?<strong>Chapter 240:</strong>


    “You say you have no feelings for Corrie, but your concern for her was evident the moment you encountered her. Why does her disastrous blind date matter to you?” Elyse challenged.


    Hearing that, Jayden sensed her jealousy stirring once more. “I merely asked. You’re overthinking it,” he exined helplessly.


    Elyse’s heart sank at his response. “What do you mean by overthinking? Corrie is clearly targeting me, trying to embarrass me. Didn’t you notice?”


    Jayden remained silent, his thoughts a mystery. Elyse felt disheartened. She turned away, sadness clouding her eyes. “Forget it. It doesn’t matter.”


    Her emotions were always dismissed, and he always remained indifferent. Observing her expression signaling a desire to end the conversation, Jayden felt a surge of frustration.


    Outside the room, bystanders were unaware of the conflict brewing between Elyse and Jayden. After escorting Corrie from the room, Clive paid no heed to the curious onlookers as he dragged her out of the restaurant.


    Corrie appeared in a mess, her high heels slipping from her feet as she was dragged away. She struggled to keep them on. The moment Clive released his grip, she hastily slipped on her shoes and snapped, “Are you out of your mind?”


    Clive retrieved a tissue to cleanse his hands, his disgust evident. Pushing him away, Corrie demanded, “Say something.”


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    Clive met her gaze, discarding the tissue much like he had done with Corrie. “You’re repulsive. Stay away from us,” he dered before turning to leave.


    Stung by the insult, Corrie reached out to grab him. Anticipating her move, Clive swiftly evaded her grasp. Peyton approached as they argued, exasperated. “Why are you both fighting?”


    Corrie scoffed. “Ask him. I’ve done nothing.”


    “Nothing, huh? We all know you’re a bitch.” Maintaining hisposure, Clive questioned, “Have you forgotten Louis Walker?”


    “Louis Walker?” Hearing the name, Corrie didn’t hesitate at all. She smiled and asked, “Who the hell is he? Why should I remember him?”


    Clive’s anger was palpable, veins bulging on his forehead. At Clive’s words, Peyton’s expression darkened momentarily. Louis was also his good friend. With a solemn tone, Peyton remarked, “You’ve crossed a line this time, Corrie.”


    Corrie shrugged nonchntly. “Think what you will.”


    “What a cold and heartless woman,” Clive’s usation hung in the air as he turned on his heel, striding back into the restaurant without a backward nce. Peyton, his anger evident, offered no smile to Corrie as he trailed after Clive.


    Though seething, Corrie’s mood lifted slightly when she recalled Elyse’s earlier frustration. As Peyton and Clive reentered the private room, they sensed the tension between Elyse and Jayden. Their eyes met, and they resumed their seats in silence.


    “The dishes are ready. Let’s dig in,” Elyse dered and then took a bite. The others followed suit, but after Corrie’s spectacle, a heavy silence enveloped the room.


    After the meal, everyone departed quietly. Elyse and Jayden returned home. Driscoll approached, ready to congratte Elyse on her wless performance, but as she silently retreated to her room, he noticed the disappointment etched on her face.


    Confused, he inquired, “Sir, what’s wrong with her? Did you two have another disagreement?”


    Jayden’s anger simmered. “She insisted on picking a fight.”


    Driscoll sighed deeply. Lately, Jayden and Elyse seemed to argue more and more. What was going on with them? “Sir, aren’t you going to appease her?” Driscoll asked hesitantly.


    “Appease her, huh?” Jayden responded unhappily. “Even though this is entirely her fault this time.” He had done nothing wrong. To him, Elyse was just being overly sensitive.


    Driscoll felt uneasy. After a moment of hesitation, he ventured, “Should we still proceed with the birthday party?”


    “Why not? Let’s go ahead with it,” Jayden dered, his toneced with anger.


    Driscoll was left speechless; he had worried that Jayden might impulsively cancel it out of anger. Jayden’s fists clenched. Hadn’t Elyse always used him of not appreciating and caring for her? Well, he would show her just how much he cared for her.


    Meanwhile, in the room, Elyse sat quietly, deep in thought. Eventually, she retrieved her violin and began to practice “Erlk?nig.”


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