Chapter 542

Jayden furrowed his brow. "I was only gone a few hours. You're being too serious; there's no need to be so harsh."

Peyton was seething. He had stayed up waiting for Jayden, who never seemed to appreciate his efforts. He had spoken harshly to Jayden hoping to improve Jayden's relationship with Elyse. But now, Jayden was accusing him of being too serious and harsh.

Frustrated, Peyton blurted, "Why can't you see my point? Sometimes I just want to crack your head open and see what's inside!"

Jayden responded firmly, "I had my reasons for meeting Corrie Bates. Don't worry, nothing's going on. I don't even like her."

Peyton rolled his eyes. "Whether you like her or not isn't the issue. It's about you and Elyse."

He wanted to explain further, but Jayden's stern look stopped him. It hit him then—he could never change Jayden's mind. Jayden had always despised Enzo's way of thinking, yet he had been raised by him. As a result, his own thoughts and actions resembled Enzo's.

Struck by this realization, Peyton was at a loss for words. Jayden had adhered to this mindset for nearly thirty years. Peyton doubted a few words would alter his perspective. Perhaps Jayden didn't recognize his errors but felt he was addressing something critical. Peyton understood the root of the issue and pondered how best to explain it to Jayden.

He paused, collecting his thoughts, then suggested, "Tomorrow, when Elyse wakes up, tell her everything that happened after you met Corrie Bates."

Jayden's brow furrowed in confusion. "Do I really have to?"

"It's essential," Peyton insisted, his voice firm. "If you don't, you might lose her forever." His voice grew louder, emphasizing his point.

Despite his doubts, Jayden reluctantly nodded, though unconvinced.

Relieved but exhausted, Peyton wiped the sweat from his brow. In his eyes, Jayden was undeniably a clueless fool.

The following morning, as Elyse stirred against her pillow, Jayden, hearing her, sat up in the other bed. Catching a glimpse of him, Elyse wasn't sure when he'd returned. Deciding not to pry, she resolved to stay out of his affairs.

Jayden hadn't yet grasped the severity of the situation. Once clearheaded, he remembered Peyton's warning and paused to think. He then recounted the events of the previous night after meeting Corrie.

As he finished, he looked at Elyse uncertainly and asked, "Were you upset, Elyse?"

With a gentle smile, Elyse responded, "Upset? Not at all, Jayden."

Jayden noticed her radiant smile and felt something was amiss, but dismissed the thought that she could be angry, given her bright smile. In the past, an angry Elyse would have given him the cold shoulder, but now she engaged in conversation and smiled warmly. It didn't seem like she was upset at all.

He mused that Elyse had grown more mature since her pregnancy.

Unaware of Jayden's thoughts, Elyse closed her eyes to rest, her mind heavy with doubts about their marriage. She felt their relationship had stalled—neither exceptionally good nor particularly bad. She reassured herself that their marriage was far better than many, deciding to be content and not let external factors affect her or her unborn child.

Later, when they rose, Driscoll arrived punctually with breakfast. He immediately sensed Elyse's somber mood. As Elyse ate, he escorted Jayden out of the ward and whispered, "Sir, have you upset your wife?"

Jayden's face tightened. "No, I didn't."

Driscoll remained skeptical. Though he considered Jayden a good man, he couldn't overlook his slowness in matters of the heart.

Driscoll countered, "Impossible. She seemed quite upset. What happened between you two after I left last night?"

His probing seemed to strike a nerve. Jayden fixed a stern gaze on Driscoll and snapped, "I told you, nothing happened. Don't you trust me?"

Realizing he'd pushed too far, Driscoll bowed his head, prepared to face any reprimand.

Yet, Jayden did nothing. Masking his concern with indifference, he turned and walked away. Still, he couldn't shake the nagging thought—was Elyse really angry? Had he inadvertently upset her again?

Meanwhile, in her hospital ward, Elyse was eating when her phone rang. It was Mabel. Elyse answered, and Mabel's haughty tone filled the air.

"Elyse Lloyd, I'm offering you a chance. Find my father a defense attorney, and I'll overlook everything you've done in the past." ... ... ...