Chapter 17



ɢ𝓪𝓵𝓷𝓸vє𝓵𝓼.co𝓶 for more reading Jayden clenched his jaw and replied in a cold tone, “I came downstairs looking for you.” Elyse, too frightened to speak, lowered her head. Driscoll, misinterpreting the situation as playful banter, couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. “By the way, the Brooks family sent over an invitation just now. Xander Brooks is getting married and has invited you two to the wedding.”

“Xander Brooks,” Jayden repeated.

“Yes, the wedding is tomorrow,” Driscoll replied respectfully.

Elyse, puzzled, interjected, “He sent it the day before the wedding. Shouldn’t invitations be sent out half a month or a month in advance?”

Jayden’s response was icy. “It’s not surprising. Xander is a playboy and has never been serious about anyone. Maybe he got someone pregnant.”

Elyse’s mouth fell open in shock, but Jayden found her expression somewhat endearing.

Driscoll then asked, “Will you attend the wedding tomorrow, sir?”

“I’ve received the invitation so I must go,” Jayden said indifferently.

Driscoll looked concerned as he spoke. “But I remember that the relationship between his family and you isn’t good. They didn’t attend your wedding. They just sent a gift. Why do you feel the need to go?”

Jayden glanced at Elyse, his expression calm, and replied, “I have to go. If I don’t, how will they see how beautiful my wife is?”

Elyse caught his gaze and felt a wave of shyness wash over her, her cheeks warming noticeably.

“Let’s go. Don’t just sit around,” Jayden said. He moved over to her, took her hand, and they started towards the entrance.

Driscoll watched them leave, waving with a smile of satisfaction.

“Where are we going?” Elyse asked, puzzled.

“We’re going to a wedding tomorrow. As my wife, you need to look stunning or it’ll reflect poorly on me.”

“Is being your wife always this stressful?” Elyse asked.

Jayden gave her a lazy glance. “What? Having second thoughts?”

“No, I think I’m so fortunate to be your wife,” Elyse responded, shaking her head.

“How could any employee listen to me when I don’t even work there,” Jayden stated firmly.

Clenching her teeth in frustration, Tess found herself without a rebuttal.

Jayden glanced at a dejected Bryce and suggested, “If you’re concerned about Bryce, consider planning a future for him. I can’t help him.”

Bryce retorted loudly, “It’s clear you don’t want to help. You’re the one who told me to leave the company. You have no respect for me.”

“Why do you look down on him?” Tess interjected.

Jayden tilted his head, picked up the teapot, and poured a cup of tea for Elyse. His voice carried a note of indifference. “If Bryce truly had potential, Grandpa would have noticed it.”

Tess was at a loss for words. Indeed, Enzo had little faith in Bryce. When Jayden was healthy, Enzo frequently invited him to stay for dinner or to chat in the study. It was evident to everyone that Jayden was highly favored by Enzo. Bryce wasn’t accorded the same treatment. At Enzo’s birthday party, those young men were invited to the study for a discussion but not Bryce.

Tess’s face showed her frustration. She had two children and couldn’t understand why only Jayden was favored while Bryce was overlooked.

Casting a glance at the silent Elyse, a flicker of annoyance crossed Tess’s face. “You treat your wife better than your own brother.”

“Remember, he’s your family by blood,” Tess suddenly called out, prompting Elyse to sit up straight and anxiously look at Tess.

Jayden glanced unhappily at his mother and said, “Our family has never cared much about blood ties. You know that, Mom.” Tess’s face turned pale, and she was too angry to respond immediately. The Owen family’s motto was profit first; in the pursuit of profits, kinship meant little. Only money and power mattered. Everyone in the Owen family upheld this principle, Tess and Andrew included. Jayden gave a scornful laugh. “Tess only brought up blood ties now because it suited her needs. Such a great mother she was.”

“Enough. Bryce needs to establish himself in the company. As his brother, it’s your duty to help him. Bryce, starting today, you’re going to live with your brother and learn from him,” Tess declared, ignoring everything else. After saying this, she glanced at Jayden’s legs and added, “Your legs may be weak, but your mind is sharp.”

Elyse’s expression grew darker. How could Tess say such a thing about her son? Didn’t she realize how sensitive Jayden was about his legs? She was so furious that she felt compelled to stand up for Jayden. No matter how aggressive Tess was, she couldn’t bring herself to hurt her own son. But Jayden sensed what she was about to do and stopped her. He said with a hint of annoyance, “It’s fine. He can stay.”

Seeing Jayden’s agreement, Tess’s mood improved. She tilted her head up slightly, regaining her pride, and declared arrogantly, “Just guide your brother. The Owen Group will belong to us one day.” With that, she left, leaving Bryce, Jayden, and Elyse behind.

Elyse, with a mix of emotions crossing her face, finally turned to Driscoll and instructed, “Prepare a guest room for him.” Driscoll nodded respectfully and directed a servant to get the room ready.

Meanwhile, Bryce lounged on the sofa as if he owned the place, giving Jayden a disdainful look. “Like it or not, you have to help me. I’m the future of our family now,” Bryce declared.

Elyse was puzzled by how Bryce had been raised to look down on his own elder brother. She frowned and stood up, clearly unhappy. “You think this is your house? Why should he help you? If you’re the future of the family, prove it yourself.”

Bryce was taken aback by Elyse’s defense of Jayden. He snapped, “Bitch, you have no right to interfere in our conversation. This is my home, and I’ll speak if I want to,” Elyse retorted sharply.

A dark look crossed Bryce’s face. He resented Elyse; he blamed her for Joanna’s death. His voice low and cold, he declared, “You’ve never been and will never be my sister-in-law. I refuse to accept you.”

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