?Chapter 215:


    Darin snapped himself out of his daze. “If Elliana’s really as dangerous as you say, and Cole’spletely devoted to her, what choice do we have but to beg for her forgiveness?”


    Kiara clenched her jaw. “Beg Elliana? I’d rather drop dead.”


    Paige’s gaze turned icy. She had no intention of lowering herself either. To both Kiara and Paige, Elliana had always been the family’s punching bag. Groveling to her wasn’t something either of them could stomach.


    Right then, a knock sounded at the door of the hospital room.


    Kiara quickly pulled herself together and walked over to open it.


    Standing in the hallway was Vivien, nked by Lenard and Ran. “Mrs. Jones, is Paige awake yet?” Vivien asked, her toneced with concern.


    Kiara stepped to the side and gestured for them toe in. “She just woke up.”


    Vivien hurried to the bedside, tears spilling as she said, “Paige, you got hurt because you were trying to protect me, didn’t you?”


    Paige went still for a moment before offering a gentle smile. “Vivien, you’re my friend. I’d never hesitate to keep you safe.”


    On the yacht, Vivien had been out cold because of sedatives,pletely unaware of what had gone down. Since Vivien believed she had taken the bullet for her, Paige decided to run with it. She knew if the Hudson family believed that, they’d owe her big time.


    Vivien broke down into sobs, clinging tightly to Paige’s hand. “You’ve always been there for me. I won’t ever forget this. I promise I’ll repay you.”


    Paige leaned into the moment, letting out a soft wince as if in pain before pushing through with a smile. “Come on now. Don’t get all dramatic.”


    Ran, eyes rimmed with red, took the seat beside her. “Vivien told me what happened. You got dragged into Elliana’s mess, taken to that yacht, and got shot while protecting Vivien.”


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    Cole’s people had dropped Vivien off at the hospital, telling the Hudsons to keep her safe, but they’d kept quiet about the details. Vivien’s version of the story had been jumbled and full of gaps, which only fueled the misunderstanding.


    Lenard’s expression was serious. “Miss Jones, we owe you more than we can say. Just tell us what you want.”


    That was exactly what Paige had been waiting to hear. She kept her tone modest, her voice calm as she said, “I am Ran’s fiancée and will be his wife someday. Vivien’s like a sister to me. I didn’t do it for a reward. I did it because I care.”


    Her words sounded humble, but the message behind them was loud and clear—she was staking her im as Ran’s future wife.


    Lenard didn’t reply right away. His face gave nothing away.


    Ran took hold of Paige’s hand. “Paige, I’m going to marry you. That’s not even up for debate.”


    Ran turned to Lenard, eyes steady. “Grandpa, you see, Paige has been nothing but genuine with me. I can’t walk away from that.”


    Lenard let out a quiet breath and finally gave a nod. “If the two of you are serious, then don’t wait. Get married soon. And the wedding will be nothing short of grand.”


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