Chapter 76:

After dinner, Elyse retired to her room to practice the violin. She was playing when her phone rang. It was her best friend, Tracy Bernard. Elyse set down her violin and answered, "I thought you were in Liverton pursuing your prince charming! Why are you calling?"

"I'm so sorry, Elyse," Tracy said sheepishly. "I've been so busy, and I completely missed what happened to you. Do you want me to fly over and keep you company? I can get on the first flight."

"No, no, I'm fine now. Don't worry," Elyse replied. Her voice took on a teasing tone. "So, what have you been so busy with? Why didn't you even reply to my messages?"

"Who, me? I've been busy with my wedding, of course!" Tracy exclaimed excitedly.

Elyse paused, taken aback. She knew Tracy had been pining for someone for over four years. That man had returned to his hometown, Liverton City, after graduation, and Tracy had followed him.

"My, my, I didn't expect you to succeed in your hot pursuit! It seems I underestimated you."

"Ha! Where there's a will, there's a way. No guy can resist my charms!"

They giggled, then Tracy changed the subject. "Come to Liverton, Elyse. You must attend my wedding."

Elyse readily agreed. After a few more minutes of chatting, they hung up. Elyse went to the study to find Jayden. "My best friend is getting married. I want to be there for her."

Jayden didn't look up from his desk. "Would you like me to come with you? I've never been to Liverton. It would be nice to have you there."

Embarrassed, Elyse spoke honestly, but Jayden's refusal was swift and firm. "I don't want to go to Liverton."

She frowned. "Why not?"

"Do you expect me to travel to Liverton in my condition?" Jayden asked calmly.

Elyse started to persuade him but stopped. She didn't want to pressure him. "Fine. I'll go alone, then." She turned and returned to her room. She didn't want to hurt Jayden's feelings, but she wasn't going to miss her best friend's wedding.

Jayden's hand froze mid-air. Why hadn't she even tried to persuade him? Maybe he was playing hard to get, maybe he did want to go. Clicking his tongue, he signed a document, transferred to his wheelchair, and chased after Elyse. His face was sullen.

He found her packing, humming a tune. "You didn't go to Lizzie Robinson's wedding, but you seem eager to go to this one in Liverton."

"How can you compare them? Lizzie and Tracy are different," Elyse said seriously, folding a shirt. "Tracy and I have been friends for years. Even if she got married at the North Pole, I'd be there."

Jayden watched her for a few seconds. "Is she that important to you?"

"Yes, she's my best friend in the whole world."

"I see. All right, I'll go with you."

Elyse looked up sharply. "I thought you said you didn't want to travel."

"I don't. But I can't have you gallivanting around and possibly sullying my reputation. I need to keep an eye on you."

Elyse's jaw tightened as she met his gaze. "Should I help you with your luggage?"

Jayden nodded. "Thank you." He maneuvered his wheelchair out of the room.

After Jayden left, Elyse frowned. Wasn't he acting strangely? Why was he being so fickle?

Driscoll and the staff knew Jayden and Elyse were going on a trip, so they woke up early to prepare for their departure. This would be Jayden's first long trip since his accident—a significant development, and the servants attached great importance to it. Driscoll, however, had to supervise the household and remained behind. Besides bodyguards, they took three servants with them.

In the driveway, Elyse noticed the chaperones fussing over Jayden. She marveled at their care. Traveling would be massively inconvenient for him, so their concern was understandable. It was no wonder he'd been reluctant.

Unbeknownst to Elyse, these servants were handpicked by Jayden. They weren't ordinary servants but skilled mercenaries with specific tasks. They were investigating something. Naive Elyse felt tears well up, moved by what she perceived as an incredible bond between Jayden and his subordinates.

Over an hour later, they were on the plane. Elyse stretched, yawned, and glanced at Jayden, who was already resting with his eyes closed. She grabbed a pillow and also closed her eyes.

Moments later, Jayden opened his eyes and saw Elyse leaning against the window. He gently turned her head toward him, wanting her face to be the first thing he saw upon waking.

Ten minutes later, Elyse was fast asleep. A man whispered to Jayden.

"Brook Owen acted the moment you boarded."

"Just Brook?" Jayden asked.

"Other Owens are moving, but Brook is the most conspicuous."

Jayden stroked his chin. "Can't sit still, can he? He probably discovered something." He paused. "Have Alex keep an eye on Brook."

"Yes, Boss."

Their hushed conversation woke Elyse. She squinted and saw a bodyguard. "What are you talking about?" she mumbled sleepily.

They were caught off guard. Jayden looked at the bodyguard and quickly said, "He needs to use the restroom, but it's occupied. He's desperate."

The bodyguard's eyes widened. Of all the excuses...

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