?<strong>Chapter 474:</strong>


    Elyse drifted off to sleep, her heart heavy from her conversation with Driscoll.


    In the dead of night, the bedroom door creaked open, and a silent silhouette, Jayden in ck pajamas, padded barefoot to her bedside. Moonlight bathed Elyse’s face in a soft glow as Jayden stood vigil, a lonely guardian in the darkness. He reached out, his fingers tracing the faint marks on her neck, a silent question lingering in the air.


    “Did I scare you?”


    His voice was a mere whisper, unanswered by the sleeping Elyse. With a sigh, Jayden slipped beneath the covers, careful not to disturb her. There was a distance between them now. It wasn’t theforting closeness of nights past, but at least she was there. He closed his eyes, the weight of unspoken emotions settling on him as sleep finally imed him.


    Across town, at the Royal Hotel, a different scene yed out. Brook thrust deeply into Jennie on the plush bed, their movements fueled by raw passion. Jennie’s moans filled the air, a siren song that sent Brook’s blood surging. He was determined to leave this enchanting woman breathless. Her moans became urgent, urging him on.


    Suddenly, the door splintered open with a crash, shattering the mood. Startled, Brook stumbled back, Jennie clinging to him in a flurry of shock. Brook tossed a nket over them, his anger ring at the interruption.


    “Well, well, well,” Corrie drawled, a smirk ying on her lips. “Seems I’ve interrupted something delightful.”


    Brook’s eyes narrowed. “Corrie, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”


    Jennie, sensing an opportunity, purred, “Hey there, shouldn’t you knock before barging in? Brook and I were rather busy.” She leaned in, nting a kiss on his cheek.


    Corrie rolled her eyes, her amusement barely contained. “Spare me the theatrics, Jennie. I may not be ady, but I’m certainly not a fool.”


    Her gaze shifted to Brook, her voiceced with steel. “Get dressed. We’re leaving. Now.”


    “Why should he? He promised to spend the night.” Jennie bristled.


    Brook’s jaw clenched. “Corrie, can’t you be sensible? Why upset Jennie?” He threw her a pointed look. “And for your information, I’m not your husband yet.”


    Corrie crossed her arms, looking at him coldly, clearly not taking his warning seriously.


    Brook, seeing this, angrily threatened, “Are you out of your mind? Do my words mean nothing to you? Does the Bates family not want assistance from the Owen family anymore?”


    Corrie, unfazed, crossed her arms. “Threats, Brook? How very bing.”


    “Old tactics can be effective,” he countered, his jaw clenched. “Apologize to Jennie, or my family’s support for yours dries up.”


    Corrie’s smile was devoid of warmth. “Fine. Cut it off. My family doesn’t need your charity anymore.”


    Brook’s face contorted in disbelief. “What do you mean?”


    A sly smile spread across Corrie’s face. “Let’s just say my family has secured a direct line to the Owen resources. No middleman necessary.”


    Her smile widened into a malicious grin. “You no longer have leverage, Brook.”


    A harshugh escaped her lips before she turned her icy gaze on Jennie. “Now, let’s deal with this arrogant slut.”


    Before Corrie could unleash her fury, Brook instinctively stepped in, shielding Jennie, and taking the brunt of her attack. He had taken numerous ps for Jennie.


    The next morning, Brook, nursing bruised cheeks and a throbbing head, called in sick. Elyse woke up to an empty bed. A flicker of emotion crossed her face before it was quickly reced by a mask of indifference. He didn’t want to share a bed? Fine. They wouldn’t share one again.


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