?Chapter 177:


    “That’s Mrs. Evans!” Myles shouted, his voice brimming with excitement.


    Just moments earlier, Elliana had shot them a nce, and Myles had caught a glimpse of her distinctive makeup. It was dramatic—borderline theatrical, unmistakable, and nothing like anyone else in the room. There was no doubt. It had to be her.


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh surged after Cole, plunging straight into the fray.


    Momentster, the final goon hit the floor, and the relentless gunfire faded into stunned silence.


    Manley stood frozen, his mouth agape. “No way. That badass is Elliana?” He swung around, searching An’s and Merlin’s faces, as if he needed confirmation that he wasn’t dreaming.


    An stared,pletely stunned, while Merlin’s scowl deepened, the lines on his face cutting sharp.


    After dispatching thest goon, Elliana’s sharp eyes darted across the chaotic room to confirm the danger had passed. Only then did she pivot, catching sight of Cole racing toward her.


    Before Elliana could utter a single word, Cole swept her into a fierce embrace. His bloodshot eyes shimmered with pent-up emotion, his entire frame trembling as if the shock of nearly losing her was still rattling his bones. Relief and fear tangled inside him, a raw and overwhelming mix.


    Cole clutched Elliana tightly, desperate hands skimming over her—shoulders, arms, waist—searching for wounds, refusing to believe she was truly safe until he’d checked every inch.


    When he finally convinced himself she was unharmed, he let out a shaky breath and drew her into an even tighter hug, his arms encircling her as if he could keep her from ever slipping away again.


    “I’m alright,” Elliana whispered gently, hoping to steady him.


    Seeing the torment etched across Cole’s face, unease twisted in Elliana’s chest. She reached for aforting word, but her thoughts scattered as he abruptly leaned in, crushing his lips to hers in that instant.


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    The kiss burned with an urgency that left no room for doubt or restraint. He poured everything into it—fear, love, longing—as if he could stitch their souls back together with sheer will.


    Elliana melted against him, swept up in the rapid thunder of his heartbeat and the frantic rhythm of his breath, the rest of the world fading until nothing remained but this desperate, electric connection.


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh blushed as they watched Cole and Elliana locked in a passionate kiss. Their hearts raced—half from embarrassment, half from worry. They’d seen this before. One moment, Cole and Elliana were all over each other, making everyone cringe with their PDA. But the next, they were throwing harsh words at each other, storming off, and dragging everyone into their drama.


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh exchanged uneasy nces. They wondered if this kiss would end just like thest one—throwing shade and leaving innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.


    Manley let out a yful whistle and elbowed An with a smirk. “An, first time I’ve seen Cole go that hard for a girl. He’s whipped, huh?”


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