Chapter 1283:

On the other end, Peyton sighed deeply. “An hour ago, I got a call from home. There’s been trouble with my clan.”

Chewing on his cigar, Jayden asked coldly, “Wasn’t it just the usual family power struggles? What went wrong this time?”

Peyton’s voice carried a note of helplessness. “There’s been some malicious sabotage. Someone crippled the hand of one of our top surgeons.”

Jayden’s expression shifted, shock evident in his voice. “Who would go to such extreme lengths within their own clan?”

Peyton sighed again, the weight of the situation apparent. “It doesn’t matter who did it. The main issue is that this person needs to be jailed, and the injured party can no longer take over the hospital.”

Jayden chuckled, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Isn’t that convenient for you? You secure the hospital director position without lifting a finger. If I were you, I’d be celebrating.”

Peyton’s voice carried a hint of confusion. “But they’ve crippled his hand. The damage is severe; he’ll never perform surgery again.”

Realization dawned on Jayden. Peyton wasn’t thinking about personal gain—he was mourning the loss of a skilled doctor. Flicking ash from his cigar, Jayden responded, “So, you’re telling me this because you need my help?”

After a brief silence, Peyton admitted, “The city where I’m vacationing has erupted in conflict, and flights have been canceled. I can’t find a way back home. Can you sort this out for me?”

Jayden clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “I knew it. You never call unless there’s a problem.”

Frustration tinged Peyton’s voice. “I’m not to blame. The real problem lies with this country. Why can’t they focus on progress instead of tearing each other apart? War is terrifying.”

Jayden exhaled a long breath. “Alright, I’ll handle it as quickly as I can. With the war going on, you’d better hurry back home. And don’t you dare die out there,” he added with a dry edge to his tone. “Because if you do, I’ll be the one to come and collect your body.”

Peyton sighed, the weariness evident. “I went through all this trouble to have a vacation abroad, and I barely got to enjoy it. Now I have to head back and deal with this disaster.”

Jayden’s reply was casual, almost teasing. “Looks like I’m cleaning up your mess as well.”

Peyton chuckled, then shifted the conversation to a lighter topic. “How are things going with Elyse? Have you two been able to communicate effectively?” Peyton asked, his tone curious.

Jayden nodded slightly before replying, “Yes, I’ve actually taken some initiative this time.”

“And? Any progress?” Peyton sounded genuinely interested.

Reflecting on Elyse’s recent actions, Jayden couldn’t help but smile, his mood visibly brightening. “Definitely. She made the first move and kissed me.”

“She initiated the kiss, huh?” Peyton’s voice carried a playful edge.