Chapter 517:

Lanny's scowl deepened. "What are you going to do?" he snapped. "This isn't a game, Mabel. Stay out of it!"

Mabel's retort was laced with venom. "Coward! You only care about leeching off Jayden. A little comfort is worth more to you than my mother's life! I don't give a damn about his money; I'm going to save my mother!"

Her bloodshot eyes blazed. After a withering glare at Lanny, she bolted from the room.

Lanny jolted upright, unease prickling his skin. He was on his feet in a flash, chasing after her.

Noon found Driscoll pushing open the ward door, laden with lunch for Jayden and Elyse. The oppressive atmosphere hit him like a physical blow.

A quick glance at Elyse revealed nothing amiss. Composed as ever, she seemed untouched. Jayden, however, was a different story. He sat hunched over a desk, supposedly working, but his eyes betrayed him—glazed and unfocused.

Driscoll cleared his throat pointedly. Jayden flinched, yanked back to reality, and managed a tired, "I'm here."

Driscoll nodded curtly. "Lunchtime. The chef poured his heart into this to ensure a smooth recovery for you two. Don't insult his efforts with a lack of appetite."

The thinly veiled jab hung in the air. Jayden refused to meet Driscoll's gaze. Driscoll set up Elyse's lunch first, then Jayden's.

Unlike Jayden, Elyse had come to terms with the situation. She knew she had to eat well for the sake of her baby. But Jayden felt like a puppet on Elyse's strings. His emotions, once his own, now danced to her every whim. Even the slightest shift in her mood sent him spiraling. The food, once appealing, now seemed like a chore. Under Driscoll's watchful eye, Jayden forced down bites, his gaze drawn irresistibly to Elyse.

Elyse, in stark contrast, devoured her meal with gusto, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Jayden couldn't help but wonder if her lunch tasted better.

"Excuse me, I'm here to see Elyse," Morgan's voice broke the silence. She stood at the doorway, clutching a vibrant bouquet and cautiously peeking inside.

Elyse's eyes widened in surprise. "Morgan! What a lovely surprise! Come in!"

Morgan entered, juggling her gifts, as Driscoll stepped forward to offer assistance. As she reached Elyse, a smile bloomed on her face. "I heard about the whole Tracy fiasco. Filming kept me away, but I contacted her yesterday. She mentioned you're pregnant and on bed rest."

A sudden realization dawned on Elyse. She gestured to an empty chair. "Please, sit."

As Morgan settled in, Driscoll offered her a glass of water. "Have you had lunch, Miss? If not, I can prepare something for you."

Morgan waved him off dismissively. "I'm all set, thanks for thinking of me."

Driscoll bowed slightly and retreated to Jayden's side. Morgan's gaze then landed on the mountain of paperwork cluttering Jayden's desk. "Wow, your husband is a real workaholic! All that effort, just for you and your baby, right?"

Elyse shot Jayden a sidelong glance, her voice laced with annoyance. "He'd be working hard regardless."

Morgan's eyes flickered between the seemingly unconcerned Elyse and the brooding Jayden. "Fighting, are we?" she inquired thoughtfully.

Jayden finally lifted his head, his gaze settling on the indifferent Elyse. "How can I fight with her?" he countered, his voice dripping with melodrama. "She's giving me the silent treatment."

Elyse bristled. "Are you serious? Making things up again?"

...