?<strong>Chapter 666:</strong>


    Jayden’s expression grew stern. “I did it for her protection. You’re aware that Enzo keeps a close watch on both of us. What if she got hurt outside my care?”


    Peyton considered Jayden’s point; it made sense. Enzo’s reputation for brutality was well-known, and there were whispers that some within the Owen n disagreed with his leadership.


    With this in mind, Peyton inquired further, “Have you discussed these issues with Elyse?”


    Jayden replied disdainfully, “What’s the use? She doesn’t grasp these things. She’s safer at home, focusing on her violin.”


    Now Peyton understood the reasons behind Elyse’s decision to leave.


    He couldn’t resistmenting, “Don’t you think that’s a bit paternalistic, believing it’s all for Elyse’s good?”


    Jayden scoffed. “Am I not doing just that?”


    Peyton shot back, “Are you genuinely trying to protect Elyse from harm, or are you simply keeping her close enough to maintain control?”


    Jayden raised an eyebrow, questioning, “Is there a difference?”


    “There’s a significant difference!” Peyton replied, picking up a kebab and taking a bite. “It lies between liking someone and loving them. Do you understand the distinction between ‘like’ and ‘love’?”


    Jayden continued to drink, opting not to respond.


    Peyton chose not to delve deeper. He believed some lessons had to be felt and experienced personally to be understood. Perhaps Elyse had realized this and that’s why she had chosen to leave.


    Looking at Jayden, Peyton asked, “After Elyse left, did you search for her?”


    Jayden was silent for a moment before he reluctantly responded, “Yes, I did.”


    “Where is she now?” Peyton inquired, his tone filled with confusion.


    “I don’t know. I couldn’t find her,” Jayden confessed. “I tracked her as far as abroad, but there the trail went cold.” As he thought about this, his mood soured and his voice took on an irritable tone.


    After Peyton heard this, heughed heartily. “Maybe that clue from abroad was misleading. Weren’t you the one who said Pearce helped Elyse make her escape? Pearce Cambape. Elyse could very well be in Cambape.”


    After downing two more bottles, Jayden felt somewhat empty inside. He picked up his kebab and contemted. “Perhaps, but at this point, it hardly matters if I can’t locate her. She’s bound to attend that internationalpetition. Once she appears, there’s no way she’ll slip away from me again.”


    A smirk flickered across Peyton’s lips, tempered by concern. He knew with Jayden’s current mindset, Elyse would likely flee at their next meeting. When would Jayden grasp the true essence of love?


    Munching on the food, Peyton suggested, “Thinking like that shows you still care about Elyse. When you meet her, you need to apologize genuinely. Don’t cause her more pain.”


    Jayden sneered at the thought. “Apologize? For what? I’ve done nothing wrong. Elyse is the one who owes me an apology. She was the one pushing for a divorce, not me.”


    “It’s because she believes your rtionship is beyond repair,” Peyton exined, his toneced with resignation.


    “I’ve never noticed any issues between us. She’s just overreacting, bing too sensitive and convoluted. If shees crawling backter, I might just hesitate to take her back,” Jayden countered with a dismissive wave, brushing off Peyton’s advice.


    Peyton stared at him, baffled. What made Jayden so overly confident? It might just be Jayden who ended up with regrets.


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