Chapter 497:

Elyse's mood soured the moment her eyes landed on Corrie. Something felt wrong, however. News of Jayden's accident couldn't have traveled so quickly. Peyton, who arrived shortly after the incident, had surely kept it confidential. Yet Corrie, out of contact with everyone, seemed to know about Jayden's condition. Furthermore, she appeared a mere ten minutes after Jayden was wheeled out of surgery. Elyse's suspicion of Corrie grew.

As Corrie approached Jayden's bedside, Elyse intercepted her. Corrie, blinking in surprise, looked annoyed. "What's this about? Jayden and I go way back. Why can't I check on him?"

Elyse, pale but resolute, said firmly, "You're not welcome here. Please leave."

Corrie attempted a smile. "I'm not just Jayden's former flame, but also his cousin's future wife. Why are you blocking me? We're practically family."

Elyse scoffed. "You're not married to Brook yet. How can you claim to be family? Even if you were, you'd need my permission."

Corrie's smile remained strained. "No need to be so cold. You're starting to act like Jayden. Did he rub off on you?"

Elyse replied icily, "I've always been this way. Leave, or I'll be unpleasant."

"Fine, I'll leave!" Corrie stormed off, angered. But at the ward's door, she paused and turned. With an odd smirk, she said, "Elyse, I just saw you at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. Are you pregnant?"

Elyse's expression darkened. "My personal affairs are none of your concern."

Corrie gazed at Elyse's abdomen, her smile lingering. "Fine. I won't pry. But I wish you all the best. May you have a safe delivery."

A flash of malice in Corrie's eyes was quickly masked as she bowed her head and hurried out.

Once Corrie left, Elyse sighed in relief and sank into a chair. Corrie's entrance had sent a wave of dread and goosebumps across her skin.

Later, after finishing his work, Theo took a coffee break. Checking his phone, he saw headlines about Elyse winning a competition. Curious, he searched her name and found numerous articles. He clicked on one and smiled at the news of her first-place win.

Further scrolling revealed foul play orchestrated by Freda. Remembering his own unpleasant encounter with Freda, Theo realized her grudge extended to Elyse. Poor Elyse; she was caught completely innocently in the crossfire.