Chapter 557:

Jayden's gaze settled on Lanny; his expression was impassive, his silence a veil masking his thoughts. Lanny struggled to maintain a smile. Despite Jayden's silence, his presence exuded authority, sending shivers down Lanny's spine. He wouldn't have been surprised if Jayden, being the unpredictable man he was, had threatened his life.

"Leave," Jayden commanded with a dismissive wave. The bodyguards surrounding Glenda withdrew.

Caught in a daze of confusion, Glenda remained rooted in place. Was this her freedom? Lanny echoed her astonishment, his voice trembling. "Are you... letting us go?"

Jayden's eyebrow lifted slightly. "Unless you prefer to stay."

"Of course not! Thank you for your mercy!" Lanny exclaimed, grasping Glenda's hand. Together, they hurried away.

As they stepped into the yard, a cold wind swept through, causing Glenda, thinly clad, to shiver involuntarily. The sound of a lighter pierced the quiet, its small noise amplified by the stillness. Glenda's attention was drawn to a tiny red spark flickering in the air. Someone was smoking in the yard, their face hidden by swirling smoke.

A gust of wind briefly dispersed the smoke, and Glenda's eyes narrowed. She recognized the face.

Morgan, sensing Glenda's presence, lazily exhaled a cloud of smoke, her lips curling into a smirk. "Well, well, well, Glenda," she drawled, her voice tinged with taunting amusement. "Fancy seeing you again."

"It's... it's you! You're back!" Glenda exclaimed, her voice trembling with shock. She pointed a finger at Morgan. Her emotions were overwhelming.

Lanny's eyes burned with hatred. He vowed to deal with Morgan sooner or later.

Morgan's mood seemed to brighten. "Disappointed to see me, Glenda? Haven't you been longing for my return? Well, your wish has come true. I'm here to grant it."

Glenda's voice rose in anger. "You're like a bad penny! Why couldn't you have just died out there? Why come back now?"

Lanny interrupted sharply. "Don't waste your breath on her. Let's go!" He gripped Glenda's wrist and quickly led her away.

Morgan watched them go, their departing figures radiating disarray. A wicked smile danced on her lips. She flicked away her half-smoked cigarette, crushing it under her black leather boot and brushing away any lingering smoke before casually strolling back into the living room.

Grinning with satisfaction, Morgan said, "The looks on Lanny's and Glenda's faces were absolutely priceless. I can't wait to see what they do next."

Elyse blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Do you have something planned for them?"

Morgan's smile turned steely. "Oh, Elyse dear, I've laid a trap for them. They won't escape me," she said with chilling resolve, her voice resonating like an omen of doom. Her words left Elyse wisely opting for silence, prepared to watch the drama unfold.

Jayden's gaze drifted to the window. "The past few days have been unusually cold. We might see snowfall before the week is out."

Elyse followed his gaze, her eyes resting on the wintry landscape. "When the first snow falls, winter will truly settle in."

Driscoll approached, his voice tinged with concern. "The guards at the gates reported that Ms. Tracy Bernard arrived, wearing only a thin blouse and barefoot. They've brought her inside to warm up."

Elyse's eyes widened in shock. "What? Where is she?"

"Elyse, I'm here..."

Tracy's voice floated into the room as a maid assisted her inside. Wrapped in a coat, she shuffled forward. Her face bore the telltale signs of exhaustion; bruises marred her knees, and there were cuts and scrapes on her legs.

Jayden's keen gaze detected the evidence of violence. In a composed voice, he instructed, "Driscoll, call a doctor, preferably a female. Take Tracy upstairs to rest and arrange for food."

Acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation, Jayden excused himself. "I'll be in the study if you need me, Elyse."

"Thank you," Elyse replied, her eyes brimming with love and gratitude.

Jayden gently stroked Elyse's head before going into the study. Driscoll departed for the kitchen, leaving the maid to attend to Tracy.

Tracy leaned on the maid, her gaze meeting Elyse's. A faint smile touched her lips. "I've become a burden to you again."

Elyse shook her head gently, steadying Tracy by the waist. Her voice was thick with emotion. "No, Tracy. That's not true. I'm so grateful you're here."

Tracy managed a faint smile. "That comforts me. In this condition, I couldn't face my parents. They wouldn't be able to bear the shock."