?Chapter 216:


    With those words, the decision was made. The Hudson family would give Paige a wedding fit for royalty.


    Kiara and Darin traded looks, barely managing to contain their happiness.


    Paige couldn’t hide her smug smile. Once she became Ran’s wife, she was certain Elliana wouldn’t dare cross her again.


    At that moment, the hospital room door opened, and Paulina stepped inside…


    Kiara and Darin were practically glowing after hearing Lenard’s promise, floating on a cloud of excitement. The Hudson family might not have reached the same level as the Evans family, but they were a heavyweight name, right up there with Merritt’s. Landing a connection with them felt like winning the jackpot. From now on, the Jones family’s future was tied to the Hudson family.


    Back when Paige’s scandal from the Starry Oil Painting Competition came to light, Kiara and Darin had heard that Lenard had pressured Ran to end things with Paige. That news had kept them up at night. But now, all that fear had melted away.


    Paige felt the same thrill. When she dragged Merritt into the scheme to kidnap Elliana, she’d made sure Vivien got pulled in too. It had been risky, chaotic—but her gamble had paid off in the end.


    While Kiara, Darin, and Paige were silently congratting themselves, the sight of Paulina entering the room sent a jolt of panic through their veins.


    Paulina worked for Cole. That much was clear. If she revealed that Paige’s injury was tied to Cole, everything they had just pulled with the Hudsons could fall apart in seconds.


    Before Paulina could get a single word out, Paige quickly turned to Ran. “Honey, Vivien’s still healing. You should take her home to rest. She shouldn’t be pushing herself.”


    Vivien immediately shook her head. “Paige, I’m alright. I’ve been knocked out since boarding the yacht and just woke up. No way I’m wiped out. I want to stay with you.”


    Inwardly, Paige groaned at Vivien’s cluelessness. But her face stayed bright and sweet. “If you’re feeling good, how about helping me pick out a wedding dress? I’ve got to look like the hottest bride Ran’s ever seen.”


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    Vivien lit up, nodding eagerly. “Sure! I’ve got amazing taste. I’ll find the perfect one for you!”


    Paige turned her attention to Ran, putting on a caring tone. “Ran, your grandpa’s not young anymore. Hospitals are full of germs. Get him home to rest.”


    Ran looked like he didn’t want to go, and the reluctance to part with her was written all over his face. But Paige’s words gave him no room to argue. He gave her a small grin. “Alright, I’ll get Grandpa home ande back to check on youter.”


    Paige nodded with a warm smile and then looked to Lenard. “Have a safe trip home.”


    Before walking out, Lenard gave Paulina a subtle but telling nce.


    Not long after, Ran and Vivien followed Lenard out of the room. The second the door shut behind them, Paige exhaled slowly, the weight of tension slipping from her shoulders.


    Kiara moved quickly, walking over to close the door tightly and turn the lock, making sure no one could walk in or overhear anything by ident.


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