But her steps froze. Cole was already awake, sitting up in bed, his eyes locked on her. Even in the dim light, she could feel the chill of his displeasure.

“Where were you?” he asked firmly. “Slipping out while I’m asleep—so this is what you meant by keeping me company?”

Elliana rushed to him, forcing a sweet smile. She leaned in and kissed him softly. “I was just thirsty,” she said quickly. “Went down for a glass of water. I came right back.”

The kiss seemed to work its magic. His expression softened, the tension leaving his shoulders.

Pulling her into his arms, he whispered, “Silly girl… There’s a dispenser right here in the room. You didn’t have to go anywhere.”

“Oh.” Elliana gave a quiet nod and slipped beneath the covers, returning to her usual place beside him.

Cole said nothing more. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her like a warm, protective blanket as they both drifted off to sleep.

Though Elliana still hadn’t uncovered Jody’s true identity, she knew better than to risk another infiltration of the Evans Group servers—not while everything remained uncertain. So, she stayed in Regal Grove over the next few days, watching over Cole as he slowly healed.

On the fifth day, Elliana’s phone lit up with an unexpected call from Hailee.

They hadn’t spoken since the yacht trip, and Elliana immediately sensed what this was about. It had to be about Boris.

Hailee had always been considerate—never one to interrupt without a good reason. She knew Elliana was at Cole’s side, helping him recover. So, if she was reaching out now, something had to be urgent.

When Elliana answered, Hailee started with small talk, asking how Cole was doing. But there was a strain in her voice, a telltale hesitation.

“Hailee,” Elliana said, cutting gently through the silence. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

: ν?

There was a pause. Then, Hailee blurted out, unease lacing her tone, “I’m really sorry to ask this now, Elliana. I know the timing’s awful, but… I don’t have anyone else. You said you’d help with the five hundred thousand for Boris’ surgery. Could you transfer it to me now?”

Elliana’s voice remained steady. “Is his surgery urgent?”

Hailee hesitated. Then, almost in a whisper, she replied, “Yes. The doctor said I have to come up with the surgery money in the next couple of days. My boyfriend doesn’t have much time left… His condition worsened.”

Elliana’s gaze flicked to an invitation card lying on the table. Her expression shifted as an idea slowly took shape.

“Hailee,” she said thoughtfully, “come with me to a banquet tonight. I’ll bring the money and hand it to you there.”

Though confused by the unexpected request, Hailee didn’t question it. She trusted Elliana. “Okay, I’ll be there.”

After ending the call, Elliana opened the invitation and read the golden embossed text carefully.

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