?<strong>Chapter 11:</strong>


    As the morning sun rose, Elyse stood on the balcony of her room and noticed a car slowly approaching the manor. From the car stepped a man d in a white coat, carrying a medicine kit. It had to be the doctor mentioned by Driscoll. Excited, Elyse hurriedly slipped into her slippers, raced out of her room, and made her way to the vi’s first floor. There, she unexpectedly collided with Peyton, who had just entered the living room.


    “Ma’am, this is Dr. Ellis,” announced Driscoll.


    “Dr. Ellis, meet Mr. Owen’s wife, Elyse Lloyd,” he continued.


    Elyse moved forward and offered Peyton a polite greeting. He nodded in acknowledgment, pulled a candy from his pocket, and handed it to her.


    “Why did you give me candy?” inquired Elyse, her confusion evident.


    “It’s a nice-to-meet-you gift,” Peyton exined.


    “Thank you,” she responded, epting the candy.


    Elyse watched as Peyton walked towards the study. Curiosity getting the better of her, she turned to Driscoll. “May I join them?”


    “Of course, but I fear you may be disappointed with the oue,” Driscoll replied, his tone tinged with resignation.


    Elyse patted her chest to reassure herself and tiptoed to the study door. She opened it slightly and peered inside. Inside, Jayden was seated with his pants rolled up to his knees, while Peyton tapped his knees with a stick. After several attempts without a response, Peyton sighed and tested the other knee. Jayden’s legs remained numb.


    Peyton looked up and asked, “Can your wifee in to hear what I have to say next?”


    Jayden caught sight of Elyse crouching at the door and said sharply, “Let her in.”


    Peyton offered a weing smile. “Ms. Lloyd, please don’t crouch there. Come in and listen.”


    Blushing slightly, Elyse opened the door wider and stepped into the study. She nced at Jayden, whose expression was unreadable, and her expression grew more somber. “Dr. Ellis, I noticed Jayden’s legs didn’t react at all. Is he…”


    .


    .


    .