Chapter 632:
Elyse awoke and, after settling back into the chaise longue, quickly sobered. She went to the living room. As dinner approached, Driscoll escorted Morgan into the villa.
Spotting them, Elyse eagerly threw herself into Morgan's arms, who greeted her with a bear hug.
"Didn't you say you'd go out for some fresh air? What brought you back so soon?" Elyse asked, her excitement palpable.
Morgan looked Elyse up and down. "You seem to have gained a bit of weight. That's good! Jayden's been taking good care of you."
She released Elyse, and they both settled onto the sofa.
"I didn't get very far. After making arrangements for your father's company, I started dealing with Lanny Lloyd's real estate properties, except for Norde Mount Villa," Morgan explained.
Elyse looked puzzled. "Norde Mount Villa? That was my childhood home. What happened to it?"
Morgan continued, "It's under your mother's name. It was the only property your parents bought together."
Elyse was taken aback, surprised the villa belonged to her late parents.
Morgan joked, "Thankfully, Jayden missed Norde Mount Villa when he tore down Lanny Lloyd's house. Otherwise, your childhood memories would be gone."
Elyse nodded in agreement. "How lucky! I'm so glad Jayden didn't tear down that house."
After a moment, Morgan asked, "Are you planning to visit Blue Sea Music Studio tomorrow?"
"Mr. Tucker gave me some days off to rest at home. I can go there whenever I want," Elyse replied.
Morgan smiled. "Would you mind taking me with you tomorrow? I haven't seen Cody in ages."
Elyse was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. "Sure, let's head over there together tomorrow," she agreed with a warm smile.
Morgan's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "Cody and I go way back. It's been over twenty years since we last saw each other. I wonder if he still remembers me."
Elyse pondered aloud, "He should remember you, Morgan. But after all this time, he might not recognize you right away."
Morgan gently touched her face, nodding. "I've aged. It's understandable if he doesn't recognize me."
That night, Morgan stayed at Elyse's place. Knowing Morgan was a guest, Jayden invited her to discuss business in his study.
It was then that Elyse discovered Morgan had majored in finance in college. Had Rickey taken over his family's company, Morgan would have been there to help him run it. Had Rickey started his own business, Morgan would have been his vice president. Either way, Morgan would have been instrumental in Rickey's success.
Elyse hadn't yet asked Morgan if she found more joy in running a company or being an actress, but she was patient. Morgan would be staying at her house, so she didn't mind letting Jayden monopolize her time for a while.
The next morning, Elyse was enjoying breakfast when Morgan strolled in late, yawning widely.
"Didn't sleep well last night?" Elyse asked, her curiosity piqued.
Rubbing her eyes, Morgan sighed. "Your husband handed me three business plans and laid out his vision for the future. He did an impressive job—I couldn't find a single flaw. Yet, he insisted I review every detail."
Elyse mused, "Hmm. He probably wants your approval. Jayden once told me that he sees you as a parent figure. He's likely being kind."
Morgan snorted. "It's in-law like that! We spent the entire night dissecting business models and company operations. I understood it all but had no desire to listen."
Elyse, amused, ended up eating more than usual for breakfast.
After tidying up, they headed to Blue Sea Music Studio. Elyse planned to accompany Morgan inside, eager to surprise Cody. She couldn't wait to see his reaction upon meeting an old friend he hadn't seen in over twenty years. Elyse was brimming with excitement.
Upon arriving at the studio, Morgan followed Elyse inside. They arrived early; the only person there was Gavin.
Gavin was casually eating a sandwich and sipping coffee. When he noticed Elyse, he looked surprised. "Have you recovered already? What brings you here?"
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