Chapter 61

Jayden possessed an exceptional talent for silencing people. Theo, despite Elyse leaving him, remained possessive; a part of him would always consider her his, always desire her to some extent. His inaction stemmed solely from his belief that Jayden was incapacitated, unable to fulfill his spousal duties to Elyse. Even though Elyse might be married to someone else, in Theo's mind, she would always belong to him.

Jayden, himself a man, easily deciphered Theo's thoughts. However, he had no intention of revealing this to Elyse. Elyse was his wife, and his alone.

"I heard your mother is searching for your future wife," Jayden remarked. "I'm quite curious about the type of woman you deem worthy of such a title."

Theo's hands clenched. He inexplicably flew into a rage whenever confronted by Jayden, a feeling he despised.

"She will come from a superior background compared to Elyse," Theo retorted, then stormed off.

Elyse remained silent, a sadness evident in her quietness. Jayden gently took her hand. "Theo's words are nonsense. Don't let them affect you. Trust me."

Seeing him as a fairytale prince, Elyse replied, "I have faith in you."

They returned home. Entering the villa, Jayden saw Vinny Bailey standing quietly in the living room. They exchanged a brief glance before Vinny disappeared into the study.

"Head upstairs and change," Jayden instructed Elyse. "I'll be in the study."

Elyse nodded. "Okay, I'll go to my room."

Jayden watched her leave before entering the study. "Mr. Owen," Vinny greeted him, nervously running a hand over his bald head. "It's my first time seeing your wife. She's remarkable."

Jayden locked the door. "Just say it."

"We caught Joanna and returned her," Vinny began. "We took her to her family as you ordered, but they refused her. They said she's now your family's responsibility."

"Where is she?"

"In the villa's storage room. She gave us a hard time. Someone must have helped her escape."

"I know someone helped her," Jayden said, clearing his throat. "We haven't found her accomplice."

"I have two names: Rickey Owen and Janet Lawrence. Investigate them and report back."

Vinny looked puzzled. "Why the change? I've never heard those names. Who are they?"

Jayden nodded. "Understood. Are you going to see Joanna? She's been shouting for you. I had to gag her."

After a moment's consideration, Jayden nodded. "All right, I'll go."

They went to the storage room. Two bodyguards stood guard. Opening the door revealed a foul odor. Joanna, disheveled and dirty, cowered in a corner.

"I want to talk to her," Jayden said.

Vinny removed the gag. Joanna begged for mercy, apologizing and pleading to be Jayden's wife. Her voice grated on Vinny's ears. He kicked her in the stomach to silence her.

"Keep your voice down," Vinny scolded. "What if Mrs. Owen hears you?"

Joanna grimaced, doubled over in pain.

The ellipsis at the end suggests further content, which is omitted here.