Chapter 75:

Elyse pondered Jayden's words, considering what she might want from him in the future, but found herself at a loss. She was perfectly content with her life and intended to keep it that way.

"Stop grinning," Jayden said playfully, flicking her head. "Come with me to the study. I need to discuss something with you." He led her into the study.

In the storage room, Brook encountered Joanna, who was bound with ropes. Days of confinement had left her disheveled and unkempt, though she hadn't been deprived of food or water. Hearing them approach, she opened her eyes and met Brook's gaze.

"Shall I untie her, Mr. Owen?" Driscoll asked respectfully.

"No need," Brook replied, smiling. "Let her be. If she'd behaved, she wouldn't be in this situation. I trust Jayden's judgment."

Driscoll nodded, offering no further comment. Uncertain about what was happening, Joanna was escorted from the storage room and into a Lincoln limousine. Inside, she found herself kneeling at Brook's feet.

Trembling, she pleaded, "Are you taking me to my family? I didn't dare run away from the wedding. I'll marry Jayden. Please let me go!"

She was genuinely terrified. Although her basic needs had been met while she was restrained in Jayden's storage room, and she hadn't felt her life was in danger, this man's presence filled her with dread. Her family had traded her for resources from the Owen family; even if she escaped, she would be a worthless outcast to them.

"Why would you think that?" Brook responded. "We Owens aren't monsters." Seeing her frightened expression, however, he kicked her sharply. "You're worthless. You couldn't even handle the simple task I gave you."

Clutching her aching stomach, Joanna looked miserable, yet she realized Brook had helped her escape the wedding. Desperate, she crawled toward him like a dog. "Master, you've come for me."

"Useless thing," he muttered disdainfully, watching her crawl. He crossed his legs, positioning one prominently in front of her. Understanding his meaning, Joanna debased herself further by licking his shoe.

"Why did Jayden's men capture you?" he asked.

"I don't know," Joanna said, distressed. "I hid as you instructed, but Jayden's men still found me."

Brook crossed his arms, pondering for a moment before saying ambiguously, "Does Jayden have hidden strengths?" He turned to Joanna, a slight smile playing on his lips. "What do you think of Jayden?"

"He's so-so," she replied, "not as impressive as you."

Pleased, Brook nudged her chin upward with his foot. "Well done. A dog is the most loyal companion a human can have."

Joanna forced a smile. She understood she was now his property.

Brook's interest in Joanna waned. He suspected Jayden wasn't as harmless as he seemed and needed to keep a closer eye on him. His thoughts were interrupted by another glance at Joanna.

His intense stare made her skin crawl. She managed a nervous smile. "Master, what's wrong?"

"You'd better marry Jayden...for me," Brook stated, casually stroking her. Joanna visibly flinched. His smile twisted as he considered his next move.

(The final ".noveldrama" and extra periods are removed as they appear to be unrelated to the text.)