?<strong>Chapter 481:</strong>


    Jayden remained silent, simply opening the bottle and taking a long swig directly from it. Peyton and Clive exchanged dismayed nces. Jayden’s demeanor made it clear that something had gone awry between him and Elyse.


    Clive, too, indulged in a bottle of whiskey. With deliberate pace, he dropped two ice cubes into his ss and poured himself a measure of the whiskey. “What transpired between you and Elyse?” he inquired calmly.


    Peyton, relishing Jayden’s evident distress, interjected, “Seems like Elyse has kicked Jayden out. Otherwise, why else would he be seeking sce with us over a drink?”


    “Quite possibly. She refused toe back home,” Jayden said, downing the bottle in one go, his demeanor surprisingly collected.


    Clive was taken aback by Jayden’s unexpectedposure. “Where is she now? Are you simply allowing her to stay elsewhere?” he asked.


    “She’s holed up with Tracy at Shaun Kennedy’s ce,” Jayden revealed, popping open another bottle and pouring it into a ss. “She ims I don’tprehend her. But haven’t I provided for her needs and desires? Haven’t I understood her well enough?”


    Seeing Jayden’s emotional turmoil, Clive couldn’t help but feel surprised. It was the first time he had witnessed Jayden disy such vulnerability. Jayden, who had always beenposed, was now openly expressing his frustration.


    Clive asked gently, “Could it be that Elyse’s grievances aren’t material but rather emotional?”


    Peyton scoffed, “Haha, emotions? How could Jayden grasp that concept? This man has no feelings.” He then turned to Jayden, probing, “You’re wondering why Elyse is upset about something like this. Well, let me ask you this: Why did you opt to keep the genuine state of your legs concealed from Elyse?”


    Peyton had Jayden pinned. After a moment of silence, Jayden confessed, “It didn’t feel right to burden her with it. It’s too risky for her.”


    Shaking his head, Peyton countered, “It’s not about safety concerns; it’s about trust. You don’t trust Elyse. You doubt that the woman who married you truly loves you. You’ve never truly ced your trust in her. You’ve never considered her your family or friend.”


    “Stop talking nonsense,” Jayden retorted with a furrowed brow.


    Peyton’s words cut through the air with conviction. “I speak the truth, not folly. Within your household, save for Elyse, every servant holds knowledge of your secret. Why does she remain the lone soul you withhold it from?”


    Jaydenpsed into contemtive silence.


    As Peyton leaned casually against his wheelchair, he popped a can of c open, taking a satisfying gulp before continuing. “Elyse has inquired about you on more than one asion, yet you’ve chosen to keep her in the dark. There seems no exnation other than ack of trust.”


    Jayden deliberated for an extended moment before speaking slowly. “It’s not a matter of mistrust, but rather…” His thoughts became tangled, abyrinth he struggled to navigate. He realized he couldn’t articte his feelings sinctly. Yet his affection for Elyse was undeniable. He held her in high regard, to the extent that he was prepared to fulfill her every desire.


    Observing the anguish on Jayden’s face, Clive had a sudden revtion. “Jayden, do you trulyprehend the essence of love? Is it simply about satisfying material desires, or is there something deeper?”


    Peyton, impressed by Clive’s insight, patted him on the shoulder. “You’re quite astute. You’ve hit the mark.”


    A shadow crossed Jayden’s features. “I provide her with everything she desires. How dare you insinuate that Ick love for her?”


    Peyton countered swiftly, “But what of her soul, thoughts, and emotions?”


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