Chapter 476

"You're back early. Allow me to prepare your afternoon tea," Driscoll said, deliberately avoiding Elyse's question and retreating toward the kitchen.

"The maid's already preparing food," Elyse replied calmly. "You don't need to worry."

Driscoll stopped, flashed an awkward smile, and asked stiffly, "Then how may I help? You seem troubled."

Elyse cut to the chase. "I heard angry noises from the study. What happened?"

Driscoll averted his gaze, remaining silent for a long time. Finally, he murmured, "I shouldn't discuss this with you. Speak to Mr. Owen."

He quickly excused himself, fearing further questioning.

Unable to get information from Driscoll, Elyse looked pensively toward the study. Should she ask Jayden directly? They'd recently quarreled. Would he talk?

After hesitating, she decided to confront him. Despite their fight, they were still married. She couldn't bear the thought of something bad happening to him without knowing.

She knocked on the study door. "Come in," a deep voice called.

Jayden looked up from his computer, surprised for a moment before resuming his usual indifferent expression.

Approaching his desk, Elyse said, "Something's wrong. We're a couple, Jayden. I want to share your burdens."

Jayden frowned. "Did Driscoll say something?"

"No, but something's wrong," Elyse said, frustrated. "Jayden, I'm your wife. Trust me. Tell me what's bothering you. We'll face it together."

She hoped he'd confide in her, willing to forgive him for past actions. She clenched her fists, feeling nervous and expectant.

However, Jayden's reaction was contrary to her hopes. Annoyance flickered in his eyes as he snapped, "Why so much time on your hands? Stop prying! You're competing tomorrow. Focus on that!"

Elyse felt a chill. Jayden's scowl deepened. "Elyse, you've been annoying lately. And don't forget about Pearce; I haven't dealt with that yet. Mind your own business!"

Elyse's face drained of color. "Wh-what did you mean?" she stammered.

Jayden began to respond, but an email notification interrupted him. It was from Enzo's old butler, the third such email demanding Jayden return to the Owen Group and merge with Bayzee Group. Jayden had ignored the previous two, but this one contained a threat. The butler threatened to destroy what Jayden held most dear, a vague threat that unnerved him. He feared not for himself, but for those around him.

Seeing Jayden distracted, Elyse asked softly, "Jayden, have you forgotten I'm your wife? What do you think of me? Was our love fake?"

Jayden, already angered by the email, snapped impatiently, "I used to think you were my wife. I'll let you know if that changes."

Elyse fell silent, feeling a deep wound. She wanted to ask if he still loved her, but feared the answer.