Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

Chapter 174 Is He Trying To Starve Me

"In the future, someone might take my place. But now, I am your sister-in-law!" Elyse declared with a sneer, her tone casual.

Turning to Driscoll, she spoke with icy detachment. "Since he loathes me so, he'll dine in his own room. I'm certain he wouldn't care to share a meal with me."

Driscoll paused, his eyes shifting to Jayden.

Jayden responded, "Why are you looking at me? Elyse runs the house here."

Bryce's face contorted slightly, a mix of shock and dismay. "So, you're excluding me from the dinner table?"

Elyse, hands trembling, said, "Of all the family, you alone refuse to accept me. Naturally, I will accommodate your wishes."

Bryce glowered at Jayden, scoffing, "I had no intention of sharing a table with you, anyway!" He then stormed off upstairs, likely in search of his room.

Jayden looked over at Elyse, remarking, "Bryce is devoid of any redeeming qualities. He's a fool and wicked to boot. Don't fret over him. Our mother has indulged him for too long."

"Ican see that," Elyse replied, her face unreadable yet filled with silent jubilation over Jayden's supportive words.

'As usual, Jayden made his way to the study, his routine unchanged by Bryce's arrival. Elyse, meanwhile, carried her violin to the garden for her practice session. She was determined to

practice diligently, hoping to catch Cody's attention

As she was immersed in her practice, an empty plastic water bottle suddenly fell from above and struck her on the head.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed.

Rubbing her head in pain, she looked up to see Bryce walking away with a smug expression. It was clear he had done it intentionally.

Furious, Elyse grabbed the bottle and went in search of Bryce. He had retreated to his room and refused to come out.

Driscoll, hearing the commotion, approached to inquire about the incident. A glint of shrewdness appeared in his eyes as he reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll inform Mr. Owen about what occurred."

With the upcoming selection competition on her mind, Elyse decided to ignore Bryce's provocation. She turned and walked away.

Driscoll watched the door to Bryce's room, sighed, and then made his way to the study on the first floor.

Upon reaching the door, he knocked, entered, and found Jayden by the window, absorbed in reading a report.

Without looking up, Jayden inquired, "What's wrong?"

"Bryce intentionally hit Mrs. Owen with a water bottle. Should we really allow him to stay here?" Driscoll asked, puzzled.

"Il have him leave on his own accord in a few days," Jayden responded, still not looking up from his report. He then added, "Is she alright?"

"She is quite upset," Driscoll responded truthfully.

Jayden's voice took on a chillier edge. "Inform the chef not to prepare any meat for Bryce. He's gotten too heavy. A little weight loss won't hurt. If he refuses to eat, let him stay in his room and think over his actions. And if he dares to come out looking for food, make sure he < regrets it." "Yes, sin," Driscoll replied and exited the room with a respectful nod.

At dinner, as Elyse was seated at the table, she suddenly heard Bryce cursing, followed by the sounds of objects being violently smashed.

She frowned slightly, ready to rise and investigate, but Jayden stopped her. "Leave him be. He often loses control like this."

"But if anything happens to Bryce while he's here, your mother will blame you," Elyse said, concern lacing her voice.

Jayden pulled her back to her seat and offered her a piece of fish. "He's prone to smashing things when angry. You might as well get used to it."

This made Elyse think of her sister Mabel. "Mabel also likes smashing things to vent her anger."

Jayden patted her head gently. "They're both spoiled. It's best to just ignore them."

Elyse found wisdom in Jayden's words and continued eating

thoughtfully. Unbeknownst to her, Bryce's fury stemmed from finding only boiled cabbage on his plate-a deliberate move by the chef following Jayden's orders.

"What does Jayden think he's doing? Is he trying to starve me?" Bryce muttered, glaring at Driscoll with deep-seated hatred.

Driscoll spoke with respect. "There's been a misunderstanding. He hopes that you will lose some weight. After all, having a CEO who is overweight does not present well for the company's image." "Bullshit! Jayden just wants to starve me to death!" Bryce retorted. He attempted to rush out but was restrained by two bodyguards, his anger erupting into a scream.

"You need to spend the next few hours reflecting in your room," Driscoll instructed, giving a covert wink to the bodyguards. They caught on quickly and secured the door from the inside.

Bryce was left stunned. He tried to open the door, only to realize it was locked. He pounded on the door, yelling, "Jayden, is this how you treat me? Am I not your brother?"