Chapter 665:

A month later, at Bayzee Group.

Peyton sauntered in, a bag of beers and barbecued skewers in hand. Jayden sat before the floor-to-ceiling window, the darkness outside contrasting with the bright light in his office. The neighboring office building was dim; only Jayden’s office was illuminated.

Peyton sighed, shaking his head. He rapped his knuckles on the desk. “Enough workaholic! You’ve practically secured all the resources in Watscar. Did you hear? The Owen Group even joined forces with your rivals to block your takeover.”

Jayden remained focused on his screen. “I’m aware. But the Owen Group is a sinking ship. Their glory days are over. They’ll never regain their former power.”

“Right. Right. Your company is the best,” Peyton quipped sarcastically, waving the bag. “How about a midnight feast with your favorite pal?”

Finally, Jayden glanced up, his gaze landing on the beers. A flicker of emotion crossed his face.

“Alright, one round. Just one.”

Jayden wrapped up his work, hung up his jacket, and relaxed onto the sofa. Peyton popped open a bottle of beer and handed it to Jayden. “You’re truly impressive. In just one month, you’ve managed to expand Bayzee Group’s reach by another 20%. Can you imagine how many people wish they were in your shoes?”

Jayden took a sip of his beer, his face unreadable.

Noticing Jayden’s lack of response, Peyton pressed on. “Honestly, it’s been a whole month. Don’t you think it’s time for a break? I can’t fathom why you’re driving yourself so hard.”

Jayden downed half the bottle, the warmth spreading through his body. He loosened his tie and opened the top button of his shirt. “I’m aiming to bring down the Owens as quickly as I can.”

Peyton responded with a light laugh. “Enzo should be too wrapped up in corporate affairs to worry about sending assassins after you.”

Jayden gave a wry smile. “Actually, I’ve survived two assassination attempts this month alone. Enzo is certainly desperate to get rid of me.”

“A desperate man will take desperate measures,” Peyton remarked, placing the empty bottle on the table, grabbing another, and taking several hearty swigs. “Why doesn’t he just retire and enjoy his remaining days instead of causing such trouble?”

“Who can say?” Jayden mused, his eyes lingering on his beer bottle. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe the lack of sleep, but his mind was buzzing.

Peyton watched Jayden carefully, debating whether to ask the burning question on his mind. His curiosity was almost unbearable.

Seeing Peyton’s hesitance, Jayden encouraged him. “Go ahead and ask. Even if it irks me, I won’t send security after you.”

“Well, if you insist.” Peyton looked at Jayden with a playful glint in his eye. “Is it true you divorced Elyse?”

Jayden responded nonchalantly with a nod. “She wanted the divorce. How could I deny her that? I had to grant her wish.”

Peyton looked puzzled. “She requested a divorce? You could have resisted, attempted to win her back. You just conceded without any attempt to reconcile?”

Jayden responded, “I did make an effort to keep her, but in the end, I couldn’t prevent her from leaving.”

After a moment of silence, Peyton spoke up, his face a mix of emotions. “What you’re telling me doesn’t align with what I’ve heard. I was told you confined her to the house and wouldn’t let her compete in that violin competition.”

. . .