?<strong>Chapter 195:</strong>


    Elyse was left speechless by Jayden’s words, which seemed to carry some truth. Now Judy’s previous words and actions seemed somewhat insincere to her. “It’s better to continue what we started earlier rather than dwell on Judy’s true intentions,” Jayden said, his gaze more intense as he leaned in closer. Elyse shivered, quickly putting her hands up to stop him. Unable to meet his intense, affectionate gaze, she stammered awkwardly, “W-we didn’t take a shower, and we can’t do this in the living room.” With that, she pushed Jayden away and dashed upstairs, her haste giving her an adorable appearance.


    Jayden watched her go, a yful smile on his lips. He gave her some time toe to terms with the situation.


    Meanwhile, Kieran was escorting Judy home. She cried throughout the journey and eventually exhausted herself into sleep upon reaching her bed.


    Bathed in the cold moonlight, shey in a soft bed, dressed in a white slip nightdress. Kieran sat by her side, gently caressing her face. Her eyes swollen from tears and her reddened eyelids and nose made her look deeply pitiable. In a cold, quiet murmur, Kieran reflected, “My sister is so pitiable, yet Jayden shows no interest. He doesn’t even seem like a man.”


    Hearing Jayden’s name in her sleep, Judy let out a pained sob. She suffered even in her dreams. Kieran offered her soothing words, “Don’t be sad, Judy. I’m here for you. Those who have hurt you won’t have it easy.” His resolve was firm. He would not let Jayden and Elyse off the hook.


    At eight o’clock in the evening, Lanny arrived at the hospital to visit Mabel. He was reluctant toe, frustrated that Mabel had disobeyed his orders by secretly visiting Theo and consequently getting imprisoned by him. He couldn’t fathom how he ended up with such a foolish daughter. Despite his anger, he still made his way to the hospital at Glenda’s pleading.


    As he pulled into the parking lot of the Inpatient Department, he noticed a crowd of nurses and bodyguards encircling a woman who had just stepped out of the elevator. Assuming she must belong to a wealthy family, he looked closer and was shocked to recognize her.


    It was her. It was the old woman who had escaped from the mental hospital. He had finally tracked her down. Filled with relief, he realized that this woman knew all his secrets. Although he had reasons for not harming her, he had to keep her under his control. After her escape days ago, he had been searching for her everywhere.


    Lanny watched as the old woman, well-protected by her bodyguards, seemed unreachable. He hesitated for a long time but couldn’t get close.


    Frustrated, he muttered to himself about her unexpected protection. Unable to approach her, Lanny watched helplessly as she was escorted into a car and driven away. Torn with anxiety, he approached a nurse and casually inquired, “Who is that old woman surrounded by so many bodyguards? Is she from some powerful family?”


    The nurse, always ready to share a bit of gossip, nced at Lanny and responded, “She’s not from a rich family. She has a mental illness. But she’s fortunate to have the care of a wealthy man, so she’s off to a nursing home where she’ll be well looked after.”


    As Lanny stood in the parking lot, clenching his fists, a few nurses entered the elevator, discussing among themselves. He pondered who could have possibly rescued the old woman and arranged for her to be cared for in a nursing home. Momentster, as Lanny headed toward the Psychiatry Department to gather more information, his phone rang. It was Glenda.


    Annoyed, he answered the call brusquely, “What’s up?”


    Hearing that response, Glenda felt her temples throb with anger. “Why do you even ask? Didn’t I tell you toe to the hospital to see Mabel? Where have you been?”


    Lanny, reminded of his daughter, replied with a headache looming, “Don’t rush me. I’lle back after I finish my work.”


    Glenda, furious, cursed Lanny under her breath before realizing he had already hung up. In her anger, she smashed her phone.


    “Mom, don’t be angry. Maybe Dad really has something important to handle. Please don’t be upset. It makes me sad to see you so stressed and angry,” Mabel said, feigning concern tofort Glenda.


    Glenda felt a warm surge of affection. Her daughter seemed to have finally matured and learned to show concern for her feelings. Unaware of Mabel’s pretense, she felt reassured.


    Mabel knew her actions had crossed a line with Lanny. His dy in visiting her after she returned home signaled his anger. If she wanted to keep enjoying her parents’ financial support, she realized she needed to appear sensible and show them she had learned her lesson.


    “Your father may sound stubborn, but he’s softhearted,” Glenda advised Mabel, unable to contain her guidance. “Say a few kind words to himter; it might calm him down.”


    “I know, Mom. I won’t make Dad angry anymore,” Mabel responded, her eyes briefly betraying a flicker of calction.


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