Chapter 649:

Elyse lingered in the dining room, enjoying her meal. Afterward, she settled in the tearoom, gazing out at the day.

Driscoll entered with some snacks and placed them beside Elyse, lingering, unsure whether to speak.

Elyse noticed Driscoll’s hesitation and, while nibbling a snack, asked, “Driscoll, are you suggesting I give Mr. Owen another chance? Have you considered talking to him about his faults?”

Driscoll sighed and shook his head. “There’s no other option. His childhood was difficult. He’s never had anyone who truly looked out for him.”

Elyse remained silent.

Driscoll continued, “I understand his issues, but he’s stubborn and doesn’t listen or acknowledge his faults. Mrs. Owen, he’s been like this since childhood, without proper guidance. It’s not entirely his fault.”

Elyse knew Driscoll was advocating for Jayden, hoping she would reconsider. However, Driscoll also acknowledged Jayden’s tendency to dismiss advice.

Elyse couldn’t recall how many chances she’d given Jayden or how often they’d discussed these issues. Eventually, she’d grown weary.

Looking at the sky and hugging her knees, Elyse said, “Sometimes I wonder if he’s too comfortable, and I’m just creating problems that make us both miserable.”

Driscoll offered comfort, saying, “We all hope you two find happiness. But a marriage needs more than the basics; it requires ongoing effort. Without a strong bond, it will struggle. You’ve done nothing wrong. You’ve been trying to salvage your marriage. It’s Mr. Owen who needs to understand.”

Elyse responded softly, “There’s much he doesn’t understand.”

After a moment, Driscoll decided he needed to talk to Jayden again, fearing Elyse might leave. He exited the tearoom, leaving Elyse to her thoughts.

Later, as the afternoon progressed, Elyse remembered Tracy had planned to speak with Shaun. It had been a while, and Elyse had heard nothing. Elyse assumed Tracy and Shaun were enjoying themselves; otherwise, why hadn’t Tracy contacted her?

With that thought, Elyse went to her bedroom for her phone. Jayden monitored her but didn’t stop her from calling Tracy. Elyse had much to discuss.

She dialed Tracy’s number, only to find it switched off. How could Tracy’s phone be off during the day? Elyse tried multiple times, but the phone remained off. Frustrated, Elyse decided to call Shaun.

Elyse had Shaun’s number but hadn’t called before. This was her first attempt, making her anxious.

As the call connected, Elyse felt nervous and asked, “Shaun, is Tracy with you? Could you ask her to see me? I miss her.”

Shaun remained silent. Elyse repeated her question, but Shaun didn’t respond. She could hear his breathing become heavier. Puzzled, she said, “Shaun, can you hear me? Why aren’t you responding? Did you hurt Tracy again?”

Shaun finally responded, insisting, “I didn’t hurt her this time. I really didn’t. You’re wrong.”

Elyse detected a strange tone in Shaun’s voice. It sounded nasal and slurred. She thought he might be intoxicated.

She asked, “Are you drunk? What’s going on between you and Tracy? Why is her phone off? It’s odd to be drinking now. Don’t you have work?”

Shaun chuckled, a foolish sound that escalated into laughter, then tears. Hearing his tears, Elyse felt dread and asked, “Why are you crying? What happened?”

“Tracy is dead,” Shaun said, his voice choked with emotion. “She’s gone. She’d agreed to give me another chance, but she’s dead.”

The phone dropped from Elyse’s hand as she clasped her chest, gasping for air.