?<strong>Chapter 308:</strong>


    Lanny was staying at Mabel’s ce too, finding respite amidst the verdant embrace of the small garden, a cup of tea in hand. It was no surprise when Glenda approached him; he had anticipated this moment long ago. In his estimation, Mabel and Glenda shared a certainck of foresight. How could evidence easily vanish into thin air?


    Setting down his teacup, Lanny stared at the uneasy Glenda with empathy. “Mabel’s wrongdoing cannot remain hidden, can they?” Glenda nodded, her difort evident. “The tide has turned online. Our daughter bears the brunt of public condemnation while Elyse stands dered innocent.”


    “You reap what you sow. I urged you to heed my counsel. Now you understand the gravity of our situation. You should have listened,” Lanny remarked, recognizing Jayden’s influence. Despite his physical limitations, Lanny held Jayden in high regard.


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    Indeed, Lanny’s keen observation had not failed him. Even after a year in a wheelchair, Jayden’s eyes retained their sharpness. They spoke of authority; Jayden’s gaze was perpetually astute and upromising.


    After some consideration, Glenda proposed, “Should we appeal to Elyse directly? Perhaps she could quell the online storm and facilitate Mabel’s entry into the entertainment industry after a suitable interval. We are, after all, family.”


    Lanny scoffed, “I doubt family holds much sway now. Jayden likely sees us differently.” Glenda retorted cheekily, “Jayden’s marriage to Elyse makes us family. How can there be ill will within a family?”


    “Our priority should be self-preservation. Your notion of reinstating Mabel into showbiz is ill-advised. Once this ordeal concludes, we should get Mabel married and be relieved of such burdens,” Lanny insisted.


    Glenda’s tone grew somber. “You know her defiance. Marriage is not a notion she’ll entertain willingly. Even in dire straits, you remain her defender. Encourage her to apologize earnestly and persuade Jayden to grant us clemency. Otherwise, we all face dire consequences.”


    With a steely re, Lanny’s fist made contact with Glenda’s head, leaving her reeling. As Glenda sank to the ground and covered her head in agony, Lanny spat on her. In Lanny’s view, Glenda and Mabel were troublemakers, yet abandoning them was not an option. Reluctantly, he helped Glenda to her feet, resolving to apany her and Mabel in seeking reconciliation with Jayden.


    When Mabel was informed of the need to apologize to Elyse, she locked herself in her room, dering defiantly, “Not even if the heavens themselves demand it! I refuse to bend to Elyse’s whims.” Lanny pounded urgently on the door of her room. “Pleasee out swiftly. You’ve found yourself in a difficult situation, and it’s time to make amends.”


    Mabel’s voice pierced through the door,den with defiance. “Mom promised to go in my stead. If you persist, I swear I’ll jump from this window.”


    rmed by the prospect of Mabel’s drastic action, Glenda intervened, halting Lanny’s insistence. “Let her be. If she’s unwilling, Elyse will understand considering our familial bond.”


    Lanny’s frustration ignited, his gaze aze with anger. “Let her jump if she dares. A fall from the third floor won’t im her life. If she chooses to jump, then perhaps Jayden will forgive us.”


    Their dwelling, a modest house spanning three floors and an attic, housed Mabel’s quarters on the uppermost level, affording her a panoramic vista.


    Mabel’sughter, tinged with fury, echoed from within. “So be it. I see now your true intentions. You’d rather see me perish than face Jayden’s ire.”


    Lanny’s retort came sharp and unyielding. “Then jump, and perhaps peace will be restored. If my demise is your desire, then I shall oblige.”


    With those words, Mabel fell into an ominous silence. Trembling, Glenda dared to inquire, “Honey, has she truly jumped?”


    Though a pang of guilt gnawed at him, Lanny maintained his facade of resolve. “Let her. Jump if she wants. I shall inform Jayden of the oue. If any harm befalls our daughter, you shall answer for it.” Glenda gave Lanny a firm push before hastening downstairs to the first floor.


    Barefoot and heedless, she raced to the garden’s edge. There she beheld Mabel lying still on the ground, her eyes sealed shut. A harrowing cry escaped Glenda’s lips, piercing through the air. “Honey,e over quickly. She… she jumped off the building.”


    As Elyse sat peacefully sipping her tea in the garden, her phone rang, interrupting the tranquility. Confusion clouded her voice as she answered Jayden’s call. “What’s the matter?”


    “Glenda will call you soon. She’ll tell you that Mabel jumped off the building and ask you toe to the hospital. Wait for half an hour after the call. I’ll meet you there,” Jayden’s voice rushed through the phone before he hung up.


    Elyse couldn’t shake off the bewilderment. Mabel, afraid of pain, jumping off a building? And how did Jayden know? Questions swirled in Elyse’s mind, but Jayden wasn’t reachable.


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