Chapter 651:

Jayden stood, retrieved his phone, and gave Tobin instructions before he and Elyse went to find Shaun.

Entering Shaun’s villa, Elyse sensed a heavy atmosphere. She approached the somber butler and asked, “Where is Shaun? I need to see him.”

The butler glanced toward the upstairs staircase, hesitating before replying, “He might not be available.”

Elyse stepped closer, pressing, “He answered my call. Why can’t I see him now? Doesn’t he want to meet me?”

The butler repeatedly opened his mouth to speak, then stopped, clearly hesitant. This worried Elyse. She stamped her foot and demanded, “What happened to him? Tell me.”

Realizing he couldn’t avoid the issue, the butler exhaled deeply. “I’ll take you to him.”

Elyse and Jayden followed the butler upstairs. He knocked on a door, received no answer, and cautiously opened it.

A pungent smell of alcohol wafted out, causing Elyse to recoil and cover her nose. “It reeks,” she exclaimed.

The butler awkwardly waved his hand. “I apologize. He said we can’t enter without permission.”

Peering into the dark room, Elyse couldn’t make out Shaun’s figure. She half-joked, “What’s Shaun doing in there? Drinking?”

The butler said helplessly, “This isn’t his room. It’s Tracy’s. Since the accident, he’s been here, refusing to leave.”

Elyse’s brow creased. The butler, glancing worriedly at the room, continued, “It’s been almost half a month. He’s been here, drinking. We’ve tried to get him out, but he refuses.”

Elyse’s frustration grew. “Alright, I’ll handle this. You can go.”

The butler hesitated. “Perhaps I should stay and assist you.”

“No need. Leave. I’ll call if necessary,” Elyse replied sharply.

After a pause, the butler, remembering Elyse was a close friend of Tracy’s, trusted her to coax Shaun out of his despair and left.

Elyse stepped into the room and flipped on the light switches.

The room was instantly illuminated, revealing Shaun curled up on Tracy’s bed, clutching her pillow, deeply asleep.

Elyse accidentally kicked an empty wine bottle. Empty bottles littered the floor, confirming the butler’s description.

She cleared the bottles, opened the window for fresh air, and Jayden arrived. He remarked sarcastically, “He’s completely broken down.”

Elyse agreed. Shaun’s beard was unkempt, his complexion pallid, and dark circles marred his eyes. If not for his snoring, she might have thought him lifeless.

She was about to wake him but hesitated, noticing dried stains on his clothing. She instructed, “Jayden, wake him up.”

Repulsed, Jayden nudged Shaun with his foot, knocking him off the bed.

Shaun woke with a groan, disoriented. He covered his face and clung to the bed. Recognizing Elyse, he said listlessly, “Why are you here? I don’t want you here. Leave.”

Jayden retorted, “Why are we here? To mock you, obviously. This is satisfying.”

“Fuck off. I despise you,” Shaun responded with a hollow laugh, gesturing toward the door.

Elyse, impatient, said, “Who are you performing this sad act for? None of us pity you. The one who truly cared about you is gone.” . . .