Chapter 538:

Corrie's words stung Brook's pride. He glared at her sharply. "So, you've won Grandpa's favor, huh? Planning to cut ties with me?"

Corrie, bold and unashamed, retorted, "Exactly. You've become a burden. You offer me nothing; you don't fulfill me. Why should I marry you?"

"Fine!" Brook muttered angrily. Rage almost propelled him to strike her, but he stopped mid-motion.

Corrie stood firm, empowered by Enzo's favor. She knew that if Brook touched her, she could easily turn Enzo against him. She provocatively tilted her head, daring him to act.

Taken aback by her audacity, Brook burst out laughing. Lowering his hand, he conceded, "Clearly, I'm no match for you now. Well, I hope you get what you want."

Smug with victory, Corrie watched Brook retreat, his defeat evident in his shrinking figure. She reveled in her dominance, the thrill of power coursing through her.

Later that evening, as dinner concluded, Corrie headed to the parking lot. She realized she'd arrived in Brook's car, not her own. Internally, she berated Brook for his ineptitude. His early departure from the crucial social event left her regretting her reliance on him for transportation.

Wrapped in her coat, Corrie shivered in the cold. She debated between asking the butler for a car or staying the night. Then, Peyton's words echoed in her mind, stirring her curiosity about Jayden's guilt regarding Louis.

Determined to discover the truth, she dismissed the idea of seeking the butler's help, slipped off her shoes, and quietly walked for miles in the darkness before calling Jayden.

At the hospital, Elyse was battling severe morning sickness. At midnight, she awoke, rushing to the toilet and retching violently.

The commotion woke Jayden, who rushed to her side, squatting and gently patting her back, offering comfort. Elyse continued to heave, but soon, nothing came out. Her face paled from the exertion.

Watching her struggle, Jayden commented, "This little one is putting you through a lot already. Seems like we're in for a handful."

Elyse shot him a sharp look. "The baby hasn't even been born, and you're already speaking ill of it?"

Her stern gaze silenced him. After a few moments, her nausea subsided. Jayden helped her back to bed, his concern apparent.

"I'll get Driscoll to bring you more fruit," Jayden suggested kindly. "It might help ease your morning sickness."

Elyse nodded and took a sip of water. Suddenly, Jayden's phone rang. Without checking the caller ID, he answered. He stood facing Elyse, allowing her to hear the call clearly.

Corrie's voice, thick with sobs, broke through. "Jayden, Brook left me stranded. Can you come get me? It's dark, and there are only trees. I'm terrified."

Elyse's eyes widened. She quickly glanced at Jayden.

Jayden furrowed his brow. "Brook left you, and you're calling me? Why not call him back?"

Corrie's voice trembled. "He won't answer. I'm terrified a wild animal might appear. Please, can you help me? I know it's a lot to ask, but you're the only friend I can turn to."

Jayden replied impatiently, "Why not call your driver? Am I your personal driver now?"

A brief silence followed. Corrie responded desperately, "I thought you were still upset with me for breaking things off. I regret leaving you, but I had no choice. Remember Louis? You promised him you'd look out for me. Are you really going to break that promise and leave me here alone? I'm so cold, I could die. If I do, Louis will be hurt that his best friend broke his word." ...