"Devin." Theodore raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment, and politely invited him into the room.

Seeing Devin Mason sparked a glimmer of hope in Zayden's eyes.

After all, Devin was Aldus's butler, deeply loyal to Aldus, and Theodore would at least show him some regard.

Theodore knew that Devin had come here because of Zayden, but he decided to play dumb.

"Why did you come all the way to Eleymond, Devin?"

Devin smiled, without looking Zayden's way. He then gave a phone to Theodore.

“Aldus misses you. But since you didn't pick up his calls, he sent me over."

“Devin, tell him to put me down. Now! Holden has already lost his mind! He's ready to kill me, his brother, over some bitch!"

Stuck on the hospital bed, Zayden hollered at Devin, making a scene without any concern for how he might look.

Devin looked like he'd lost his way in a sentence. Meanwhile, Theodore was giving Zayden the cold shoulder, not even a look in his direction.

Squirming like a fish out of water, Zayden was peeved. He shot Theodore a warning.

"You better uncuff me quick, or grandfather won't let you off easy."

When Devin passed his phone to Theodore, Theodore simply nodded at a guy next to Zayden. In a flash, the guy gagged Zayden's mouth.

This was a first for him: no one had ever dared to embarrass him like that, especially not in front of Devin. As a spoiled young rich guy, he was used to being treated with deference and respect.

Trying harder than ever, Zayden wrestled to get free, but the security guys had him pinned. He whimpered, craning his neck to catch Devin's eye.

Devin, the ever-so loyal follower of Aldus, brushed him off, considering Aldus seemed to favor Theodore.

So, he just gave Zayden a sorry look, turned on his heel, and left him hanging.

Seeing that, a bitter taste of hatred filled Zayden's mouth.

Theodore, on the other hand, didn't seem to sweat about any fallout from Aldus. He even had the guts to turn on the speakerphone right in front of Zayden.

A voice they all knew too well came from the phone.