only someone intimately familiar with him could have done all this. Jayden had some suspicions, but no certainty.

Driscoll worried, "Sir, they attacked forcefully. I fear they intended to kill you."

"The more they try, the better. It will help me identify them," Jayden responded.

Driscoll nodded. Jayden's eyes were icy. "We will eliminate them tonight. But leave some alive for questioning," he declared with cold determination.

Driscoll and the men behind him nodded.

The next morning, Elyse awoke to a strong scent. She sneezed, then cautiously rose. Glancing out the window, she gasped and opened it—the garden was empty.

Maids and gardeners were working in the garden, apparently preparing to plant new greenery. Confused, Elyse hurried downstairs, still in her nightclothes. Driscoll was instructing maids to lay new rugs and arrange fresh flowers.

"What happened last night?" Elyse asked, bewildered.

Driscoll grinned. "Mr. Owen decided he wanted everything in the house replaced."

"Where is he?" Elyse exclaimed.

"He left for the company a short time ago," Driscoll replied smoothly.

Elyse frowned. She was unaware of Jayden's troubles but powerless to stop him from altering his home. "But why such an overpowering perfume?" she asked, covering her nose. "What is that smell? Did you use a perfume? It's incredibly strong."

Driscoll appeared startled. "You can smell it?"

"Didn't you use perfume?" Elyse asked, nodding slightly.

They had, but sparingly. How could she smell it? Fearing exposure of the previous night's events, Driscoll nodded. "I suppose a servant misjudged the amount."

…