?<strong>Chapter 253:</strong>


    Elyse couldn’t make sense of what Brook said. “But I thought you were crazy about Corrie,” she said.


    As Brook sipped his red wine, his smile disappeared, reced by a chilly expression. “I was only interested in her because of her status, not because I really liked her.”


    Elyse was at a loss for words. Brook, typically aloof and detached, watched the scene unfold with an uncharacteristic sense ofpassion. Seeing Elyse’s struggle, he found himself moved to offer some sage advice.


    “I think you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. All Owen men aren’t suited for love, not even Jayden,” he said.


    Elyse was even more lost than before. Brook continued, his voice tinged with a note of resignation. “We’re all driven by ambition. We’re only interested in gaining power and taking charge of thepany. Love and rtionships are not our priorities.”


    Brook then skillfully steered the conversation, drawing Elyse’s attention elsewhere. “Do you think Jayden’s parents love each other?” he queried, the question lingering in the air.


    Elyse’s first instinct was to say yes, but memories of Bryce’s birthday celebration surfaced, clouding her certainty. Tess had been there alone; Andrew had supposedly been away on business. Though Tess had tried to dispel any doubt, Elyse was left with a lingering unease.


    A poignant silence stretched between them, revealing the answer Brook had been seeking. “That’s just the way the Owens are. We can produce children without feelings. You’ll only experience pain if you are deeply in love with Jayden. There’s no guarantee that one day he won’t abandon you for his own gain,” Brook stated, his hand settling on Elyse’s shoulder, the gesture a heavy pause in the conversation.


    “He doesn’t know love,” he intoned, his voiceyered with understanding. “He only knows ambition.”


    Removing his hand, Brook set his ss down with finality. He turned, striding towards the door, his figure receding as Elyse stood rooted in ce. The yful spirit that had animated her earlier had vanished, her eyes downcast.


    Worried about Elyse’s well-being, Tracy opted to stay over, her concern bolstered by Jayden’s absence. After their evening routines, Elyse found herself at the guest room door, pillow in hand. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” she asked softly.


    g α? ησ ν?? ?s takes you away


    Tracy, already half-asleep, looked up in confusion. “You can, but what if Jaydenes home?” she asked, drowsinesscing her voice.


    Elyse was silent. After a pause, she finally spoke, her toneced with bitterness. “He won’te back tonight.”


    Tracy’s surprise was evident in her voice. “Are you sure? Did he tell you he wouldn’t be home?”


    Elyse’s smile was wan, strained. The silence from Jayden’s end had stretched on throughout the day, her messages met with a nk space where a reply should have been.


    In Elyse’s mind, the image of Corrie’s faint yed out, painting a picture of Jayden by her bedside all night, consumed by worry. Tracy’s perceptive gaze didn’t miss the sadness that Elyse tried to hide. She pulled her friend into the room, her voice bright. “Forget about Jayden. It’s been so long since we’ve had a sleepover.”


    Elyse gave in to Tracy’s gentle coaxing and slipped into bed. Her friend’s embrace was warm andforting, and soon sleep imed her. Tracy felt her friend’s body rx into sleep, her breath even and deep. As she held Elyse, she couldn’t help but feel an ache in her heart,passion for her friend’s plight blossoming within her.


    Tracy’s heart was heavy with disappointment, not only for her own heartache but for Elyse’s as well. It seemed that both of their lives had been full of struggles in the search for happiness, with heartbreak and frustration as constantpanions. “Why did Elyse and I have so much difficulty finding love?” Tracy wondered to herself, her thoughts circling, searching for answers that remained just out of reach.


    Jayden emerged from Corrie’s ward, Peyton at his heels. As they left, Peyton removed his surgical mask. “I’ve conducted a thorough examination. There’s nothing wrong with Corrie physically.”


    Peyton continued in a clinical tone. “If I must offer a cause, I would have to say that seeing you happy with Elyse broke her heart and triggered her fainting spell.”


    He pressed on with a question that exposed his doubt. “Do you really believe Corrie was heartbroken?”


    Jayden, his expression unfazed, shook his head, dismissing the idea outright. Peyton could sense the futility of his efforts, and his tone softened. “I understand your reasons, but you can’t show Corrie too much kindness,” he urged.


    Jayden’s silence stretched like a chasm before he finally spoke, his voice filled with a steely determination. “I know what I’m doing.”


    Peyton’s exasperation mounted. “You still think you know what you’re doing. How about Elyse’s feelings? Have you considered them?” He paused, trying to gauge Jayden’s reaction. “Where were you all day? Nobody could reach you, and everyone was worried. Did you realize how much Elyse needed you?” Peyton’s questions were like a verbal wave.


    Jayden raised his left hand. “I was in a car ident on my way back. I fractured my left arm.”


    Stunned, Peyton was silent. After a long pause, he asked, “Then why didn’t you tell us?”


    Jayden sighed. “While my injuries weren’t severe, I am certain that the individuals behind today’s car ident are the same as a year ago. I chose not to inform Elyse because I wanted to shield her from involvement and harm.”


    Peyton was speechless and lost in thought. “You need to tell Elyse. She deserves to know.”


    Jayden shook his head, resolute in his decision. “I don’t think so. She just needs to be protected by me,” he dered.


    .


    .


    .