Chapter 550:

Jayden shrugged casually. "I've been feigning weakness for a year, and the culprit hasn't reappeared," he said.

Brook nodded. "So, you're dropping the act? Is the culprit returning after a year?"

"Sort of," Jayden replied nonchalantly.

"Any idea who's behind it?" Brook asked, taking a sip of his tea.

Jayden fell silent, taking a sip of water. Elyse glanced at him. She knew why he'd pretended to be disabled, but not why anyone would target him. His silence kept her from asking.

"Someone familiar?" Brook ventured. "A rival, perhaps?"

Jayden's brows furrowed. "Why the sudden interest? Remember, you're still tied to the Owens, unlike me."

Brook nodded. "True, you've severed ties, but the message I received was not to cooperate with you, not to cut off all ties."

Jayden sneered. "Knowing won't help you."

Brook considered this. Could it be what he suspected?

"It was Grandpa Enzo," Jayden stated flatly, meeting Brook's gaze. "He worked secretly, and knew me better than anyone. I spent a year trying to figure it out. Only recently, after another attack, did I connect the clues."

A tense silence followed. "Don't speak so recklessly," Brook whispered. "Do you even know what you're talking about?"

Elyse glanced at Jayden, who remained silent. "It's true," she said softly. "We were attacked by him a few days ago. I almost miscarried, and Jayden was injured."

Brook scrutinized Jayden, hesitating before asking, "Are you certain it's him?"

Jayden remained silent. Those who wanted to believe him would, without needing further persuasion.

Observing Jayden's silence, Elyse said, "It's strange you're showing concern for Jayden. Before, you'd gloat, but today, you're calmer."

Brook glanced at Elyse. "Because I have my own problems to solve."

"Is it Corrie?" Jayden asked abruptly.

Brook nodded, surprised. "How did you know?"

"She sold my secret to Grandpa. How could I not know?" Jayden's tone was bitter.

This revelation struck a nerve with Brook, who launched into a tirade about Corrie's arrogance. Jayden hadn't expected this outburst. Even as the meal arrived, Brook continued.

Jayden and Elyse exchanged a glance, remaining silent and eating while listening to Brook's grievances.

Finally, Brook confided, "I'm tempted to rebel."

Elyse felt a chill. For someone who'd always kowtowed to Enzo, this rebellious spirit was shocking.

Jayden was equally surprised. Ignoring their shock, Brook continued, "Forced into marriage with someone like Corrie, I'd rather cut all ties with the Owens."

Elyse was incredulous. "You're seriously considering cutting ties with the Owens because of this?"

Brook composed himself. "Don't jump to conclusions. I'm contemplating it. I wouldn't jeopardize my future."

"That's a relief. I was worried you were impulsively following Jayden's lead," Elyse said, her words laced with concern and skepticism. The thought of them both cutting ties was worrying.

Brook seemed about to speak, but paused. Raising his glass, he said, "Let's focus on the present. A toast to Jayden's newfound freedom. Thank God you're no longer in my way."

Jayden chuckled softly, pouring himself wine. "You really think I'd sit around patiently waiting?"