?Chapter 48:


    Cole had downed the spiked soup Ruben prepared, gearing up to consummate his marriage with Elliana. The whole Evans family was buzzing about it.


    Paulina, Cole’s ever-diligent steward, had everything locked down, posting Aron and Hugh downstairs to stand guard, ready to jump at a moment’s notice.


    Cole had been pretty sweet on Ellianately, so Aron and Hugh figured the two would smoothly formalize their union, dismissing Paulina’s concerns as unnecessary.


    Hugh, who’d always turned his nose up at Elliana’s in looks, couldn’t stop griping. “How’s someone as ordinary as Elliana good enough for Mr. Evans? The guy stuck with her must feel like he’s drawn the short straw. I feel bad for Mr. Evans just thinking about it… ugh!”


    Aron, cooler-headed than Hugh, shut him down t. “You forgetting Paulina’s orders? Our job’s to keep Mr. Evans safe, not to stick our noses in his business.”


    As they bickered, Cole strode out of the vi, and they snapped to attention.


    “To the Royal Club!” Cole barked.


    Aron and Hugh didn’t dare ask questions. They swung the car door open and tailed him.


    After Cole left, Trinity grinned downstairs and gave the butler a heads-up. “Barney, the Craig family’s throwing a bash to celebrate me finishing exams, so I won’t be back tonight. Can you let the elders know?”


    “Of course, Miss Craig,” Barney Chavez said with a respectful nod. “Need me to arrange a ride?”


    “Nah, the Craigs sent a car for me.”


    “Have a great time, then.”


    Trinity shed a smile, said goodbye to Barney, and left the Evans estate. But she didn’t head to the Craig residence—she tailed Cole’s car straight to the Royal Club.


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    At the Royal Club, Cole stormed into a private room and flopped onto the sofa, brooding. His whole vibe was off, a feverish heat coursing through him, his cheeks flushed an unnatural red.


    Aron and Hugh stood watch at the door, sneaking nces through the cracked-open door, their nerves on edge.


    Hugh leaned in, whispering to Aron, “Look at Mr. Evans—he’s in bad shape. Should we, you know, find someone to help him out?”


    Aron shot him a cool look. “You…”


    “Know how Mr. Evans is. He’s got principles. Grabbing some random woman for him? That’s a one-way ticket to trouble.”


    Hugh let out a defeated sigh.


    Just then, Trinity walked over, rocking a white chiffon dress, a soft smile on her face. “Is Cole in there?”


    Aron and Hugh blinked at her, confused. “Miss Craig, what are you doing here?”


    Trinity held up a box. “Ruben sent me to drop off some food for Cole.” Since she name-dropped Ruben, Aron and Hugh had no grounds to stop her. They opened the door to the private room, let her in, and shut it behind her. They figured Ruben had sent Trinity with some kind of remedy for Cole. Still, it struck them as odd. Why Trinity, out of everyone in the Evans family? Especially with Cole in this state, it wasn’t exactly the best time for him to be around women.


    Inside the private room, Trinity tugged her chiffon dress down, baring half her shoulder, and gazed at the man sprawled on the sofa with dazed eyes.


    Cole, eyes shut, was breathing heavy and rough. At the sound of her steps, his brow creased. “Didn’t I say no interruptions unless I call for you?”


    Trinity’s heart raced, torn between thrill and fear. Biting her lip, she tiptoed closer and murmured, “Cole, it’s me.”


    Cole froze and then cracked his eyes open, his cold gazending on her face. “What are you doing here?”


    Before stepping into the room, Trinity had spun fantasies—Cole seeing her, pulling her into his arms, kissing her senseless, iming her right there. She’d read enough steamy novels to know that guys in his state were supposed to lose all control. But Cole’s voice and gaze were so cold that they sent chills down her spine. “Ruben sent me with some food for you.”


    Cole shut his eyes again, his face nk. “Drop the food and get out.” He saw through her lie in a heartbeat but didn’t call her out. Ripping off the mask would just stir up drama under the same roof.


    Trinity’s fingers clenched, but she didn’t dare linger. She set the food down and scurried out. She was head-over-heels for Cole’s sharp looks and charm but terrified of his frosty,manding presence. Defying him? Not a chance!


    Getting brushed off like that stung, her face burning with shame. She nned to slip away quietly, but as she stepped out of the room, she ran smack into Manley.


    “Manley!”


    “Trinity? What are you doing here?”


    Trinity’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She forced an awkward smile and bolted.


    Manley raised an eyebrow, then turned and strolled into the private room.


    At the sound, Cole shot upright, locking eyes with Manley. “Find me a woman…”


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