?Chapter 1728:


    Elyse sat there, jaw ck with amazement. After several heartbeats, she managed to ask, “So you’ll raise her child?”


    Shaun nodded, his expression resolute. “Though Lowell may be the biological father, I’ll dly raise this child as my own.”


    For the first time, Elyse realized how narrow her own perspective had been. Shaun had evolved quietly, growing into someone capable of being Tracy’s shelter against life’s tempests.


    “Please,” Shaun’s voice held a note of earnest pleading. “Help me speak with Tracy. Convince her to let go of revenge. I’ll take her away from all this, and we’ll raise her child together.”


    Elyse scratched her head, uncertainty clouding her features. “Well… I’ll try.”


    “Can you give me a definite answer?” Shaun pressed, his eyes searching her face.


    After a long moment of contemtion, she replied hesitantly, “What if Tracy refuses? I can’t force her hand in this.”


    Genuine surprise flickered across Shaun’s features. “Haven’t you noticed? She only truly listens to you now. She holds you in a kind of reverent fear—she’s not even this way with Jayden.”


    Elyse blinked in surprise. “I hadn’t noticed that she’s intimidated by me.”


    “Think back to herst encounter with you,” Shaun said, leaning forward slightly. “She fled the scene. While she imed it was because her n had failed and she didn’t want you interfering, I believe the truth is simpler—she was too frightened to face you and hear your words.”


    A smallugh escaped Elyse. “She ran so fast, I couldn’t even hope to catch her.”


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    “Indeed,” Shaun agreed, his voice tinged with gentle amusement. “She moved so quickly that she almost lost her baby. I ended up going out that night to fetch her medication.” The words ended in a soft sigh. His admission left Elyse momentarily at a loss for words.


    After gathering her thoughts, she spoke carefully. “I’ll try to speak with her. But when ites to the baby, we must honor whatever she decides.”


    Their conversation was interrupted by Driscoll’s hurried approach. “Tracy is awake,” he announced. “She’s having breakfast in the dining room.”


    The news galvanized Shaun into action—he rose from his seat, already turning toward the door.


    “Wait! Stop right there!” Elyse’smanding voice rang out. “You promised me you wouldn’t approach Tracy impulsively!”


    Shaun froze mid-step, cast a nce at Elyse, and gave a reluctant nod of acquiescence.


    With that settled, Elyse stood and followed Driscoll’s lead to the dining room.


    Inside, she found Tracy delicately sipping milk, taking small, measured drinks. Before hery a carefully curated breakfast, specially prepared by the chef with a pregnant woman’s needs in mind.


    Tracy’s gaze flickered nervously at Elyse’s entrance, her eyes darting away to avoid direct contact.


    Noting Tracy’s difort, Elyse settled into the chair beside her. “How’s the chef’s breakfast?” she asked, her voice gentle as morning sunlight. “Does it suit your taste?”


    Tracy gave a small nod before quickly shifting the conversation. “Why are you here?” she asked, her words carrying a hint of defensive wariness. “Is there something specific you want to discuss?”


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