Chapter 533:

Elyse glanced at Morgan's angry expression and hesitantly asked, "Do you really despise my dad?"

"I loathe him!" Morgan clenched her fist, likely dredging up old wounds, and gritted her teeth, clearly itching to tear Rickey apart. Her fury subsided, and she sighed, smiling bitterly. "Even though I can't stand him, I have to admit he has some redeeming qualities, and I'm oddly grateful to him."

Turning to Elyse, Morgan gently caressed her cheek, her voice softening. "Your dad is much stronger than I am. When I was at my lowest, he pulled me out of the darkness with his strength. Despite my hatred, I can't ignore the gratitude I feel."

Elyse gazed intently at Morgan, sensing a deeper affection for her father beneath the surface. Morgan's words expressed hatred for Rickey, but the nostalgia in her voice and her facial expressions suggested otherwise.

Elyse filed this observation away and smiled. "I think my dad must trust you a lot. That's why he always relies on you."

Morgan raised an eyebrow but didn't deny it. "Let's leave it at that for today. I'll tell you more about your parents another time."

Seeing Morgan prepare to leave, Elyse quickly grabbed her arm, her eyes pleading. "Do you have any photos of my parents together? I really want at least one picture of them."

Morgan frowned, shaking her head. She had no photos herself, but recalled a place that might. However, she wasn't certain it still existed. After a moment's thought, she said, "I'll need to look for it. If I find it, I'll give it to you."

Elyse beamed. "Thank you!"

"From now on, call me Morgan," she said warmly. "I prefer Morgan to Janet."

"Okay, Morgan!" Elyse nodded enthusiastically.

Morgan grinned at Jayden. "I'm off to keep my mom company now. Give me a call if you need anything."

Jayden rose and offered, "I'll walk you out."

Morgan's eyes flicked to Jayden's abdomen, her expression turning serious. "No need. Remember, you're hurt too. Take it easy and don't give Elyse more reasons to worry."

Jayden looked surprised, glancing at Elyse. Elyse, unprepared for Morgan's bluntness, turned away in discomfort. Having recently revealed her secret, she felt acutely uneasy.

Morgan, finding their interaction entertaining, chuckled. "Alright, I'm off. You two sort yourselves out."

Elyse's embarrassment deepened at Morgan's playful comment. Trying to blend into the background, she avoided Jayden. After a moment's silence, she assumed he'd returned to work. Stealing a glance at him, she was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug. She gasped, feeling a rush of embarrassment, as if caught red-handed. Pushing Jayden away with all her might, she exclaimed in a panic, "Don't touch me!"

Jayden nestled his head in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply, and murmured, "How long are you going to stay mad at me?"

Elyse responded with a hint of annoyance. "I'm still upset. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Not at all. I just want us to be close again." Jayden's arms tightened around her.

Elyse pinched his waist irritably. "We stay in the same ward every single day. We're quite close."

Jayden winced, releasing her reluctantly. "I want things to go back to the way they were."

Elyse stepped back, creating distance, and said disdainfully, "I'm still mad. Don't think you can just act all pitiful and say sorry and it'll all blow over."

Jayden stroked his chin, realizing the difficulty in placating her. He'd thought he was doing everything right, yet Elyse remained unforgiving. How could he win her forgiveness? He decided to seek advice from Peyton later, hoping for some helpful tricks.

Elyse pointed to the desk and ordered, "Why are you standing there? Get back to work. You're not part of the Owen family anymore, so you need to work hard to support me and the baby!"

Jayden considered mentioning that he could still support them without working, but seeing Elyse's determined stance, he swallowed his words and returned to his desk. Elyse watched him, then picked up the grapes Driscoll had prepared and started eating them nonchalantly.

Jayden, feeling her gaze, looked up. Elyse snapped, "My baby wants to eat, not me!"

Jayden replied, "I didn't even say anything!"