Chapter 478:

Jayden could no longer tolerate the situation. He gestured sharply, signaling his bodyguards, who immediately prepared to force the door open. Their actions were aggressive and decisive.

Shaun's smile widened, his eyes flashing a warning. "Are you planning to storm into my home like that?" he asked through clenched teeth.

"I simply wish to bring my wife home," Jayden retorted irritably. "You're in my way."

Shaun tightened his fists. "So, you're ignoring my warnings and attempting a forceful entry? Do you think I'm accommodating?" Jayden sneered in reply.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Shaun abruptly changed his demeanor. He stepped aside, gesturing for Jayden to enter. Suspicious, Jayden sharply demanded, "What are you scheming?"

"No schemes," Shaun responded disdainfully. "Consider this an invitation." His polite words belied the suspicion in his voice.

He looked at Jayden with a mixture of disdain and pity. "If Elyse chooses not to see you, it's out of my hands."

Jayden bit back curses, managing to remain silent. Shaun, noticing Jayden's frustration, felt a surge of satisfaction. "Mr. Owen, you've upset your wife, and you seem oblivious to certain facts."

"What are you referring to?" Jayden asked, his brow furrowed.

Shaun realized Elyse had kept her pregnancy from Jayden for days. The couple, it seemed, weren't as content and affectionate as he'd observed. This realization somewhat lessened Shaun's animosity toward Jayden, replaced by pity. Why harbor resentment toward a man unaware of his wife's pregnancy? Pity, he concluded, was the appropriate response.

He gestured invitingly again. "Please, come in. My invitation is genuine."

Still wary, Jayden scrutinized Shaun, puzzled by the change in attitude but eager to find Elyse. He entered Shaun's villa and went to the living room, but Elyse was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Tracy stood there in a purple silk dress, expressionless, her hands hanging loosely at her sides.

He glanced at her, then, not seeing Elyse, turned to Tracy and demanded, "Where is Elyse? Have her come out. I'll take her home."

"Elyse doesn't want to go home with you. You should leave," Tracy replied softly.

Jayden frowned. "Is she still angry? Tell her I know I was wrong. Ask her to come out and go home with me."

Tracy looked at him calmly. "I don't think you understand what you did wrong. Please leave. I won't call Elyse for you."

Impatiently, Jayden retorted, "Elyse is my wife. What do you mean by stopping me? Don't you want us to reconcile?"

Shaun stepped beside Tracy, protective and stern. "Since when have we become barriers in your relationship? Did we upset Elyse? Mr. Owen, be reasonable."

Rubbing his forehead, Jayden snapped, "Shaun, if you don't bring Elyse to me, I will take matters into my own hands."

"Enough!" Elyse shouted from the second-floor landing.

All eyes turned upward. She stood by the stair railing, her eyes red and swollen, her hair disheveled, tears still visible on her cheeks. Seeing her distress, Tracy immediately expressed concern.

"Elyse, are you okay? Go back to your room, and we can handle this."

Elyse shook her head at Tracy, then fixed her gaze on Jayden, who remained silent. She thought of the past days, wondering how things had reached this point. Tears flowed anew as she spoke in a trembling voice.

"Go back. I'm staying here today. I won't go home."

Jayden responded firmly, "No, you are my wife. You have to come home with me."

A bitter smile touched Elyse's lips. "Do you see me as your wife, or a tool for your use? Jayden, I'm not a puppet under your command. I have my own thoughts. If you truly regarded me as your wife, how could you disregard my feelings?"

Jayden was perplexed. "When did I treat you like a puppet? I love you so much. Can't you see that?" ... ... ...