Chapter 122

Jayden raised an eyebrow and calmly asked, "Didn't you threaten to sever our ties to force me to return?"

Tess swallowed hard, looking down at her feet. She had, indeed, threatened to cut ties to force Jayden's return. However, she felt entitled to use such tactics as his mother. But, she added silently, he was not entitled to do the same to her.

Looking up at Elyse, Tess unleashed her anger. "This is all your fault," she spat. "You're a devil-sent woman, creating a rift between my son and me under the guise of being his daughter-in-law. He should never have gotten involved with you. You're a scourge! I won't—"

"Enough!" Jayden thundered, pointing an accusing finger at his mother. "If you insult her again, I will sever all ties with you immediately. Surely you won't care about losing me, your 'useless son.'"

Andrew, who had remained silent, cleared his throat. Seeing Jayden's anger, he said, "Calm down, Jayden. I'm sure your mother doesn't mean it. She's just upset. We can all attest to Elyse being an admirable daughter-in-law."

Jayden scoffed, unwilling to continue the conversation. Taking Elyse's hand, he turned and stormed out.

Back in the car, Elyse turned to Jayden. "I can't believe your parents treated you like that," she said softly.

Jayden shrugged. "They care more about money than family," he replied. Turning to Elyse, he added, "Seeing how shameless and self-centered my family is...must make you regret marrying me, right?"

Stunned, Elyse looked away, whispering, "Why on earth would I regret marrying you?"

Jayden raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to hear her. "Would you care to elaborate?" he asked.

Elyse met his gaze, her heart pounding. Moving closer, she kissed him. Jayden looked surprised. As Elyse blushed, he asked, "Am I supposed to kiss you back?"

Elyse opened her mouth to say no, but Jayden pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

The driver, seeing this in the rearview mirror, discreetly activated a partition, shielding the back seats from view.

Meanwhile, Kieran, pipe in hand, watered the garden. His butler approached, whispering, "Joanna's mother is more stubborn than we expected. She called, demanding we return the body."

Kieran shrugged casually. "If she wants it, she can pay. I won't spend a dime. Joanna committed suicide after failing her task. Because of her, the Foster-Owen cooperation is ruined. Even without blame, they demand I pay?"

The butler bowed slightly. "I'll convey your message."

Kieran nodded, resuming his gardening. Moments later, he saw his sister, Judy Foster, sipping tea.

Smiling, he approached. "The cake must be delicious," he said softly.

Judy sighed, swinging her legs, her red suede shoes gleaming. "Joanna is gone, Kieran. How will we salvage the Owen family cooperation?"

Frowning, Kieran sat down. "Dad and I discussed it with Enzo, but he insists the only solution is for someone to marry Jayden."

Judy raised an eyebrow. "Why Jayden? Isn't there anyone else?"

Kieran shrugged. "That's what baffles me. I asked Enzo, but he didn't answer." He studied Judy. "When did you become interested in this?"

Judy set down her teacup, ambition in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she said slowly, "Let me marry Jayden."

Stunned, Kieran asked, "Why? He's a loser, unworthy of you. Besides, Dad's choosing someone else." Remembering Judy's past feelings for Jayden, he frowned. "Don't tell me you're still in love with him. He's completely unsuitable now."

Judy rolled her eyes, her love for Jayden unwavering. This, she believed, was her best chance, given his current situation.

Smiling softly, she said, "I warned you about Joanna marrying Jayden, but you didn't listen. She was hesitant. If I had married him, the Foster family would be much better off."

Kieran hesitated, then shook his head firmly. "I can't agree. Jayden doesn't deserve you. Stop this."