?Chapter 140:


    Hailee picked up the phone, her voice bright and easy. “Elliana.”


    “Hey, Hailee—did the crew from The Heiress’ Graduation Trip hit you up?” Elliana asked.


    “Yeah, just heard from them,” Hailee replied. “They’re shutting down the show.”


    Elliana sighed. “I’m really sorry, Hailee. My drama with Paige has tanked your shot at making bank on this gig.”


    “Elliana, seriously?” Hailee was surprised by her words. “Sure, the show’s canned, but meeting you? Total game-changer.”


    Her voice sparkled—no gloom, no me. Just genuine cheer. “If you hadn’t nudged me into joining the Starry Oil Painting Competition, I’d never have won that two hundred thirty grand prize! That’s way more than what the show was paying. And guess what? I’ve got even more good news!”


    Hailee’s energy was contagious. Elliana’s lips curved into a grin. “Okay, spill. What is it?”


    “I justnded a new job!” Hailee practically sang. “My performance in the Starry Oil Painting Competition caught a publisher’s eye. They offered me a book illustrator gig—great pay, benefits, the whole package. Honestly, it’s better than all eight of myst side hustlesbined!”


    Elliana’s grin widened. “Hailee, that’s incredible. Huge congrats.”


    “Elliana, I owe you big time. Thatpetition helped me cover my boyfriend’s treatments and evennded me this job, which meant less financial pressure overall. You’ve seriously been my lucky charm.”


    The mention of Hailee’s boyfriend gave Elliana pause. While she hadn’t known Hailee long, Hailee’s warmth had quickly earned her trust. She couldn’t ignore Hailee’s troubles.


    She decided she’d make time soon to meet Hailee’s boyfriend and check out his condition.


    “I’ll swing by in a couple of days,” Elliana said.


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    “Awesome!” Hailee chirped. “I still owe you spaghetti fromst night. You didn’t even get a bite! When youe over, I’m making you a huge te. No backing out.”


    Ellianaughed. “My bad for not keeping my husband in check. He totally hijacked dinner.”


    Hailee giggled. “Still can’t believe I met the Ublento’s top dogst night. For everyday folks like me, Cole’s basically a legend I only hear about, never actually…”


    see.” Then, with a teasing lilt, she added, “I always figured Cole was some cold, brooding tycoon. But he’s kinda cute. You can tell he’s seriously into you. Thatdy in the red dress? That was definitely a move to make you jealous.”


    Elliana rolled her eyes skyward, flustered and at a loss for words. Cole’s performance the night before had left her mortified. He’d been so extra, so smug, so overwhelmingly Cole that she could barely imagine setting foot in Hailee’s diner again.


    As the call wrapped up, Elliana pulled into the driveway of the Evans estate. Night had already nketed the sky. She parked her motorcycle just as Paulina greeted her with a warm smile. “Wee home, Mrs. Evans.”


    Elliana nodded. After a pause, she asked, “Is Cole home?”


    Truth be told, Elliana was hoping he wasn’t. She wasn’t in the mood for awkward silences or another showdown.


    “Mr. Evans is away. Work’s keeping him busy—might be gone for a few days,” Paulina exined.


    Elliana let out a quiet breath, almost a sigh of relief, and then headed toward the vi.


    Inside, most of the family had gathered in the living room. The only one missing was Ruben. Trinity was front and center, handing out gifts. Each box was wrapped to the nines. Trinity turned on the charm, sweet-talking everyone as they tore into their gifts with wide, happy smiles. She was clearly trying to make up for the mess she caused this morning, using charm and goodies to win back everyone’s goodwill.


    Elliana paused near the foyer, a crooked smile tugging at her lips. Just then, Trinity offered a box to Jeff. “Here, Jeff! Got you a super realistic SA24 submachine gun replica!”


    While the others were stoked about their gifts, Jeff didn’t even reach for it or smile—nothing. “Thanks, but no. Give it to someone else.” Trinity’s smile wavered.


    “But Jeff, I thought you were all about guns?” she asked.


    Jeff shrugged, his voice dry. “Yeah, when I was a clueless kid. I’ve grown out of that phase. Stuff like that? It’s just junk now.”


    The jab hit hard. His words were a p in the face—he was clearly calling her out.


    Trinity stood there, her fury bubbling.


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