?<strong>Chapter 246:</strong>
Elyse didn’t recognize the man, yet he seemed familiar. Seeing her puzzled expression, he introduced himself. “I’m Egan Brooks. Pleased to meet you.”
Egan Brooks, brother of Xander Brooks and Hiram Brooks. It suddenly hit Elyse that she hadn’t encountered anyone from the Brooks family since Xander’s wedding.
Noticing Elyse’s silence, Egan raised his voice deliberately, saying, “I’ve heard that Jayden loves you very much. So where is he today? Does this mean he doesn’t really love you?”
At that moment, Kieran stepped forward, swirling her wine ss and said yfully, “That’s not necessarily the case. Everyone knows Jayden has rarely appeared at social events since his ident. He even threw this birthday party especially for his wife, which clearly shows his affection.”
Egan said, “Oh, then where is Jayden? Why isn’t he here?”
Observing the exchange, Elyse sensed the hostility from the two. She clenched her teeth. It seemed like these two were intent on making a spectacle of her in front of the guests, especially with Jayden absent. Their aim was to turn both Jayden and her into aughingstock.
Taking a deep breath, Elyse said calmly, “Today is my birthday party. I’m the one celebrating, so why are you so focused on Jayden?”
Amidst the crowd, Freda held a ss of champagne in one hand and watched Elyse with keen interest. Since their blind date, Freda had investigated Theo’s past rtionships and discovered that the woman she had seen in the parking lot was Theo’s ex, Elyse. She was taken aback to discover that Elyse had married Jayden on the day she was originally meant to wed Theo.
Freda observed Elyse thoughtfully and then slowly asked Theo, “Do you think Mr. and Mrs. Owen truly love each other?”
Theo didn’t answer. Looking up, Freda noticed that Theo was frowning, his expression filled with concern, and he was staring straight at Elyse.
Feeling uneasy in her heart, Freda raised her voice, saying, “I’m asking you.”
Snapping back to reality, Theo acted as if he hadn’t heard anything and inquired, “Sorry, what was that?”
Freda, trying to keep her irritation in check, asked patiently, “I was asking if you think Mr. and Mrs. Owen genuinely love each other.”
“I don’t know,” Theo answered simply.
Freda could clearly feel Theo’s displeasure and slight anger. What was making him angry? Was it because she brought up Elyse and Jayden? Why would that bother him? Could it be that he still loved his ex?
Freda’s hand, clutching her ss, trembled subtly. She masked her emotions and downed her champagne in one swift motion. Moments earlier, Freda had been mocking Elyse, but now she found herself wishing for Elyse to embarrass herself so the whole city could ridicule her.
“How can that be? I hold you in high regard, Mrs. Owen. I’m just very curious about your husband since he’s seldom seen these days,” Kieran exined.
Egan chimed in, “Yes, it’s well-known that you two get along well. I merely wanted to see you together to offer my blessings.”
A cold smile crossed Elyse’s lips. She was aware of their ulterior motives. Scanning the room, her eyesnded on Theo amidst the crowd. He was looking intently at her as if he wanted to say something. But then she noticed Freda standing next to him. She recalled Theo’s words in the lounge, and now he was there standing next to Freda.
Elyse turned her gaze away in disgust, vowing to never again invite either of them. Observing her gaze upon him, Theo felt a sense of anticipation. He hoped she would reach out to him for assistance, willing to help her. Even if she couldn’t voice her need, a mere look would be enough. If she just showed him her vulnerability and need, he was eager to step in.
Theo waited hopefully, but Elyse avoided his gaze with clear disgust this time around. Did she despise him that deeply? Would she rather face her troubles alone than ask for his help?
Theo was uncertain of his feelings, only experiencing a deep sense of bitterness. Why couldn’t she see his good intentions?
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