Chapter 573:

Confusion flashed in Jayden's eyes. After a few seconds, he understood Brook's meaning. Veins bulging on his arms, his body trembling, he grabbed Brook by the collar. He looked terrifying.

Jayden shouted angrily, his face red with rage, "I betrayed the Owens! It was me! Any problem you have should be with me! Why hurt Elyse?"

Brook's demeanor cracked; his eyes reddened. He lowered his gaze, unable to meet Jayden's. He had once thought he'd lost the ability to feel, that his conscience was dead. In the Owen clan, where the strong preyed on the weak, feeling was a liability.

Brook had done incredibly shady things for Enzo. He thought he'd never feel accountable, but now, his conscience condemned him. He should never have endangered Elyse's unborn child. Both Elyse and the child were innocent.

Yet, he felt trapped, forced to obey. He was tormented. After a long silence, he finally spoke in a defeated voice, "I'm sorry. If you want to blame someone, blame me."

Jayden, eyes red, pushed Brook away, reopening his injury. He lost feeling in his lower body, pain radiating from the back of his head. Unable to stand, he crawled on the floor, leaving a trail of blood on the white marble as he struggled toward the elevator. Before reaching it, he passed out.

Brook stared at the unconscious Jayden and shouted, "What are you all standing around for? Call a doctor now! If anything happens to him, you're all dead!"

Elyse, being forcibly taken into the operating room, pleaded, "No! Please, don't harm my baby. I can't lose it. Please, have mercy!"

She struggled and begged, imploring the doctors and nurses, but they ignored her cries. Secured to the operating table and given anesthesia, hopelessness consumed her. She prayed for a miracle, knowing it was futile. Soon, the precious life in her belly would be taken.

The anesthesia took effect quickly. She slowly closed her eyes, tears lingering on her cheeks.

In the ensuing darkness, Elyse felt disoriented, adrift in emptiness. After what felt like an eternity, a faint light emerged. Sensing warmth, she moved toward it. The light enveloped her, causing her to shut her eyes. Cautiously reopening them, she saw a little girl playing with blocks. Warmth filled Elyse's heart. She knelt, gathering the scattered blocks, her fingers trembling.

"Mommy," the little girl said. Elyse couldn't clearly see the girl's features, but the word pierced her heart.

"Mommy, don't be sad. Don't be mad at Daddy. I know you both love me very much, so I'm not sad." The little girl gently cupped Elyse's face.

Elyse was speechless, tears streaming down her face. The little girl wiped them away, softly adding, "Mommy, next time, bring my little brother to see you. Goodbye for now."

Everything faded to darkness. Elyse broke down. She longed to hold her child.

Slowly, Elyse opened her eyes to a white ceiling and the scent of disinfectant. Her mind was foggy.

"Elyse! You're finally awake!" Clive rushed to her side. "How are you feeling? Any discomfort?"

Elyse gently touched her stomach and whispered, "Clive, is my baby gone?" ... ... ...