Chapter 47:

Observing the poised and assertive Elyse, Zandra noted a marked change. Elyse's former meekness was gone; even alone, she exuded confidence. She handled herself gracefully and adeptly addressed her primary concern as Theo's mother: ensuring her son married a woman of substance and preventing anyone from jeopardizing the marriage she'd arranged.

Elyse didn't conceal her intention to use Zandra against Kaelyn, a strategy Zandra astutely recognized. Instead of anger, Zandra admired Elyse's strategic thinking. She had become wise.

"It seems you hold quite a grudge against that woman," Zandra remarked casually, taking a sip of water.

Zandra knew about the woman from Theo and Elyse's past. However, Theo's choice of Elyse as his wife signified his preference; his feelings for Kaelyn were likely a mere reminiscence of their school days. Therefore, Zandra didn't dwell on Kaelyn. Furthermore, she wasn't entirely satisfied with Elyse at the time, so Kaelyn's disruption of their relationship wasn't unwelcome. And, true to Zandra's expectations, Kaelyn didn't disappoint; at the wedding, Theo abandoned Elyse, leading her to marry another man.

Elyse's words now resonated with Zandra. The possibility of Kaelyn disrupting Theo's marriage again loomed large, prompting a more serious demeanor. If Kaelyn still held such sway over Theo, Zandra wouldn't tolerate it.

As their conversation ended and dishes were nearly served, Zandra paused, her expression grave. "Remember, keep your distance from my son."

Without waiting for a response, she departed without a backward glance, leaving Elyse seething.

"Damn it! Why hasn't Theo's mother changed a bit? So arrogant!" Even after making her stance clear, was Elyse still apprehensive that she might lure Theo away? She had been blinded by love for three years, not her whole life.

Before returning home, she bought a mango smoothie. Driscoll, upon seeing it, asked, "Do you have a liking for mangoes?"

"Yes, I adore them. They're so lusciously sweet," Elyse replied.

Driscoll sighed. "It's a shame Mr. Owen can't indulge in mangoes. The scent makes him sneeze, so we avoid them."

Elyse was stunned. After frantically brushing her teeth multiple times, she rushed downstairs to Driscoll.

"Give me a sniff," she said urgently.

Driscoll grinned. "All clear. You brushed your teeth quite a few times, haven't you?"

"Yeah, five times," Elyse admitted. "But you're not planning to kiss him, are you? So it's all good."

Clamping her hand over her mouth, Elyse realized Driscoll was right. There wouldn't be any kissing Jayden. So why the excessive dental hygiene?

"It's like you're itching for a kiss," Jayden's amused voice came from behind.

Blushing, Elyse hastily clarified, "You've got it all wrong. I was just being cautious in case you were allergic to mangoes."

"But we always keep a respectable distance. I can't smell mangoes from miles away," Jayden teased.

Gritting her teeth, Elyse retorted, "I was just looking out for you."

Seeing her discomfort, Jayden coughed and changed the subject. "Your outfit for dinner tonight arrived. Get a shower. The glam squad is on their way."

"Why go all out for just dinner?" Elyse questioned.

"Because I'd rather not have you reflecting poorly on me, even among your irritating classmates," Jayden quipped.

"It won't happen," Elyse said, retreating to her room to prepare.

That evening, they arrived at the hotel on time. The staff guided them to their private dining room.

Elyse's classmates, dressed elegantly, had already gathered. Their transformation was remarkable.

Jayden and Elyse's entrance immediately drew attention. The intense scrutiny was a novel experience, and Elyse felt a pang of guilt.

"You better get used to this level of attention," Jayden murmured.

She couldn't let Jayden down. Standing tall, Elyse shed her inferiority complex.

"Just heard from the lobby manager that this exclusive dining room is strictly reserved for VIPs. Who's your husband, Elyse? He's got some serious clout."

"I did some digging online. This room is usually reserved for top-tier executives. Average folks can't even get a reservation. And just as I walked in, a stunning lady tried slipping me her number, thinking I was a big shot."

"She must have thought you were loaded and wanted to snag you."

The buzz of conversation was electrifying. The respect and admiration felt incredible.