Elliana conjured Allan’s essence and offered Adah a few choice descriptors. “Handsome, steady, classy.”

Elliana paused thoughtfully and then elaborated, “He projects this polished, suave exterior, but beneath that facade? Complete control freak. Possibly even a charismatic rogue with questionable intentions.”

Adah cracked up. “Your assessment couldn’t be further from my preference,” she replied, amusement still dancing in her eyes. “You know I gravitate toward those tender-hearted, affectionate men who cherish me like royalty.”

Adah exuded confidence and spirit, her personality ablaze with determination.

The two had once discussed their ideal partners extensively. Elliana remained ambiguous during that conversation, while Adah articulated her desires with remarkable precision. She yearned for a gentle soul who would adore her unconditionally. By those standards, Allan missed Adah’s romantic criterion by miles.

“What’s your next move?” Elliana inquired.

“I’ll return to Ublento and navigate the situation as it unfolds,” Adah responded, dismissing concerns with a casual shrug. “The Shaw family engagement serves as my dignified reentry into Ublento society. I can’t abandon it immediately. Once my position solidifies, I’ll consider withdrawing from the arranged marriage.”

“I’ll await you in Ublento, ready whenever you need me,” Elliana promised.

“Perfect.”

Rita and Sally had vanished in that devastating fire years earlier, yet Elliana and Adah remained convinced their mothers still lived. They had investigated this possibility discreetly for ages. Reuniting openly in Ublento would significantly advance their search efforts.

After concluding her conversation with Adah, Elliana felt a wave of exhaustion and surrendered to sleep.

Meanwhile, Irene tossed restlessly in her room, fury keeping slumber at bay. Her altercation with Louisa had infuriated Bertram so intensely that he departed the Evans estate late, leaving her isolated in their bedroom.

? ?

No longer commanding respect as the family matriarch, coupled with Bertram’s cold shoulder and even Louisa’s disrespect, Irene seethed internally. Every moment stretched interminably.

After an eternity of resentful contemplation, Irene suddenly straightened and contacted her eldest son, Jason Evans, who was currently overseas.

When the connection was established, Irene lamented dramatically, “Jason, if you don’t come back soon, I’m going to get trampled!”

Jason was merely two years younger than Cole. He commanded tremendous respect among the younger generation, rivaling even Cole’s standing.

Though Cole had been groomed for leadership, Jason excelled in tactical skills. He supervised the Evans family’s security apparatus, maintaining authority over their extensive covert protection network. His influence and status loomed large.

Jason had been abroad for specialized training over the past two months, missing even Cole’s wedding ceremony.

Devoted to his mother completely, Jason grew concerned immediately. “Mom, what’s transpired?” he asked urgently.

Irene embellished shamelessly, weaving a narrative about Elliana being an insufferable tyrant who systematically disrespected her at every opportunity. She emphasized how everyone had bullied her after her downfall. Essentially, she painted Elliana as the quintessential villain.

Jason listened attentively before reassuring her, “Don’t distress yourself. My return is approaching quickly. Despite Elliana’s position as matriarch, I won’t permit her to dominate our family.”

Irene’s heart swelled with triumphant satisfaction. “That’s precisely why I rely on you, Jason. You’re my steadfast support.”

“Rest well,” Jason said softly.

“Goodnight, my son,” Irene responded.

After disconnecting, Irene’s lips curved into a calculating smile. Though Bertram might disregard her entirely, she possessed an exceptional son. With Jason supporting her cause, she would maintain control within the Evans household. If Elliana anticipated a smooth tenure as matriarch, she would first require Irene’s blessing.

Meanwhile, chaos engulfed the Jones residence.

Paige had returned from the gallery battered, her face bruised and her attire disheveled. She had fled to the Jones estate and remained secluded since.

Currently, Paige slumped dejectedly on the sofa, still wearing her damaged clothing, tears streaming unchecked. Her customary elegance and confidence had vanished completely. She resembled someone utterly defeated.

Darin paced relentlessly, radiating frustration with each labored exhalation.

Kiara attempted repeatedly to reach Merritt without success. Eventually, she hurled her phone down, exclaiming bitterly, “Where has that wretched Merritt disappeared to?”

Darin halted abruptly at Merritt’s mention, directing a hostile glare toward Kiara.

Merritt had previously worked as a rough-edged dockworker, employed by a wealthy older gentleman with whom Kiara maintained a liaison while simultaneously conducting affairs with Merritt himself.

Following that man’s demise, Merritt and Kiara had conspired to secure a portion of his substantial estate, providing Merritt with his initial financial windfall.

Therefore, when Kiara requested his assistance with Paige’s predicament, Merritt had readily agreed, even referring to Paige as his goddaughter—a gesture repaying his long-standing debt to Kiara.

Any reference to Merritt affected Darin profoundly, resurrecting memories of Kiara’s questionable history. Though it revolted him deeply, Merritt’s considerable influence and potential benefit to the Jones family compelled his silence.

But now, with circumstances deteriorating rapidly, Darin’s suppressed anger threatened to erupt uncontrollably…

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