Chapter 630:
Elyse rode the elevator to Jaydenโs office. Shortly after her arrival, Tobin entered, carrying a cup of coffee. He placed it on the coffee table, looking apologetic.
โMrs. Owen,โ he said earnestly, โI only learned about what happened earlier today. Iโll ensure the secretarial staff receive additional training. Please rest assured.โ
Elyse chuckled reassuringly. โItโs fine, Tobin. Jayden handled it well. I wasnโt affected.โ
Despite her reassurances, Tobin continued to express regret, particularly for failing to intervene when he observed Evaโs behavior, which had caused Elyse discomfort.
โIโm truly sorry, Mrs. Owen. Iโll make sure such oversights donโt happen again,โ he promised.
Elyse waved him off gently. โPlease, donโt blame yourself. It really didnโt bother me.โ
Tobin nodded, still concerned. โIf you need anything, please let me know. My office is next door.โ
Tobin left, leaving Elyse alone with her thoughts. She leaned back on the sofa, crossing her arms, feeling mentally drained.
An hour later, Jayden found Elyse dozing. He crouched beside her and gently caressed her cheek. Startled, her eyes snapped open.
Relieved, she casually asked, โHow did your meeting with Brook go? What did he want?โ
Jaydenโs expression clouded. โItโs nothing you need to worry about.โ
Elyse glanced at the cold coffee. โPass me the coffee.โ
Jayden looked at the cup. โItโs cold. Iโll have someone make you a fresh one.โ
The thought suddenly made the coffee unappealing. Trying to hide her frustration, she asked, โHow long will you be at the office? I think I need to go home.โ
Jayden, holding her hand, replied with concern, โAre you feeling tired? I have a conference and wonโt be able to leave until late. Let Tobin drive you home.โ
Elyse straightened, fatigue evident in her voice. โI donโt think I can wait that long.โ
With a tender gaze, Jayden cradled her face. โYouโve been by my side enough. Letโs get you to the parking lot.โ
Elyse nodded, and they walked together to the parking lot. As she settled into the car, she lowered the window and said, โDonโt skip dinner, no matter how busy you are. You need to take care of yourself.โ
Jayden affectionately ruffled her hair. โI promise, Iโll eat.โ
Satisfied, Elyse pulled back as Tobin, in the passenger seat, said, โMrs. Owen, weโre ready to leave. Please fasten your seatbelt.โ
As the car drove away, Elyse watched Jayden disappear in the rearview mirror.
Noticing her somber mood, Tobin said, โDonโt worry about him, Mrs. Owen. Heโll follow your adviceโdinner on time and taking care of himself.โ
Elyse managed a smile. โI just hope he keeps getting better,โ she replied softly.
โHeโs definitely changed for the better since you two married. You both seem to really love each other. Itโs enviable,โ Tobin said, scratching his head awkwardly.
Elyse responded warmly, โI wish you all the happiness.โ
โThank you,โ Tobin replied with a grin.
Once home, Elyse, feeling drained, retreated to her bedroom. She lay down on the chaise longue, her mind replaying the dayโs events.
She wasnโt surprised by Evaโs behavior. Given Jaydenโs wealth and looks, women vying for his attention was common. Elyse considered it normal.
However, Jaydenโs evasiveness wearied her. Heโd always promised openness, unless it was something he couldnโt discuss.
Elyse doubted Brookโs visit was merely about reconciliation; it likely involved business. Yet, Jayden remained tight-lipped, as before.
This secrecy exhausted Elyse. She loved Jayden deeply and had tried to cope, even overlooking it and pretending everything was fine. But deep down, she knew this was a persistent problem that wouldn't disappear.