?<strong>Chapter 550:</strong>


    Jayden shrugged casually before replying, “I’ve been ying weak for a year now, yet the culprit hasn’t shown up again.”


    Brook nodded and asked, “So, you’ve decided to drop the act? Is the culprit making aeback after a year?”


    Jayden replied nonchntly, “Sort of.”


    “Any idea who’s behind it?” Brook inquired, lifting his teacup for a sip.


    Jayden fell silent for a moment, reaching for the water ss on the table and taking a sip.


    Elyse nced at him. She had learned about his reason for pretending to be disabled, but she didn’t really know why the culprit would try to hurt Jayden. Jayden’s silence dissuaded her from broaching the subject.


    “Someone familiar?” Brook inferred from Jayden’s silence.


    After a brief pause, he ventured further, “Perhaps a rival?”


    Jayden’s brows furrowed, his tone curt as he countered, “Why the sudden interest? Remember, you’re still tied to the Owens, unlike me.”


    Brook nodded and said, “True, you’ve severed ties, but the message I received was not to establish any cooperation with you, not to cut off all ties.”


    Jayden sneered at him. “Knowing won’t serve you any purpose.”


    Purpose? Brook mulled over Jayden’s words, a thought gradually taking shape in his mind. Could it be what he suspected?


    “It was Grandpa Enzo,” Jayden stated tly, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Brook. “He operated covertly and knew me better than anyone. I spent a year trying to figure out who it was. Only recently, after another attack, did I start piecing together the clues.”


    After a tense silence, Brook admonished in a hushed tone, “Don’t speak so recklessly. Do you even know what you’re talking about?”


    Elyse stole a nce at Jayden, who remained tight-lipped. After a moment’s reflection, she spoke softly, “It’s true. We were attacked by him a few days ago. I almost had a miscarriage, and Jayden was injured.”


    Brook fixed Jayden with a scrutinizing stare, then hesitated before posing the question, “Are you certain it’s him?”


    Jayden maintained his silence, knowing that it was futile to exin further. Those who wanted to believe him would do so without any persuasion.


    Observing Jayden’s silence, Elyse interjected, “It’s weird that you’re showing your concern for Jayden. If it were in the past, you’d be gloating, but today, you seem much calmer.”


    Brook nced at Elyse before responding, “Because I’ve got some problems of my own that need solving.”


    “Is it because of Corrie?” Jayden asked abruptly.


    Brook was surprised as he nodded in acknowledgment. “How did you know?”


    “She sold my secret to Grandpa. How could I not know?” Jayden’s tone wasced with a bitter edge.


    The revtion seemed to strike a nerve with Brook, and he unleashed a tirade about Corrie’s recent arrogance. Jayden hadn’t expected him to unload on them like this. Even as the meal was served, Brook showed no signs of stopping.


    Exchanging a wordless nce, Jayden and Elyse opted to remain silent, focusing on their food while lending an ear to Brook’s grievances.


    After a long rant, Brook confided, “I’m tempted to rebel.”


    Elyse felt a chill run down her spine at Brook’s statement.


    For someone who had always sucked up to Enzo, his newfound rebellious spirit was nothing short of shocking.


    Jayden, too, was taken aback by this sudden confession. Disregarding their shocked faces, Brook pressed on, “Being forced into a marriage with someone like Corrie, I’d rather cut all ties with the Owens and be done with it.”


    Elyse, incredulous, voiced her disbelief. “You’re seriously considering cutting ties with the Owen n over this?”


    Brook collected himself, adopting a stern tone. “Don’t jump to conclusions. I’m merely contemting it. I wouldn’t jeopardize my future for such a reason.”


    “That’s a relief to hear. I was worried you were impulsively following Jayden’s lead.” Elyse’s words carried both concern and a hint of skepticism.


    The thought of him cutting ties with the Owen n alongside Jayden only added to their concerns.


    Brook seemed on the verge of saying something but held his tongue.


    Raising his ss, he suggested, “Let’s focus on the present. A toast to Jayden’s newfound freedom. Thank God you’re no longer in my way.”


    Jayden chuckled softly, swiftly pouring himself a generous serving of wine. “You really think I’d sit around patiently waiting?”


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