Chapter 762:
Edward lit a cigarette, took a leisurely drag, and exhaled. His gaze drifted to the window, where he saw Elyse leaving the hotel with her violin case.
Quickly closing the window, Edward observed her departure calmly. “Should I say your ex-wife has nerves of steel or a heart of glass?” he mused, smirking.
Jayden noticed Elyse walking past the car, violin case in hand, heading off to practice. He clenched his cigarette, keeping his thoughts to himself. He couldn't understand her. Why trade the comforts of a wealthy wife's life for a competition? In this cold weather, wouldn't warm tea inside be better?
As Jayden stared out the window, Edward's voice cut through his reverie. “She’s long gone, and you’re still staring! If you’re still into her, go after her.” Jayden met Edward’s playful grin. With a deep tone, he said, “I’m not that interested. Don’t read too much into it.” Edward blew out smoke. “You think I believe that?”
Jayden scrolled through his messages, replying nonchalantly, “Believe what you want.” He looked up, his voice more serious. “I have to visit someone in jail. Are you heading out?” Edward smirked, “Going to see your girl, huh? Tell her I said hi.”
Edward stubbed out his cigarette, opened the car door, and walked away. “Drive,” Jayden ordered the driver. The car headed to the city outskirts. Last night's club shootout was a major incident, with several suspects locked up. Aarya, with the Hudson family's backing, had a private cell.
But Jayden found her in rough shape. It wasn't just lack of sleep; it was more. He noticed dark circles and pale skin. Concerned, he asked, “Aarya, are you okay?”
Aarya, having stirred up trouble all night, was dozing. At Jayden’s voice, she snapped awake. Rushing to the bars, tears streaming down her face, she cried, “You came to save me, Jayden? I knew you wouldn’t leave me!”
Jayden’s voice was firm. “Of course, but we’re in a tight spot. I can’t get you out just yet.” Panic flooded Aarya’s face. “What do you mean? Doesn’t everyone know I’m a Hudson? Who dares to lock me up?”
Jayden glanced at officers, then leaned in. “I can’t reach your father. To get you out, we’ll have to pull some serious strings.” Aarya’s fury flared. “Who the hell is behind this? If I get my hands on them, I’ll toss them into the crocodile pit!”
Jayden soothed her. “Don’t worry. I’ll find a way. You just need to hold on.” Tears streaked down Aarya’s face. “You have to get me out of here, and fast! This place is horrible!”
“Don’t worry, you’re the one I care about most. I wouldn’t leave you,” Jayden assured her. An officer approached, signaling his departure. Jayden glanced back repeatedly, his expression filled with affection, bringing fresh tears to Aarya’s eyes.
Covering her face, Aarya sobbed. “He really does love me! No one’s ever loved me like this before. I want to be with him forever.”
But outside, his sorrowful demeanor vanished. He called a number. The shootout was in the headlines. He’d let someone photograph Aarya during the chaos. Charlie couldn’t be unaware his daughter was imprisoned. So, where was Charlie? What game was he playing?
Meanwhile, Elyse practiced her violin in the park. She heard approaching footsteps. She turned, cautious, and saw a girl. The girl noticed Elyse’s wariness and extended her hand. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Geraldine Lawson.”