Chapter 534:

The phone on the table rang. Jayden answered, his eyes falling on the familiar name: Tobin.

“Mr. Owen, I heard there’s a gathering at your grandfather’s tomorrow night. Rumor has it he might officially disown you.”

Jayden stared at the phone, his mind racing. He turned to Elyse, who was idly eating grapes. “Do you mind if I cut ties with the Owens?”

Elyse shrugged nonchalantly. “Not at all. Why should I?” she replied, a slight smile playing on her lips.

A weight lifted from Jayden’s shoulders. He texted Tobin, “Whatever,” and set down the phone with a sense of finality. He thought of his grandfather’s unpleasant gatherings—minefields of strained smiles and passive-aggressive jabs. Cutting ties might be the clean break he needed, a chance to leave those scheming people behind.

Elyse, oblivious to Jayden’s thoughts, finished her grapes and went to the bathroom. She then slipped into bed, already drowsy.

After finishing his work, Jayden looked at his sleeping wife. He sat beside her, watching intently with his arms crossed. He longed to cuddle her, but the single hospital bed prevented it. He considered it, then dismissed the idea. He didn't want to return to his ward, so he lay on another bed and messaged Peyton, asking for advice on placating an angry wife.

The next morning, after a good sleep, Corrie drove to the beauty salon, determined to look flawless for the evening’s gathering. By afternoon, she’d finished her treatments and called Brook on her way to the makeup room.

Brook, buried in paperwork, hesitated, but answered, anticipating the dinner.

Admiring her freshly manicured nails, Corrie lazily asked, “What time are you leaving the office? I’ve booked a makeup session for you. Be there.”

Brook, surprised, retorted, “Why would I need makeup? I’m a guy! Are you serious?”

Corrie’s temper flared. “My grandfather invited me. If you weren’t my boyfriend, you wouldn’t even be invited.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Brook snapped, his irritation rising.

Corrie retorted, “If you mess this up and embarrass me, don’t even think about attending another family gathering with my blessing!”

Brook felt unfairly attacked. “Corrie, you’re pushing it! I’m part of the Owen family. How dare you talk to me like that?”

“You’re part of the family, fine. But why do I have to hold your hand to attend dinner? Jayden used to attend these dinners; you’re not even worth one of his pinkies, so why the entitlement?” Corrie checked her watch. “I don’t care what you’re doing! Be at the makeup room in half an hour. No show, no entry. I’m going solo!”

She hung up, put on her sunglasses, and enjoyed the scenery.

“Freaking Corrie! I’m done with you!” Brook exploded, slamming his fist on the desk.

His assistant cautiously entered, finding Brook’s eyes blazing. “Is everything okay? Should I call a doctor?” she asked, concerned.

Brook loosened his tie. “I’ve finished the urgent work. The rest can wait. I’m leaving.”

The assistant nodded, gathering the papers, and Brook stormed out to the parking lot. Waiting for the elevator, he bumped into Debora. Seeing his urgency, she asked, “Aren’t you staying for the meeting? You’re expected.”

“It’s not crucial. You handle it,” Brook said, eager to avoid conversation. He entered the elevator, his expression resolute.