?<strong>Chapter 335:</strong>


    Driscoll regarded Elyse with a contemtive gaze, pondering the inappropriateness of Jayden’s detached response, particrly in her presence, given that Lanny and Glenda were her parents.


    Elyse’s stoic demeanor, tinged with a hint of grimness, belied her inability to remain indifferent. Sensing her inner turmoil, Jayden probed, “Are you worried they might go through with it and feelpelled to intervene?”


    Elyse attempted to assert her indifference with a deep breath, but she couldn’t fool herself. Reluctantly, she admitted, “I can’t ignore their well-being. I’m sorry.”


    Driscoll nodded understandingly, acknowledging, “It’s understandable. They’re your parents, after all.”


    Jayden nonchntly shrugged, gently squeezing Elyse’s hand. “If you’re concerned, I’ll go with you,” he offered.


    Grateful for his support, Elyse replied, “Thank you for being here.”


    “Let’s not waste time,” Jayden urged, leading her towards the vi gate, their hands tightly sped.


    As they approached, the anguished cries of Lanny and Glenda pierced the air, echoing outside. Glenda’s distressed voice reverberated with urgency. Elyse furrowed her brow at the cacophony, grateful for the seclusion of the vi area. She couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of the chaos that would ensue if they were downtown, attracting a crowd of onlookers.


    Reaching the gate, she gestured to the security guard, prompting him to open it. Outside, clutching a bottle of pesticide, Lanny beseeched, “Elyse, please open the gate and allow us to see Mabel. We’re family. Please.” As Lanny’s plea rang out, he caught sight of Elyse approaching, her countenance a tumult of emotions, while Jayden looked stoical beside her.


    Avoiding Jayden’s gaze, Lanny addressed Elyse, “We understand that our actions have deeply wounded you, but you can’t punish your sister for our mistakes. If you’re angry with us, we can make amends.” Brandishing the pesticide bottle, he dered, “I’m prepared to drink this pesticide as a gesture of repentance.”


    Shocked by Lanny’s determination, Glenda embraced him, her tears flowing freely. “Lanny, what will I do without you? I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”


    Lanny’s expression reflected his resolve. “I have no other recourse. I must face the consequences of my actions. I’m ready to ept responsibility.”


    Overwhelmed with distress, Glenda directed her anguish towards Elyse. “Do you truly want to witness your father’s death? How can you be so heartless? We raised you, yet you show us no mercy.”


    With a steely gaze, Elyse recognized their attempt to manipte her emotions as unjust. They had only acknowledged her as their daughter when it suited their agenda. It seemed they always positioned themselves as righteous, casting her as the perpetual scapegoat med for every misfortune. She scrutinized Lanny, her tone measured. “Why do you fail to shed tears for your own sorrow? Is it because your grief isn’t genuine enough?”


    A fleeting flicker of embarrassment crossed Lanny’s features before heposed himself.


    In a fit of rage, Glenda eximed, “Elyse, how can you be so ruthless? Do you really want to reduce your father to tears? I’m warning you, release my daughter, or I’ll expose your actions online. There’s no escaping the consequences.”


    Lanny frantically attempted to silence Glenda, bewildered by her sudden outburst and unsure why she would make such harsh threats in front of Jayden.


    Frustrated, Glenda pushed his hand away, voicing her discontent. “I must speak my mind. Perhaps I shouldn’t have raised her at all.”


    Finding Glenda’s words ironic, Elyse tilted her head inquisitively. “Didn’t you abandon me long ago? Didn’t you choose Mabel over me? I thought you ended our mother-daughter rtionship. Do you still consider me your daughter?”


    Her pointed question left Glenda feeling embarrassed. She exchanged a nce with Lanny before reluctantly conceding. “Even though we didn’t rescue you back then, we’re still your parents.”


    Suppressing the urge tough bitterly, Elyse pondered their audacity. They had never considered the peril she faced in the hands of her abductors. Now they expected her to care for them. The hypocrisy was palpable. What kind of familial bond was this?


    Disgusted, she chose to withhold furthermentary, refusing to entertain their pleas.


    Sensing the tension, Jayden interjected with a hint of amusement. “So you simply wish to take Mabel home. That’s straightforward enough.”


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