?Chapter 220:


    Paige’s heart skipped. Cole had actually agreed! That meant there was still a connection between them—one she could use to reach him again, to stay tethered to his world.


    Just as Paige allowed herself a quiet thrill, Paulina’s voice rang out, smooth as silk yet sharp as a de. “Oh—and Mr. Evans also said this: the three of you are not to act like you’re close with him anymore. He finds it distasteful.”


    The words hit like a p. Paige froze, her smile vanishing.


    Darin and Kiara both pursed their lips awkwardly. Before Cole had married Elliana, they’d treated him casually as inws-to-be. Now, they were being curtly told to drop that familiarity. The shift in status was hard to ignore.


    Paulina, having delivered the message with unshakable poise, didn’t spare them another nce. She turned on her heel and left with the same elegance with which she arrived.


    The door had barely clicked shut before Kiara exhaled sharply. “The nerve!” she snapped. “She’s just one of Cole’sckeys, strutting around like she owns the ce!”


    Darin quickly shot a nce toward the door, then turned back and scolded her in a low voice. “Watch your mouth. Paulina was raised by the Evans family—Cole sees her as a sisterly figure. Her position isn’t low.”


    Kiara stiffened, and no retort came. She bristled with frustration and then turned her ire on Paige. “I mean, three conditions? Why didn’t you ask for more? And honestly, your demands are too soft. You should’ve gone all in—forced Cole to divorce Elliana and marry you. That would solve everything!”


    Paige gave her mother a lookced with irritation and contempt. “Mom, do you really think Cole is someone who can be pressured like that? If I overy my hand, he won’t negotiate—he’ll retaliate. He has the power to crush the Jones family without blinking.”


    Darin sighed and shot Kiara a cold look. “So thick-headed!”


    Kiara, chastened, lost her temper and then asked, “So, what are you nning to ask for as your third condition?”


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    “I don’t know yet. I need to be smart about it.” Paige crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.


    Darin gave a firm nod. “Yes, Paige, you’re right. You need to think carefully. The third condition mustn’t be squandered.”


    Paige shifted her gaze to him, her tone measured but pointed. “Dad, do you acknowledge that the Jones family’s current prestige exists because of me—and that Elliana has contributed nothing?”


    Darin nodded. “Paige, that’s why you’re the daughter I’m most proud of.”


    A faint, bittersweet smile touched her lips. “Then I have one request,” she said, voice softening. “I want you to treat Mom better. I know some of the things she did made you resent her, but—for my sake—can we let the past go?”


    Kiara’s breath hitched. “Paige…” Her voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes.


    Paige looked at her father, her tone calm but carrying weight. “If you can truly let go of your prejudice toward her, then I’ll make sure the third condition brings even greater advantages to the Jones family.”


    Darin’s expression shifted. “Alright, Paige,” he said, managing a smile. “I promise. As a family, we’ll put everything behind us.”


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