?<strong>Chapter 134:</strong>


    Judy didn’t wait for Driscoll’s response; she strode confidently towards the stairs. But Driscoll, disliking Judy’s unteral decisions, intervened, his tone tinged with impatience and a hint of warning. “Miss Foster, whether you’re a guest or a maid, it’s not within your rights to meddle in Mr. Owen’s affairs.”


    Narrowing his eyes, Driscoll cautioned, saying, “Please remember your ce and refrain from acting inappropriately.”


    Judy clenched her teeth, seething at Driscoll’s presumption. After all, he was just a butler—how dare he address her like that? In her mind, Judy vowed that once she became Jayden’s wife, the first person she would dismiss would be Driscoll.


    Observing Judy’s reluctance toply, Driscoll sensed her hidden agenda. He surmised that she intended to seek out upstairs. Driscoll was keenly aware that Judy’s presence was the primary catalyst for the discord between Elyse and Jayden. This time, Driscoll was resolute in his decision not to allow Judy to ascend to the second floor and potentially disrupt the peace between Elyse and Jayden, no matter the circumstances.


    Judy’s lips twisted in irritation as she responded sharply, “What’s the matter with you? You are as wary of me as you would be of a thief. Are you afraid I’ll jeopardize their rtionship?”


    Maintaining hisposure, Driscoll replied diplomatically, “Miss Foster, you’re overthinking. I just ask that you adhere to the rules.” With gritted teeth, Judy begrudgingly withdrew.


    Half an hourter, Jayden emerged, his face exuding contentment. Driscoll stepped forward, directing a maid to bring out the breakfast that had been carefully kept warm. As a devoted butler, Driscoll respected his master’s privacy and refrained from prying into Jayden’s personal affairs. Even if Jayden chose to forego breakfast and emergeter in the day, Driscoll remained discreet and didn’t inquire further.


    Yet Judy couldn’t resist expressing her concern, approaching Jayden with genuine care. “Mr. Owen, why thete descent? Are you feeling unwell? Shall I fetch a doctor for you?”


    Jayden lifted his head, striding past Judy toward the dining room, his attention fixed elsewhere. Despite being disregarded, Judy remained undeterred, trailing after Jayden as she spoke. “Why are you alone downstairs? Where’s Ms. Lloyd? Is she still sleeping? Why is she sleeping in when you’re up?”


    Driscoll felt a twinge of difort at Judy’s probing. As he readied a reprimand, Jayden interjected sharply, “Her affairs are not your concern. If idle chatter is your forte, perhaps domestic service isn’t your calling. You’re free to depart and indulge in gossip elsewhere.”


    Jayden’s disapproving words left Judy feeling deeply upset. How could Jayden defend Elyse so staunchly? Yet Judy masked her emotions with a simple acknowledgment. “Understood.”


    At that moment, Elyse descended from the upper floor, violin in hand, her movements hurried. Spotting her, Driscoll called out, “Mrs. Owen, breakfast awaits. Please join us.”


    Elyse’s gaze met Jayden’scent expression, stoking her ire. It was his insistence on their morning intimate encounter that nearly made her tardy.


    “I’ll pass on breakfast. It’s toote. I need to join my orchestra members immediately,” Elyse stated, and then hurriedly departed.


    Jayden tore his gaze from Elyse, addressing Driscoll. “Arrange for a sandwich to be sent to herter.”


    Driscoll nodded deferentially. “Of course.”


    Judy nced around without saying a word.


    Seated at the table, Jayden started his breakfast. Meanwhile, Judy stood nearby, lightly touching her belly. “Mr. Owen, I’ve been waiting for you and haven’t eaten yet. May I join you for breakfast?”


    Fearing Jayden’s rejection, Judy adopted an overly sweet tone. “May I, Mr. Owen?”


    Jayden, without lifting his gaze, responded icily. “I recall you offering to serve in the household, yet now you seek to join the master for breakfast. Are youmitted to servitude or not?”


    Judy’s eyelids fluttered in unease. Jayden’s demeanor had shifted overnight. What had prompted this sudden change? Cursing inwardly, Judy suspected Elyse’s meddling.


    In that moment, Judy’s disdain for Elyse deepened, but she couldn’t dwell on it. She needed to act swiftly. “That’s not my intention,” she rified hurriedly. “I’m eager to serve you. Please don’t dismiss me in anger.”


    Jayden remained silent, intensifying Judy’s anxiety. She knew she had to remain by his side, or all her ns would unravel.


    Then she noticed a red mark on Jayden’s neck. Seizing the opportunity to connect with him, she gently pointed it out. “Mr. Owen, are you injured here?”


    Jayden reached for his neck, acknowledging the mark. With a hint of mischief, he adjusted his cor and said, “Yes, I was bitten by a puppy.”


    “No puppy dared to nip Jayden’s neck except Elyse.”


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