?Chapter 163:


    Watching Elliana speak with such confidence, Hailee finally rxed. “There have been rumors going around saying Mr. Evans doesn’t want you anymore—that he’s been avoiding the Evans estate just so he wouldn’t have to see you. But I never believed them. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He really cares.”


    Elliana offered a slight smile but chose to remain silent, turning her attention to selecting the weapons she needed.


    d in a ck tracksuit, Elliana had the freedom to move easily, though it wasn’t ideal for hiding weapons. Without hesitation, she reached for a ck trench coat hanging nearby, stuffing the inner pockets with loaded magazines and fastening two curved des along the inner lining.


    Unsure of what Elliana was preparing for, Hailee stayed quietly off to the side, observing her movements without interrupting.


    After some time had passed, the sudden thunderous whir of helicopter des tore through the silence above them.


    Elliana halted her actions immediately, pulling adder from the corner of the room and positioning it beneath the venttion holes. She quickly climbed up and pressed her eyes to the small openings in the wall.


    Night had already begun to fall, casting the sea in a deep crimson glow under the setting sun.


    The vents provided a direct view of the yacht’s deck, allowing Elliana to take in the unfolding scene outside.


    Lined up on the deck were two rows of men dressed in ck, each holding an assault rifle, their weapons aimed at a ck helicopter descending steadily toward the yacht.


    Within seconds, the helicopter touched downpletely.


    The cabin door swung open, and a gangway unfolded. From within, a tall man dressed head to toe in ck stepped out, his presence striking and impossible to ignore. As he walked forward, the very air seemed to grow heavier, as if the atmosphere itself recognized his dominance.


    Elliana narrowed her eyes, her heartbeat quickening. It was him. Cole hade.


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    Cole stepped off the helicopter with purpose, his gaze sharp and ice-cold, radiating an authority so intense that it seemed to thicken the air around him.


    Without needing a word, the armed men dressed in ck instinctively backed away by two steps. Even though they had the home-ground advantage, greater numbers, and rifles in hand, none of that erased the dread creeping over them. Standing in Cole’s presence felt like confronting an entire army alone.


    Trailing behind Cole were Myles, Aron, and Hugh.


    Under normal circumstances, Aron and Hugh, as the heads of Cole’s security team, would have led the way, checking every corner for safety before allowing Cole to step out with Myles.


    But today was different. Fueled by unrelenting rage, Cole had no time for protocol. The moment the aircraft doors opened, he shoved Aron and Hugh aside and stormed out ahead of everyone.


    That single move made Myles tense up, his heart skipping a beat. He quickly turned to Aron and Hugh and instructed, “Don’t leave Mr. Evans’ side for a second!”


    When they left Ublento, the kidnappers had set strict terms—no bodyguards, no weapons. Any vition would put the hostage’s life at risk. For that reason, only Myles, Aron, and Hugh had apanied Cole on this mission.


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