Chapter 91:

Elyse nodded. "She could see that," Jayden said calmly. "In their eyes, I'm nowhere near as valuable as Bryce. Of course, they only care about the son they favor."

"What kind of parents are they?" Elyse whispered, her tone filled with indignation.

"My family is complicated. It doesn't conform to societal norms," Jayden replied, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "Shall we go to the dining room?"

Elyse nodded, and they entered the dining hall, seating themselves near one end of the long table.

Shortly after, Jayden's grandfather, Enzo, arrived, leaning on his cane. His hair was gray, his face wrinkled, but his eyes shimmered with wit and vitality.

The atmosphere instantly shifted. Everyone fell silent, so still that Elyse thought they'd stopped breathing. Even Bryce, who moments before had been expressing impatience, sat upright.

Enzo's children rose in unison and greeted him respectfully.

"Sit down," Enzo said, seating himself at the head of the table. "It's a family gathering; no need for fuss." He swept his gaze across the assembled family. His eyes lingered on Elyse.

She held her chin high, bracing herself. She anticipated his words, but, to her surprise, he said nothing. His gaze held hers for a few more seconds before he turned to Jayden. "Let's eat."

Elyse fixed a wary gaze on Enzo and breathed a sigh of relief. He was so intimidating that their brief staredown had made her sweat.

"Sorry I'm late," a voice called from the entrance. Everyone turned to see Joanna approaching, carrying a gift.

"Mr. Enzo Owen," she said, bowing and handing the gift to a nearby servant, "on behalf of the Foster family, happy birthday." She then approached Jayden, smiling and placing her hands on his shoulders. "I've missed you so much, Jayden."

An eerie silence fell. Jayden didn't even lower his fork. With his free hand, he grabbed Joanna's and broke her wrist with a single twist. The sound of crunching bones echoed in the silence, and Joanna's face contorted in pain.

"Ah! My hand!" she cried.

Brook, seated beside Jayden, witnessed the act. "Oh my! You broke Miss Foster's hand! That's incredibly rude!"

"Am I expected to be courteous after what she did to me?" Jayden retorted.

Joanna wailed, "I know you're angry. Punish me however you want, but please forgive me."

Elyse, unable to bear Joanna's shamelessness, spoke up. "Today is Jayden's grandfather's birthday. Why are you bringing up the past?"

Joanna ignored her, biting her lip and giving Jayden a coy look. "I know I was wrong, but I explained myself to your grandfather. He said that if you forgive me, we can still—"

Further down the table, Tess seethed. The Fosters had always been unsavory, and their social standing had plummeted. Clinging to the Owens was their last hope. Tess, however, never wanted Jayden to marry Joanna. The other Owen men refused her, leaving Tess no choice but to arrange the match. Honestly, she detested Joanna; no one in their right mind would consider her a suitable daughter-in-law.

Tess gritted her teeth and glared at Enzo. "What do you mean, Dad? Have you forgotten the shame Joanna caused when she fled her wedding? Why is she even here?"

The old man remained unfazed. He ate and drank before saying, "I've considered it carefully. The Fosters are valuable business partners, and Joanna is infatuated with Jayden. It's logical. Their marriage is back on."

The atmosphere shifted again. The other guests turned to Jayden's parents with expressions of mockery and disdain. Jayden's parents were outraged but dared not protest; Enzo was deliberately humiliating them.

"Grandpa Enzo!" Elyse cried, swallowing her fear. "What about me? I am Jayden's legal wife. Do you expect me to step aside?"