Chapter 661:

"Because I've felt it lately," Elyse replied, her voice tinged with sadness and anger. "You want to keep me at home, not even allowing me to step outside, let alone compete abroad."

A cruel smile formed on Jayden's lips. His eyes narrowed, exuding a chilling aura.

"Since you've sensed it, there's no need for me to hide it anymore. The world outside is too dangerous, and your health is fragile. You catch a high fever from the slightest cold wind. How can your body endure two months of intense practice followed by an international competition? Every step is pushing your limits."

"But this is my life!" Elyse responded, disappointed. "Not yours! You can't control me as you wish. I've worked tirelessly for this competition. I've never considered giving up, and you can't take my dream away because of your own fears!"

Jayden softened his tone and demeanor, half coaxing, half persuading. "I'm not taking your dream away. I just think you don't need to participate in this competition. Your health really isn't good this time, and you know it."

Elyse shook her head, her eyes brimming with helplessness and disappointment. "No, these are mere excuses you've fabricated. You'll never allow me to compete again. From the beginning, you've desired my constant presence."

Seeing her stubbornness, Jayden's patience wore thin. He seized her chin, glaring at her with a dark, furious expression. Gritting his teeth, he hissed, "Then you should dutifully remain by my side and abandon thoughts of leaving me."

Jayden's anger confined Elyse to the house once more. The tension between them was palpable, making the servants tread lightly, their nerves frayed by the fear of inadvertently igniting Jayden's fury.

This stifling atmosphere left Elyse increasingly restless. She retreated to the solitude of the garden, enveloped in a dark blanket that cloaked her entirely except for her face.

Driscoll observed from a respectful distance. He had remained close to Elyse during these tumultuous days, becoming finely attuned to her emotional shifts. He was acutely aware of her distress, yet powerless to amend the circumstances. Jayden's stubborn nature was immovable, and Driscoll's efforts at persuasion had proved futile.

Cocooned in her blanket, Elyse hugged her knees to her chest and lifted her eyes to the dreary sky, lost in thoughts of how Pearce might extricate her from Jayden's grip. She remained there for a full hour, and both Driscoll and Elyse felt the weariness set in, especially since she was still recovering.

Driscoll approached her gently and suggested, "Mrs. Owen, let's return indoors. You've been exposed to the chilly wind for an hour now. Staying out longer could harm your health."

Jarred from her reverie, Elyse collected her emotions before nodding in agreement. "Alright, let's go back inside."

Upon their return indoors, Elyse received an unexpected call from Gavin. "Irving was struck while on his motorcycle. He's now in the hospital. Would you like to visit him?"

Elyse was taken aback and inquired urgently, "Is he alright? How severe are his injuries?"

Gavin's reply came nonchalantly. "Don't worry; he's alive. He just rolled around a bit on the ground but thankfully didn't damage his hands."

This news made Elyse's heart race. A roll on the ground seemed hardly trivial. After ending the call, she swiftly told Driscoll, "I must go to the hospital. Irving has been in an accident, and I need to see him."

Driscoll paused, mindful of Jayden's explicit directive. "I must make a call to Mr. Owen first."

Elyse felt a strong urge to argue, but she recalled that all the servants were employed by Jayden. She chose not to complicate their lives.

Biting back her frustration, she conceded. "Go ahead and make the call."

Observing that Elyse was holding back her anger, Driscoll wasted no time. He promptly pulled out his phone and stepped aside to make the call.