?<strong>Chapter 1444:</strong>


    Peyton, clearly annoyed, shot back, “What? He’s too busy, but I’m not? I’m the deputy director at the hospital now. My te is overflowing.”


    Jayden couldn’t resist a tease. “Still the deputy? Hasn’t your dad handed over the reins yet?”


    “Not yet. He’s still relishing the role,” Peyton admitted, then sighedfortably. “You know, it’s a cushy life—sess and wealth just seem tond in myp.”


    Jayden let Peyton boast for a bit but soon grew tired of it and quickly found a way to end the call.


    As he was about to dive back into work, his phone rang again. This time it was Brook. Jayden’s eyebrows raised in mild surprise as he answered.


    Brook’s voice sounded worn out as he said, “I need a favor, Jayden. It’s urgent.”


    Jayden raised an eyebrow. “This is a first. What’s up?”


    “It’s about Jennie Walsh,” Brook hesitated.


    Jennie? That rang a bell.


    Jayden recalled and confirmed, “Your ex-girlfriend, right? I remember her.”


    With a strain in his voice, Brook revealed, “She’s missing. Can you help me track her down?”


    Elyse opened her eyes to the dim glow of thete afternoon, her mind foggy from the remnants of sleep. She shuffled out of bed, craving water, and noticed two sses resting on the table. Confused, she asked, “Who stopped by? Was it a client?”


    “Someone I didn’t n to meet,” Jayden said, his fingers flying across the screen of his phone. He stayed engrossed in texting for a while before he finally ced the device aside.


    When he looked up, he saw her staring nkly at the wall. “I still have some work to finish. Once I’m done, I’ll take you out for dinner.”


    Elyse offered a small, awkward smile. “Alright. I could really use a ss of red wine.”


    Jayden chuckled and said, “Feeling a bit parched, huh? Alright, red wine it is.” Without missing a beat, he returned to his task.


    Elyse spent the time catching up with Chloe about her new job. After they wrapped up, she let out a weary sigh. The stress of her demanding job was beginning to take a toll on her. When Jayden finally stood up, he dered, “Let’s eat.”


    Elyse grabbed her purse and followed him out of the office. They ended up choosing a restaurant near the mall.


    As Elyse settled into her seat, her attention was drawn to Thea sitting across the room with a man whose hair was dyed a striking shade of blue.


    Thea looked effortlessly morous in a trendy dress, a designer handbag draped elegantly over one shoulder. In contrast, herpanion was a total mismatch, decked out in full leather and chewing gum loudly, his rugged aura practically dominating the space.


    Elyse’s brows furrowed as she continued to watch Thea.


    Jayden, noticing her expression, asked, “Do you not like this spot?”


    Elyse shook her head and replied, “No, it’s Thea Benson. She’s right over there.”


    Jayden followed her gaze, his eyes immediately catching on the man’s vividly blue hair. After giving the duo a quick look, he remarked, “That’s your cousin, isn’t it? She has… unique taste in men.”


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