Chapter 474:

Elyse drifted off to sleep, her heart heavy after her conversation with Driscoll. In the dead of night, the bedroom door creaked open. Jayden, a silent silhouette in black pajamas, padded barefoot to her bedside. Moonlight bathed Elyse's face in a soft glow as he stood vigil, a lonely guardian in the darkness. He reached out, tracing the faint marks on her neck, a silent question hanging in the air.

"Did I scare you?"

His voice was a mere whisper, unanswered by the sleeping Elyse. With a sigh, Jayden slipped beneath the covers, careful not to disturb her. A distance separated them now; it wasn't the comforting closeness of nights past, but at least she was there. He closed his eyes, the weight of unspoken emotions settling upon him as sleep finally claimed him.

Across town, at the Royal Hotel, a different scene unfolded. Brook and Jennie were entwined on the plush bed, their movements fueled by raw passion. Jennie's moans filled the air, a siren song that sent Brook's blood surging. He was determined to leave this enchanting woman breathless. Her moans grew more urgent, urging him on.

Suddenly, the door splintered open with a crash, shattering the mood. Startled, Brook stumbled back, Jennie clinging to him in a flurry of shock. He tossed a blanket over them, his anger flaring at the interruption.

"Well, well, well," Corrie drawled, a smirk playing on her lips. "Seems I've interrupted something delightful."

Brook's eyes narrowed. "Corrie, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Sensing an opportunity, Jennie purred, "Hey there, shouldn't you knock before barging in? Brook and I were rather busy." She leaned in, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Corrie rolled her eyes, her amusement barely contained. "Spare me the theatrics, Jennie. I may not be a lady, but I'm certainly not a fool."

Her gaze shifted to Brook; her voice was laced with steel. "Get dressed. We're leaving. Now."

"Why should he? He promised to spend the night," Jennie bristled.

Brook's jaw clenched. "Corrie, can't you be sensible? Why upset Jennie?" He threw her a pointed look. "And for your information, I'm not your husband yet."

Corrie crossed her arms, looking at him coldly, clearly unimpressed.

Brook, seeing her stubbornness, angrily threatened, "Are you out of your mind? Do my words mean nothing to you? Does the Bates family not want assistance from the Owen family anymore?"

Unfazed, Corrie crossed her arms. "Threats, Brook? How very becoming."

"Old tactics can be effective," he countered, his jaw clenched. "Apologize to Jennie, or my family's support for yours dries up."

Corrie's smile was devoid of warmth. "Fine. Cut it off. My family doesn't need your charity anymore."

Brook's face contorted in disbelief. "What do you mean?"

A sly smile spread across Corrie's face. "Let's just say my family has secured direct access to Owen resources. No middleman necessary."

Her smile widened into a malicious grin. "You no longer have leverage, Brook."

A harsh laugh escaped her lips before she turned her icy gaze on Jennie. "Now, let's deal with this arrogant slut."

Before Corrie could unleash her fury, Brook instinctively stepped in, shielding Jennie and taking the brunt of her attack. He took numerous slaps for Jennie.

The next morning, Brook, nursing bruised cheeks and a throbbing head, called in sick. Elyse woke to an empty bed. A flicker of emotion crossed her face before it was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. He didn't want to share a bed? Fine. They wouldn't share one again.