Chapter 103

Shortly after Jayden ushered Elyse into the car and they were on their way home, Elyse slumped in the back seat, her hands covering her face. Jayden assumed her low spirits stemmed from her reluctance to sleep with him. The thought filled him with dread.

"If you don't want me to touch you, I won't," he said as steadily as he could.

"It's not that," Elyse said, sounding confused and exasperated. "I just have one question. Your legs. How—"

A muffled sound, like someone choking on air, came from the front. The driver, likely shocked by her question, quickly raised the partition. He clearly knew when to disappear and had no desire to lose his job.

Jayden's face darkened. He leaned over, grabbed her chin, and forced her to look at him. "If you really want to know, I'll be more than happy to show you once we're home."

Realizing her indiscretion, Elyse pulled away, hanging her head. "Never mind. I'm not curious anymore."

The rest of the drive was silent. Upon arriving home, they were greeted by a cheerful Driscoll, beaming and practically bouncing on his feet.

Elyse still needed to go to the studio, so she went straight to her room to shower and change. Jayden also planned to shower, but Driscoll stopped him before he reached the stairs.

"Excuse me," Driscoll said, his voice jovial. "There are several empty rooms on the third floor. Should we make the largest one a nursery? And that small open space in the garden—should we turn it into a playground?"

Jayden frowned. "Why would we need those things?"

"For your and Elyse's baby, of course," Driscoll replied cheerfully.

Jayden opened his mouth to rebuke the butler, but then remembered he hadn't used protection the previous night. His expression changed. What were the chances of pregnancy after unprotected sex?

Driscoll seemed to anticipate his thoughts. Patting his shoulder, the butler said, "Sometimes, once is all it takes."

Jayden's face darkened again. "If I may say so, it brings me great joy to see you happily settled down, and now, perhaps, expecting the fruit of your love."

Jayden remained silent. Driscoll's earnestness was excessive. They weren't in love; at best, infatuated.

"Let's discuss this later," Jayden said, wanting to avoid the topic. He maneuvered his wheelchair upstairs. Driscoll, noticing the embarrassment on Jayden's face, smiled wider.

After a quick shower, Elyse left the villa and met the orchestra members. Everyone was gathered, chatting and preparing for rehearsal. No one seemed to have noticed her absence the previous day.

Elyse joined the conversation seamlessly. Wanda then approached. "There will be a performance at the TV station. Those wishing to participate can sign up. There will be a surprise at the event."

Rebekah immediately raised her hand. "Count me in, Ms. Hopkins."

"Okay," Wanda nodded. "Anyone else should come to my office later. I need to make a list."

After Wanda left, Rebekah approached Elyse. "Are you going to sign up?"

Elyse, knowing Rebekah had drugged her, gave no indication. "I don't know yet. The second round of selections is soon, and there might be a scheduling conflict."

"Then you'd better not join," Rebekah said, her pleasure evident.

Elyse subtly retaliated. "Have you even qualified for the second round? You should practice more, or you might embarrass yourself."

This struck a nerve. "You think you're so good," Rebekah sneered. "Why don't you try to beat Vicky? She's the most promising candidate for this tour."

Her voice was loud enough that Vicky Aston turned. Elyse met her inquiring gaze.

"Sorry," Vicky said with a smile, "but I'm not really that popular. And I'm sure there are many violinists here better than me."

"You're too modest, Vicky," Rebekah exclaimed. "My friend here is actually eyeing the concertmaster position. She believes she's better than you."

Elyse's expression turned cold. "I am not your friend, Rebekah."

"It doesn't matter," Vicky said with a nonchalant wave. "I'm sure we all want to be concertmaster. Having goals is great, but one must avoid conceit."

... ... ...