Chapter 581

Jayden wrapped his arms around Elyse as if she were his entire world. A fierce glint of vengeance shone in his eyes, filled with deep-seated rage. His yearning for retribution reached its peak.

Resting against Jayden's chest, Elyse's gaze was empty and lifeless. She sensed his fury and bitterness and understood his thoughts. But despite everything, she couldn't fully connect with him. He kept his heart sealed away.

Elyse was unaware of Jayden's history with Enzo, including their unique connection that had created this predicament. Despite the loss of their child, Jayden hadn't shared his past. Elyse loved him, but struggled with his reluctance to open up. Perhaps the formidable barrier around his heart was insurmountable for her. His affection came with conditions.

Overwhelmed, Elyse felt her heart close to shattering. A new thought struck her: did she truly need Jayden as much as she thought? Reflecting on her past, she remembered longing for Lanny and Glenda's affection as a child, and yearning for Theo's love in college, only to be hurt by him. Meeting Jayden had seemed to offer hope; he adored her, cared for her meticulously, and seemed the perfect partner. She believed she'd finally found the devoted love she'd always sought. But why did something still feel amiss? What did she truly desire?

After taking time to think, she slowly raised her eyes and quietly asked Jayden, "What will you do first?"

He embraced her, his hand tenderly caressing her head. "My company is shifting its focus to overseas projects, so the Owen Group's sanctions haven't been devastating. I'm intimately familiar with their operations, and before the transition is complete, I plan to strike them hard."

Jayden paused abruptly. He wouldn't let those involved off easily, but chose not to share this with Elyse.

After a brief silence, Elyse asked, "What else?"

"I'll spare you the details; it's better you don't know. Just rest at home and wait for my return," Jayden said, taking a deep breath to soothe her. He knew their child's loss had deeply affected her.

Elyse bit her lip, silent.

After leaving the hospital, Brook returned to the office to catch up on missed work. As he finished, dawn broke. Exhausted, he rubbed his reddened eyes, stood, and went to the office lounge. He showered, changed, and finally lay down to sleep.

Four hours later, his phone rang, jolting him awake. It was Corrie. Still drowsy, he answered wearily, "Who is it?"

"Go meet your grandfather! He considers this operation critical. I don't care about your opinion; don't mess this up, or I'll never forgive you," Corrie's harsh voice cut through. She understood Brook's ineffectual nature and his tendency to lag behind. She needed to maintain control over Enzo before he lost patience with Brook.

Rubbing his eyes in annoyance, Brook muttered, "Go if you want. I'm not stopping you."

Corrie scoffed, "I'd prefer to go alone, but we're a couple. We're supposed to handle his assignments together. If I go alone, what will he think?"

"What does that have to do with me? I need sleep. Stop bothering me," Brook replied, abruptly hanging up. Once he made a decision, no one could change his mind. He wasn't in a rush to see Enzo and had no intention of obeying Corrie.