Chapter 576:

"Seeking recognition, aren't you? You want my downfall to fuel your triumph?" Brook scoffed, instantly discerning Corrie's intentions. "But I refuse to collaborate. Either proceed independently or follow my lead. I will never be your subordinate."

Brook shoved Corrie out and firmly shut the door. Enraged, Corrie kicked the door repeatedly, but Brook remained indifferent. Finally, exhausted and frustrated, Corrie left, seething.

Brook sat quietly on the edge of Jayden's bed, arms folded behind his head. After about ten minutes, Driscoll knocked on the ward door. Brook stood and opened it.

Driscoll, his face bearing injuries and a swollen forehead, entered. Despite his training and expected etiquette, his eyes were filled with disdain and hatred for Brook.

"Thank you for everything you've done for him," Driscoll said. "I'll handle the rest."

Brook's lips pressed together. "Jayden is out of danger," he rasped. "Elyse is in the ward upstairs."

Avoiding Driscoll's gaze, Brook quickly left the hospital.

Driscoll approached Jayden's bedside, holding his breath. He gazed at Jayden's face for a long moment before sighing deeply. "Did it really come to this between Jayden and Enzo?"

Jayden had been raised by Enzo. Despite Jayden's covert establishment of the Bayzee Group, Enzo, upon discovering the truth, meticulously investigated every detail of Jayden's life. On the surface, at least, Enzo knew everything about Jayden; Jayden understood Enzo profoundly, and vice versa.

Driscoll, having faithfully served Jayden and knowing both men well, was acutely aware of Jayden's inherent kindness. Even after absorbing all of Enzo's teachings, Jayden never considered treating others cruelly. This was the fundamental difference between them. Enzo lacked kindness; he could eliminate Jayden without hesitation to protect his interests and secure his legacy, even though Jayden was his destined heir.

Reflecting on the situation, Driscoll sighed deeply at the unconscious Jayden. "Enzo exploited your generosity to orchestrate this trap. How will you confront this outcome upon waking?"

Upstairs, in the ward, Elyse was in poor health after the abortion. Although asleep, persistent nightmares disturbed her rest. For the fourth time, Clive was roused by her anguished sobbing. He gently shook her awake, reassuring her, "It's just a dream. Don't be afraid."

Elyse woke momentarily disoriented, unable to distinguish dream from reality. After a few minutes, clarity returned. "I lost my baby," she said, her voice laced with pain. "Was that a nightmare too?"

Clive tried to comfort Elyse, but couldn't bring himself to lie. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "If only I had arrived sooner."

Elyse's eyes filled with tears. At that moment, the ward door opened. Both looked up to see Peyton in a wheelchair.

Peyton gazed at the frail Elyse, guilt flickering in his eyes. Under their watchful stares, he grasped his crutches and slowly rose. He approached Elyse, discarded his crutches, and knelt.

After a few moments of silence, Elyse asked, "What are you doing?"

Peyton's eyes were bloodshot, and faint slap marks were visible on his face.

In a grave voice, he said, "I'm sorry."

Elyse lowered her eyes. "You have difficulty moving," she replied softly. "Even if you heard the news and wanted to help Jayden and me, you couldn't. You don't have to feel sorry."

"No," Peyton said. "I'm truly sorry for everything."

With a pained expression, he confessed, "I just discovered my father collaborated with Enzo. He agreed to work for Enzo and arranged the abortion. If it weren't for Brook's strong intervention, they would have also helped Enzo kill Jayden."

Peyton had just left the director's office; his father's words were still fresh in his mind. His father, sitting at his desk, had expressed pity and indifference: "Who's more powerful, Jayden or Enzo? I know Jayden is strong, but Enzo dominates him. If I don't cooperate with Enzo's plans, this hospital will cease to exist tomorrow."

The director, aware of his wrongdoing, had told Peyton, "It's Jayden's fault. He fails to overpower Enzo. Otherwise, I would even help him eliminate Enzo. Enzo holds too much influence." . . .