?Chapter 37:


    To show respect, Matthew continued exining. “Mr. Evans, you must understand—Milena’s whereabouts are an incredibly guarded secret. Powerful people from all corners of the world are after Milena. If the Star Society were to take this on, it would require Lexi’s direct involvement. And for that reason, I can’t give you a definite answer just yet.”


    Cole gave a small nod. “Then, can you arrange for me to meet Lexi?”


    Matthew held back augh. “I’m afraid that won’t be easy. Lexi doesn’t meet with outsiders.”


    “Then, please pass along a message for me. If Lexi is open to meeting, I’d be d to get acquainted.”


    “Understood. I’ll deliver your message.” Outwardly, Matthew nodded in agreement. Inwardly, he was amused. Cole wanted him to deliver a message to Lexi? But Lexi was actually Elliana, Cole’s wife. Still, since Elliana had no intention of revealing her discreet identities as Lexi and Milena yet, he wouldn’t tell Cole the truth.


    Oblivious to Matthew’s thoughts, Cole thanked him with a polite smile. “I appreciate it, Mr. Santos. I’ll take my leave.”


    With that, Cole took Elliana’s hand and led her out of the room. Once outside, Elliana nced at Cole curiously. “Do you really want to be friends with Lexi?”


    “I do.”


    “Why? You don’t strike me as someone who enjoys making friends.”


    “I don’t know. I just have this feeling that Lexi’s a good person.”


    “You feel some kind of instinctual bond?”


    “Maybe. Either way, I like how the Star Society operates.”


    Elliana burst intoughter. “Well, next time you go out, leave your eyes at home. Your instincts seem to do all the work.”


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    Elliana was genuinely amused. Cole picked women based on feelings, and now friends too? Were his eyes just decoration?


    Cole chuckled and gently pinched her cheek. “You’re getting bold.”


    By evening, they returned to the Evans estate.


    Three days had passed, and Irene and Jeff had been released from confinement. Now they sat quietly on the living room sofa.


    Irene wore a bitter expression, her pride clearly bruised. When she saw Elliana walk in, she shot Elliana a quick re before looking away in silence.


    Jeff, who once acted with arrogance, lookedpletely deted. When he saw Cole, he jumped up immediately. “Cole! You’re finally back! Did you find Milena?”


    Ruben and Bertram, seated nearby, paused their discussion to look over, clearly concerned.


    Cole pressed his lips into a straight line. “No.”


    The light in Jeff’s eyes faded, and he dropped back onto the sofa. “I’m finished… It’s over…”


    Bertram let out a heavy sigh. “Miss Henderson fell into aa today. It took ages to revive her. Her mother stormed in, furious. She said if her daughter dies, Jeff must follow her to the grave.”


    Offended, Irene snapped, “That was too much! Jeff didn’t hurt Miss Henderson on purpose! Plus, we’vepensated the Henderson family and hired the best doctors… What more do they want? Miss Henderson is just unlucky. It’s been two years—they’re still making trouble. They’re clearly trying to squeeze more money out of us!”


    Bertram turned sharply to Irene. “Watch your words. Regardless of their motives, if Miss Henderson dies, the consequences fall on Jeff. Even if he avoids jail, he’ll carry that stigma for life.”


    Irene dropped her head, looking shaken. “So what now?”


    Ruben cast a disappointed look at Bertram and Irene before facing Cole. “Ultimately, our family is at fault. If Miss Henderson dies, I won’t be able to live with it. No matter the cost, we have to find Milena.”


    “I understand, Grandpa. I’ve already offered a substantial reward to the Star Society to help find Milena. I’m waiting for Lexi’s response. Hopefully, we’ll hear something soon,” Cole replied.


    Just then, Elliana’s phone buzzed with a message from Matthew. “Lexi, how should I respond to Cole?”


    Elliana texted back without hesitation. “Tell him—no deal.”


    What Irene said earlier was too harsh. Elliana refused to offer her help that easily.


    Upon hearing Cole’s words, Irene’s face lit up. “I heard Lexi from the Star Society is incredibly influential. Lexi has never failed a mission. If Lexi takes this on, Milena will definitely be found!”


    Right as she finished, Cole’s phone rang. Checking the message, he said calmly, “Lexi declined.”


    Irene’s smile froze on her lips. The flicker of hope in Jeff’s eyes vanished again. He slumped further down on the sofa.


    Ruben sighed. “Then we must do everything possible to save Miss Henderson. If not, we must offer enoughpensation to ease the hostility.”


    Later that night, Elliana returned to the bedroom. With Cole still in the study, she hurried through her routine and imed the bed first. When he finally walked in, she spoke before he could say a word. “I have to take the SATs tomorrow. I need proper sleep. I’ll take the bed—you can have the sofa.”


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