?<strong>Chapter 345:</strong>


    Elyse’s heart sank as she silently entered the ward, her expression tense. Jayden didn’t follow but stood back, watching Glenda with curiosity. He hadn’t expected her to be so persuasive. His gaze made Glenda feel uneasy, silencing her tears. She trembled and looked down, guilt etched on her face. After eyeing her for a moment, he asked, “Are you scared of me?”


    Glenda forced a smile, her tone ingratiating. “No, no. You’re my son-inw. Why would I be afraid of you?”


    Jayden nced at her knees. “So you’re still kneeling so people will think I’m disrespectful?”


    “No, that’s not what I meant,” she stammered, clutching the wall to stand. “I thought you were kneeling to pressure my wife into helping you,” Jayden said, a hint of mockery in his voice.


    Embarrassment washed over Glenda, and she was momentarily lost for words. But she refused to give up; she wanted Elyse to save Mabel. “I’ll go see Elyse,” she quickly slipped into the ward, smiling.


    Inside, Elyse exchanged a few words with the old woman. The woman tried to sit up, so Elyse propped her up and adjusted a pillow for her. As the old woman nced up, she noticed Glenda entering, her clouded eyes lighting up with recognition. She suddenly grew highly emotional and shouted at Glenda, “Why are you here? Are you trying to steal my Elyse?”


    Glenda locked eyes with her. Surprise flickered across Glenda’s face, but there was also a fierce, killing intent and fear. Her gaze hardened. “What are you doing here?”


    Elyse noticed Glenda’s grim expression and was taken aback. “Mom, what was that look on your face?”


    Realizing she failed to mask her reaction, Glenda quickly changed her expression. But the old woman grew even more agitated. She pointed a trembling finger at Glenda, her voice rising angrily. “How can you recognize her as your mother? She isn’t your mother. She’s a thief and a killer. She’s the worst person in the world.”


    Elyse stood in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing. She felt frozen, unsure of what to do. Glenda’s heart raced as she listened, a cold fear washing over her. How could this madwoman, who had long been broken down by suffering, be speaking this way now?


    The panic and murderous intent in Glenda’s heart grew stronger, but she pretended to be distraught. “Elyse, who is she? Why would she say these things to you? You’re my daughter, I swear it.”


    “Bah! You shameless woman!” The old woman trembled, her eyes wide. She shouted, “You’re not her mother! You are not! Elyse has her own mother. That woman is definitely not you, you vicious woman!”


    The old woman was so agitated that tears filled her eyes. Gripping Elyse’s hand, she said in a trembling voice, “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I’ll protect you, Elyse. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”


    Elyse opened her mouth to respond, but the old woman suddenly clutched her chest and fainted.


    “Ma’am!” Elyse called out urgently and quickly rang the bell.


    The doctor and a nurse soon arrived. After a preliminary examination, they found the old woman’s heartbeat was weakening. She needed immediate resuscitation in the operating room.


    Hearing that the old woman would be resuscitated, Glenda let out a sigh of relief. She had feared the old woman might say something incriminating, which she wouldn’t be able to justify.


    As the old woman was wheeled away, Glenda quietly spat, hoping she’d pass away soon. Elyse, worried, followed the medical staff to the operating room.


    Not wanting Elyse to dwell on that woman, Glenda said, “Don’t be upset. She’s just a confused old woman. Don’t torture yourself over an outsider.”


    Elyse nced at her but said nothing. She pulled her hand away from Glenda’s grasp and quickly followed the doctors.


    It was the first time Elyse had treated Glenda like this, and it infuriated her. Glenda was about to lose her temper but then noticed Jayden’s gaze on her. Her heart began to race again, and she forced a smile. “Jayden, why are you looking at me?”


    Resting his chin on his hand, Jayden said, “The first time I met you and your husband, I couldn’t help but notice that Elyse doesn’t resemble either of you.”


    The smile nearly faded from Glenda’s face. “Don’t joke, Jayden. Elyse is my daughter.”


    Jayden said nothing more and gave Glenda a long look before heading to the operating room.


    Sensing trouble, Glenda quickly texted Lanny while following Jayden.


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