?<strong>Chapter 362:</strong>


    Tears gathered in Glenda’s eyes as thoughts of her daughter Mabel overwhelmed her. “I heard she is struggling terribly. She seems to be in a deep depression. If we leave her to fend for herself, I fear the worst,” she confided.


    Lanny exhaled a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with helplessness. “I’m not sure if Jayden can forgive us. All we can do is wait until tomorrow.”


    Later, Glenda returned home, clutching two urns tightly against her chest. These urns, intimately tied to her daughter’s well-being, required her utmost care and protection. Unable to find sleep, consumed by worry and anticipation, Glenda spent the night awake. As the first light of dawn crept across the sky, she gently roused Lanny. Quickly freshening up, they made their way to Jayden’s, carrying the urns.


    Upon seeing the urns, Driscoll recognized their significance and promptly allowed Glenda and Lanny entry. Upon entering, Glenda clutched the two urns even closer, knowing they were her only leverage in the negotiations thaty ahead. Driscoll had offered to assist Glenda with the delicate items, but she declined, determined to maintain control over them herself.


    The couple didn’t have to wait long. Shortly after their arrival, Elyse and Jayden emerged from the elevator. Elyse’s eyes immediately caught sight of the two aged urns in Glenda’s arms, the surfaces marked by the passage of time. A visceral reaction surged through her, an instinctual desire to reach out for them. But Glenda, sensing her intent, quickly turned away, shielding the urns.


    “What is the meaning of this?” Elyse asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and concern.


    Facing Jayden, who appeared slightly sleepy, Glenda stated her intentions inly. “I want to make a deal with you,” she dered.


    Jayden leaned slightly, resting his chin on the back of his hand. His question carried a casual air. “Think you’ve got enough bargaining power to swing a deal with me?”


    Glenda’s response was immediate and dramatic. She lifted the urns slightly, her voice steady. “These are my bargaining chips.” She then raised them higher, her movements brash as she feigned an intent to smash them on the floor. “If you don’t agree to my request—”


    “No! Don’t!” Elyse screamed, panic flooding her voice as she witnessed the potential destruction of something so precious.


    Jayden’s reaction was a mixture of mockery and contempt, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. “Alright, then,y it on me. What’s your price?”


    Glenda’s voice cracked with urgency. “Get my daughter out of the police station. That’s my demand.”


    Jayden’s eyes flicked to Elyse, noting her distressed state, then back to Glenda, nodding slowly. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do, but only once the trial is over. That’s when I can step in.”


    Glenda, unyielding, snapped back. “That’s not soon enough! I need her out today. No dys.”


    Jayden shook his head dismissively. “I can’t do it. Go ahead, smash them if you will.”


    Glenda was taken aback. Could he only get Mabel out after the trial? In her shock, her grip faltered, and the urns nearly slipped from her hands. Luckily, Lanny reacted swiftly, catching them just before they hit the floor.


    “Don’t you dare,” Lanny admonished her quietly, his brow furrowed in disapproval. “You really think it’s that easy?”


    Regaining herposure, Glenda clutched the urns close to her chest, her panic subsiding as she realized she had almost lost her only leverage.


    Jayden, unfazed by the near catastrophe, turned to Driscoll. “Bring the urns to me,” he instructed calmly.


    Driscoll approached Glenda carefully, his actions deliberate to avoid any sudden moves that might prompt her to attempt another dramatic gesture. He took the urns from her and walked a safe distance away, ensuring they were out of harm’s reach.


    “Thank you for your help, Mr. Owen,” Lanny said, managing a strained smile.


    Jayden responded without warmth. “You can go now. I will arrange for you to see Mabel after the trial is over.”


    Lanny’s relief was palpable, and he bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude. “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Owen.”


    Before departing, Lanny paused and turned to Elyse, a hint of sheepishness in his demeanor. “Elyse, I’ve been your father for so many years. I know I’ve wronged you. But I hope we can still be family, and you can call me uncle.”


    Elyse, her face shadowed and unreadable, remained silent. Lanny’s request wasn’t just about family ties; it was a clear attempt to maintain some connection to the influential Owen family.


    After Lanny and Glenda left, Jayden’s gaze lingered on the still and silent Elyse. Sensing the need for support, he gave Driscoll a meaningful look. Driscoll immediately understood and approached Elyse, carrying the urns with a solemn reverence.


    As he stood beside her, the weight of what he held and the moment’s gravity filled him with a somber silence. He had intended to offer words offort, yet found himself speechless.


    Together, they stood in silence, a shared mourning for what Elyse had lost. Finally, Elyse broke the quiet, her voice barely above a whisper. “These are my biological parents.”


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