Chapter 468:

Corrie quickly left the garden, went to the parking lot, and approached her Ferrari. She skillfully opened the door and slid inside.

Sitting in the driver's seat, she didn't immediately leave. Instead, she retrieved a box of cigarettes from her Hermès purse. Holding a slim cigarette, she inhaled deeply, letting the smoke fill her mouth before exhaling a gray cloud.

Staring blankly into the distance, she fell into thought. The name Louis hadn't crossed her mind in a long time. Hearing it just moments ago had made her heart skip a beat—something that hadn't happened in ages. Louis had died because of Jayden. In a car accident a year ago, Louis had been beside him.

Pressing her hand to her racing heart, Corrie murmured, "You deserved to die, didn't you? Only you perished in that crash. I thought Jayden would be crippled, living a miserable life. But Jayden turned out fine."

She added bitterly, "Louis, you were foolish. No wonder you were the only one who died in that accident."

After a long pause, Corrie chuckled. "But who would have thought Jayden cared about your death? He's truly heartless."

Peyton might see Jayden as kind and conscientious, but Corrie knew better. In her opinion, Jayden was an unruly lunatic.

With a sigh, she said, "Jayden is a madman. I can't believe Elyse loves him so much. They're both abnormal."

Corrie flicked the ash from her cigarette out the window, suddenly thinking of Elyse. Why had Elyse visited the Obstetrics and Gynecology department? Was she pregnant?

Corrie's face grew serious as she considered this. Then, with a burst of laughter, she said, "Don't blame me, Elyse. Jayden hurt me first. My only way to fight back is through you."

With a sly smile, she discarded the cigarette and sped from the parking lot.

Meanwhile, Elyse returned to her studio after Pearce left. Irving approached with a box of cookies, saying, "These are chocolate cookies from a friend. Are you hungry? Would you like some?"

Elyse caught the scent of chocolate and felt nauseous again. She suppressed it and replied, "No, thank you. I ate outside."

Irving casually placed the box on the table. "I'll leave them here. Eat them if you get hungry."

She nodded, grabbed her violin, and hurried from the studio. She focused on her practice. As long as there were no strong smells, she could avoid nausea and play normally.

After two hours of practice, it was lunchtime. Gavin and the others invited Elyse to join them.

Without hesitation, she declined. "No, thank you. A friend is coming over. I'll eat with her."

Gavin accepted her excuse without question. "Alright, enjoy your meal. We're leaving now."

Elyse waved goodbye, then sighed and returned to the studio. She had no friend joining her for lunch. Alone, she ate her bland porridge.

After slowly finishing her meal, she cleaned her bowl and spoon, then went back to the studio garden to resume her violin practice.

An hour later, Fiona returned with a small cake. Approaching Elyse warmly, she said, "Elyse, let's share this cake. Gavin and Irving don't like it, so I thought of you."

Elyse didn't notice her at first. By the time she did, Fiona was beside her. The smell of the cake made her dizzy, and she retched.

Alarmed, Fiona asked, "Are you alright?"

Elyse crouched, covering her chest as she dry-heaved, but nothing came up.

Fiona's eyes widened in realization. "Elyse, are you pregnant?"

Elyse froze, forcing a smile. "No, you're wrong." ... ... ...