?<strong>Chapter 381:</strong>


    The weight of Elyse’s critical condition in the operating room pressed down on Peyton. His voice wasced with urgency as he dered, “We need to identify the cause of her heart failure immediately. Treatment hinges on a diagnosis.” Jayden’s face clouded over, a grim silence speaking volumes. He wasn’t a researcher, and the perpetrator had fled. He’d done all he could; now all he could do was wait. Exhaustion etched lines on Peyton’s face as he rubbed his temples. Rescuing his friend’s wife had heightened his cautious nature; he couldn’t afford a single misstep.


    “I’ve filled you in on the situation,” Peyton said firmly. “I need to get back. The moment the analysis is done, contact me at once.” Jayden offered a curt nod, his expression resolute. Meanwhile, Gavin received a call from Irving. Realizing it waste and they hadn’t returned home, Irving called to check on the situation. “Excuse me,” Gavin mumbled, stepping away to update Irving on the tense situation.


    Alone by the operating room doors, Jayden’s fingers clenched and unclenched in a silent disy of turmoil. Though his face remained a mask ofposure, his bodynguage betrayed the tempest within. Regret gnawed at his gut. He berated himself for failing to act sooner against Kaelyn, for letting the opportunity to stop her and prevent this tragedy slip through his fingers. If only he’d dealt with her from the beginning, Elyse wouldn’t be fighting for her life. The more Jayden dwelled on it, the more his anger simmered, a primal urge to strangle Kaelyn with his bare hands.


    At dawn, Jayden received the analysis report. Relief washed over him as he handed it to Peyton. Peyton reviewed the findings and swiftly administered the necessary medication. Slowly, Elyse’s erratic heartbeat steadied. Emerging from the operating room after a grueling night, Peyton’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice raspy. “If her heart stays stable for the next 24 hours, we can move her out of intensive care.” Gratitude welled in Jayden’s chest. “Thank you,” he rasped. “Get some rest.”


    With a tired nod, Peyton retreated. Almost immediately, Jayden’s phone buzzed with a call from Tobin. Tobin had located Kaelyn and asked about what to do next. A steely glint hardened Jayden’s eyes. His reply was swift and brutal. “Eliminate her.” Tobin shivered at the coldness in Jayden’s voice. Ending the call, he faced Kaelyn, his gaze filled with loathing. “I’m truly sorry,” he said, his voice heavy. “But I can’t help you.”


    Kaelyn’s face contorted in confusion. How could Jayden, the man she thought was an useless cripple,mand such great influence? “You can kill me,” she spat, defiance flickering in her eyes, “but Elyse will die too!” The captured male staff, however, erupted in panicked pleas. “Murder is wrong! Please let us go home!” Ignoring their cries, Tobin turned back to Kaelyn, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’ll be disappointed. Mrs. Owen is alive and well. Now you face the consequences.”


    With a curt nod, Tobin signaled to two hulking figures who approached Kaelyn, des glinting in the harsh light. Terror drained the color from Kaelyn’s face. Despite her borate schemes, why did Elyse always seem to survive? Gritting her teeth, Kaelyn refused to ept her fate. Just then, the screech of tires shattered the tense silence. Theo’s car skidded to a halt, and he emerged, his eyes fixated on Kaelyn. Hope red in her eyes. “Theo! Save me!” she cried, desperation raw in her voice. “Help!”


    Theo’s gaze flickered to Tobin, a silent question hanging in the air. Tobin, aware of Theo’s past feelings for Elyse, felt a surge of dislike. “Are you obstructing justice, Mr. Ward?” Tobin challenged. Theo frowned. “Shouldn’t we at least understand the motive? What if there’s a misunderstanding?” Tobin shook his head curtly. “There’s no misunderstanding. Kaelyn is guilty of attempted murder. If you still care for Mrs. Owen, I suggest you step aside.”


    Kaelyn wept bitterly, imploring Theo. “Please believe me, Theo! I would never take anyone’s life! I’m truly innocent!” Theo’s expression darkened, weighing the sincerity of her words.


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