Chapter 481

Jayden remained silent, opening the bottle and taking a long swig. Peyton and Clive exchanged dismayed glances. His demeanor clearly indicated a problem between him and Elyse.

Clive also poured himself a whiskey, deliberately dropping two ice cubes into his glass. "What happened between you and Elyse?" he asked calmly.

Relishing Jayden's distress, Peyton interjected, "Looks like Elyse kicked Jayden out. Otherwise, why would he be here drowning his sorrows?"

"She refused to come home," Jayden said, finishing the bottle. His demeanor, surprisingly, remained collected.

Clive was taken aback by Jayden's composure. "Where is she now? Are you letting her stay elsewhere?"

"She's with Tracy at Shaun Kennedy's," Jayden revealed, opening another bottle and pouring a glass. "She says I don't understand her. But haven't I provided for her needs and desires? Haven't I understood her well enough?"

Seeing Jayden's emotional turmoil, Clive was surprised. It was the first time he'd witnessed such vulnerability. The usually composed Jayden was openly expressing his frustration.

Clive asked gently, "Could Elyse's grievances be emotional rather than material?"

Peyton scoffed. "Haha, emotions? Jayden doesn't understand emotions! This man has no feelings." He turned to Jayden. "You're wondering why Elyse is upset? Why did you keep the true state of your legs a secret from her?"

Peyton had Jayden cornered. After a moment, Jayden confessed, "It didn't feel right to burden her with it. It's too risky for her."

Shaking his head, Peyton countered, "It's not about safety; it's about trust. You don't trust Elyse. You doubt she truly loves you. You've never truly trusted her, considered her family or a friend."

"Stop talking nonsense," Jayden retorted, his brow furrowed.

Peyton's words were sharp. "I speak the truth. Every servant in your house knows your secret except Elyse. Why?"

Jayden fell silent.

Leaning against his wheelchair, Peyton opened a can of cola and took a drink. "Elyse has asked about you repeatedly, yet you've kept her in the dark. It's a lack of trust."

Jayden deliberated before speaking slowly. "It's not mistrust, but…" His thoughts trailed off. He couldn't articulate his feelings, yet his affection for Elyse was undeniable. He wanted to fulfill her every desire.

Observing Jayden's anguish, Clive had a revelation. "Jayden, do you truly understand love? Is it just about material desires, or is there something deeper?"

Peyton, impressed, patted Clive on the shoulder. "You're right on the mark."

A shadow crossed Jayden's face. "I give her everything she wants. How dare you say I don't love her?"

Peyton countered swiftly, "But what about her soul, her thoughts, her emotions?" ... ... ...