Chapter 565:

Elyse was filling out a form when Gavin returned unexpectedly. She glanced up and asked casually, "Back already?"

"I have nothing to say to her," Gavin replied curtly.

His phone buzzed. It was Fiona. He told her he was at Elyse's. To his surprise, Fiona said she would join him.

Hearing this, Elyse suggested, "Since Fiona's coming, why don't we all have lunch together?"

Gavin checked his watch and shook his head. "I can't stay for lunch. Once you two finish the forms, I'll sign you up and handle the rest. Fiona can keep you company."

Elyse nodded in agreement.

Half an hour later, Fiona arrived at the villa, wearing a crisp white overcoat. She quickly removed it, revealing a curvaceous figure, and gave it to a waiting servant.

Looking around, Fiona didn't see Jayden. She went to the living room and tentatively asked Elyse, "Elyse, where's your husband? Isn't he here?"

Seated on the sofa, Elyse casually nibbled on vitamins. Without looking up, she replied, "He went to work. Why do you need him?"

"Oh, no reason. Just curious. It's the weekend; I thought he'd be here," Fiona replied, her eyes keenly surveying the villa.

Fiona was captivated by the priceless decorations and antique vases. A stirring feeling grew within her. Could any woman really have access to these treasures just by marrying Jayden?

Her desire intensified. She wandered to the study door, her hand reaching for the handle, when Driscoll stopped her. "Miss Evans, I'm sorry. This is Mr. Owen's study. You can't enter."

"Jayden's study?" she echoed, surprised.

"No one is allowed in."

"What about Elyse? Can she enter?"

Driscoll gave her a strange look. "She's Mr. Owen's wife. Of course, she can."

The implication was clear: Fiona was an outsider.

A smile flickered across Fiona's face, but inwardly she cursed Driscoll. What a stupid butler! Maybe I could be part of Jayden's family someday, she thought.

She reluctantly stepped back under Driscoll's gaze.

Fiona explored the first floor, marveling at Jayden's wealth. Her curiosity led her to consider peeking into his and Elyse's bedroom.

Checking that Driscoll and Elyse weren't watching, she quietly went upstairs.

The second-floor corridor was spacious, with large vases and expensive paintings.

As Fiona rounded a corner, a hand grasped her shoulder. Startled, she turned to see Tracy. Tracy's complexion was pale, but her eyes were intense. She knew Fiona only slightly—a fellow studio member of Elyse's.

Cautiously, Tracy asked, "What brings you to the second floor?"

Fiona's flimsy excuse crumbled. She stammered, "I just wanted to look around. I wasn't doing anything."

Tracy sensed something was wrong but couldn't place it. She said, "You do realize you can't just wander around someone's home? Besides, the bedrooms are on this floor. Do you want to see the master bedroom?"

Fiona, irritated, snapped, "I came up here to look around! Why are you talking to me like this? Why are you being so rude?"

Flushed with anger, Fiona hurried downstairs, unable to hide her guilt and shame.

Everyone saw her descend. Driscoll frowned. "Miss Evans, why are you coming down from the second floor?"

Ignoring him, Fiona turned to Elyse. "There's another woman upstairs. Is she your friend? Is she staying with you?"

Elyse met her gaze. "Yes, she's a friend. She's staying with us temporarily due to some issues."

"Ah, I understand." The thought of also staying in the house sparked in Fiona's mind. ... ... ...