Chapter 553: Novel Drama
Elyse's eyes glistened, but her voice rang out with unwavering determination. "I will take matters into my own hands and avenge my parents' tragic deaths!"
Jayden, his heart heavy with concern, gently ushered her to her room, allowing her to rest while he saw Morgan off. Clutching the treasured photograph of her parents—the sole tangible remnant of their memory—Elyse slipped it under her pillow before closing her eyes.
The past few days had taken a toll on Morgan, despite uncovering crucial evidence. Her weary eyes drooped, and her usual vibrancy had faded. A car waited for her in the driveway.
Turning to Jayden, Morgan expressed her heartfelt gratitude. "I am in your debt, Jayden. My investigation revealed that you provided Elyse a safe haven during her darkest hour, granting her dignity. I truly appreciate it."
Jayden, caught off guard, replied, "It is I who should be grateful to Elyse for entrusting me with her care. It was as if destiny brought us together."
A weary smile touched Morgan's lips as she reflected, "Indeed, fate played a hand. Today, Elyse brought me peace, reminding me that over two decades ago, I was powerless against the merciless Lanny. The heavens paused my journey, allowing me to confront him when I had grown stronger."
She paused, a soft sniffle escaping her. "Recovering my memories plunged me into a tempestuous sea of guilt, regret, and self-reproach. Why did my recollections resurface now? It wasn't until Elyse spoke that I could finally find solace and forgive myself."
Jayden remained silent, keenly aware of Morgan's burden. Comforting others wasn't his strength, yet Elyse had offered Morgan a fresh perspective, untangling her emotions.
After a long silence, Jayden said, "Elyse is a truly remarkable woman."
Morgan nodded, her gesture conveying gratitude. "I couldn't agree more." She placed a reassuring hand on Jayden's shoulder and entered the waiting car.
After seeing Morgan off, Jayden returned to the bedroom to find Elyse asleep. He approached cautiously, noting the tear tracks on her face. Gently, he wiped away the remnants of her sorrow.
Meanwhile, Freda, who had isolated herself in her room for days, finally appeared. She had been silently protesting—on a hunger strike—because her father had forced her to apologize to Gavin. She believed her father misunderstood her; she had sacrificed everything for her love. He had severed almost all pending collaborations with the Ward family, leaving only a few that couldn't be canceled.
Freda realized her relationship with Theo had ended. He had blocked her on every platform and sworn to sever all ties. This realization struck her like a bolt from the blue, casting her future into despair. But after days of agonizing, a plan formed.
When Freda descended the stairs, Karl glared at her with barely concealed displeasure. "I thought you were on a hunger strike. Planning to starve yourself to death?"
Freda's face was thinner, making her look fragile, yet her eyes held a defiant spark. "I've had enough time to think," Freda said, standing tall. "I'm done pursuing Theo."
Karl's heart leaped with joy, but he remained impassive. "And what else?"
Freda continued, "I'll apologize to Gavin. My selfishness nearly ruined the competition and tarnished our family's reputation."
Her mother's eyes shimmered with emotion as she wiped away tears. "Oh, sweetie, you've finally come around."
Karl nodded. "That's more like it. Was that man worth all this heartache? You're my daughter, a catch. Men should be lining up! Theo didn't deserve you, toying with your affections like that. The nerve!"
Karl's wife nudged him disapprovingly. Turning to Freda, she said with concern, "Honey, you must be starving! I'll have the cook prepare something delicious. You've lost so much weight."
Freda didn't refuse and sat at the dining table, waiting patiently. She knew Gavin would be visiting the next day to discuss the music competition with Karl. If all went as planned, Karl would arrange for her apology then.
A flicker of resentment crossed Freda's eyes. What was so special about this music competition? In her view, it was amateur musicians scrambling for the spotlight. Why should she apologize?