Chapter 548:

Elyse's frustration boiled over. While still angry at Jayden for his lack of trust, Andrew and Tess's callous treatment of him ignited a fiercer fury.

"Jayden pretended to be disabled for a year, and all you think is he was shirking family responsibilities?" she demanded. "Have you ever cared about him as his parents?"

Tess loathed Elyse, deeming her unworthy as a daughter-in-law due to her modest background. She had initially favored Corrie, but Corrie's relationship with Brook had dashed those hopes, leaving Tess resentful and irritated.

"We're having a conversation with our son," Tess spat. "What right does an outsider like you have to interfere?" In a fit of contempt, she grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at Elyse.

Jayden reacted instantly, shielding Elyse as the cup shattered harmlessly on the floor. He glared at his panting mother. "You have a penchant for throwing things, don't you?" he sneered. "Well, throw whatever you like. We're not staying."

As they started to leave, Tess's sharp voice cut through the air. "Who said you could leave? Jayden, come back here this instant, or forget about ever calling me your mother again!"

Tess was certain Jayden wouldn't dare defy her. She believed no one would willingly abandon their parents, not even the seemingly indifferent Jayden. Smugly, she waited for his return.

But Tess and Andrew underestimated Jayden. He no longer craved their affection.

"There's no need," Jayden said calmly. "By cutting ties with the Owen clan, I'm cutting ties with you. I'd rather be an orphan."

His words stunned Andrew and Tess. He took Elyse's hand and left.

In a rage, Andrew slapped Jayden across the face. Jayden could have easily dodged the blow, but he didn't.

Elyse gasped, quickly checking his face. Seeing Jayden's reddened cheek only fueled her anger.

"How could you hit him?" she cried, her voice trembling. "He's still recovering from his injuries! Why would you do such a thing?"

Seeing Andrew approach Elyse, Jayden pulled her into his arms. "You can take your anger out on me," he warned, his tone icy, "but lay a hand on my wife, and you'll regret it. She's carrying my child. Touch her, and you'll answer to me."

Andrew recoiled, shocked and hostile. "She's pregnant? You'd allow someone like her, who lacks any semblance of refinement, to bear your child?"

Jayden's expression hardened. "She's the only one I want."

With a venomous glare at Elyse's belly, Andrew stormed off. Jayden led Elyse away.

Elyse trailed behind, her thoughts jumbled, her heart softening at the sight of the handprint on his face.

In the elevator, Elyse voiced her concern. "Will cutting ties with the Owens have a big impact? Your parents seemed furious."

Jayden scoffed, bitterness lacing his tone. "Of course they're furious. Every Owen cares only about their own interests. Disassociating from them threatens their status and wealth. Naturally, they're rattled."

Elyse nodded, unsure what to say.

"But if they think I'll give in, apologize, and return, they're sorely mistaken," he added.

"Why?" Elyse asked, puzzled.

A cryptic smile touched Jayden's lips. "Because by now, the entire Owen clan knows I'm no longer one of them. A traitor like me isn't welcome back."

Elyse struggled to understand. Was all this simply because Jayden refused to follow Enzo's wishes and had his own ideas? Enzo was truly unreasonable.

Jayden was right. News of his estrangement spread like wildfire. Even Owen Group employees refused to cooperate with him.

Debora was stunned by the news. She rushed to Brook's office, finding him calmly working. "Haven't you heard?" she exclaimed. "Jayden's been kicked out of the clan!"

... (The story continues)