Chapter 57

Lanny's deep concern for Mabel, his daughter, was understandable. However, his treatment of Elyse was markedly different. What did she even mean to him? She couldn't recall him ever treating her as his own child.

"You know what happened between Theo and me, right?" she asked mockingly. "Do you honestly think I can just tell him that?"

"Why not? I didn't ask you to get back together with him; all you have to do is convince him to marry Mabel!" Lanny insisted.

Elyse's anger flared. "I'm a married woman! What will Jayden think if I seek out Theo?"

"Then take Jayden with you," Lanny dismissed. "As you said, you're a couple. He can help you, right?"

Elyse was stunned by his audacity. He was clearly determined to exploit everyone to extricate Mabel from her self-made mess.

When Elyse remained silent, Lanny's expression turned vicious. "What? Why are you hesitating? You don't even want to help your family? I'm asking for one simple favor in return for raising you all these years, and you can't even do it? It's not like I'm forcing you into danger!"

Elyse took a deep breath and sighed resignedly. "Fine. I'll talk to Theo."

Only then did Lanny relax. "Good girl. I always knew you were the sweetest. You'd never abandon your family in need."

Elyse couldn't bear to be around him any longer. How could such a hypocritical monster be her father? They left the study, and Lanny invited Jayden to stay for dinner.

Jayden glanced at the still-sobbing Mabel and said, "I'm not staying."

Lanny's lips twitched. He had always sought Jayden's favor. Jayden's visit was rare, and its premature end because of Mabel infuriated him further.

Meanwhile, Elyse, acting as a kind and understanding older sister, approached Mabel. "Don't worry. I'll talk to Theo and ask him to explain the situation."

Mabel's head snapped up. "Why are you going to see Theo?"

"To help you, of course."

"Liar!" Mabel cried. "You're not doing it for me; you just want to see him! You're married; why can't you just behave yourself?"

"Oh, that breaks my heart," Elyse said helplessly. "How could you think that of me? I was even going to ask Theo to marry you." Turning to Jayden, she added, "Let's go home, honey. I won't tolerate this kind of insult."

"Don't worry about it, dear," Jayden replied smoothly. "Let's leave."

Lanny wrung his hands, worried about Jayden's impression of him. He followed them out, even bowing as they entered their car.

In the car, Jayden glanced at Elyse; she looked exhausted.

"You don't have to bother with them anymore, you know. They practically sold you. You have no obligation to be good to them."

"I know," she replied with a smile. "But I'm still their family. That's a fact I can't change."

Jayden dropped the subject. "Were you forced by your father to meet Theo?"

"Yes. He wants me to persuade Theo to marry Mabel."

Jayden fiddled with his ring, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Lanny is too greedy. He'll never understand that the Ward family would never allow an ordinary woman to marry their son. They'd only accept someone of equal standing."

Elyse nodded. "He's delusional to think Theo and I are close enough for me to convince him. There's not an ounce of friendship left after our breakup. It's only out of kindness that I haven't attacked him."

"His greed will be his undoing," Jayden stated emphatically.

His phone rang, breaking the somber mood. The call was brief. "The old lady in the hospital woke up and is causing a commotion," he told Elyse. "They want us to go see what's going on."

For some reason, the thought of the old woman brought a pang of pain to Elyse's heart.

They drove to the hospital. The old woman was curled in a corner, looking like a caged animal. Her eyes darted wildly; she hissed at anyone approaching.

The doctors and nurses were at a loss.

"Mr. Owen, the patient's memory is severely damaged. She won't let anyone near her; she thinks they'll hurt her."

"Why?" Jayden asked, frowning.

"My theory is she suffered extreme trauma. Her behavior is purely defensive."

As they spoke, the old woman's eyes fell on Elyse. She burst into tears. ...