?Chapter 234:


    But then everything had shifted when he stumbled upon the truth: Elliana wasn’t ugly at all. She was a hidden gem, a striking beauty who had kept her true self disguised. And the more he saw her, the more drawn to her he became. Her charm had pulled him in deeper each day.


    Cole grasped that trying to talk An into marrying Adah would be asking him to walk straight into disaster. “Honey, this might take a little time,” he said with a strained smile.


    Elliana stuck out her lower lip in a yful pout, pretending to sulk. She let out a cold little sigh. “I knew it. I knew you wouldn’t help. But it’s fine. I’ve heard the Shaw family’s patriarch is famous for keeping his word. Since there’s already an engagement in ce, An won’t have a choice. Whether he likes it or not, that wedding’s happening.”


    Cole stayed silent, ying it safe. Whether An ended up marrying Adah or not was his own business. He didn’t want to betray An by…


    Helping Elliana set up a n was one thing, but he couldn’t afford to piss her off either.


    He offered her a light, diplomatic smile. “Honey, it’s best to stay out of other people’s love lives.”


    Elliana thought it over for a moment before giving a small nod. “Fair enough. You’ve got a point.”


    Cole let out a quiet breath, relieved she hadn’t pushed the issue. At least she still had her reasonable moments. While they were talking, he casually snapped a photo of Adah’s over-the-top picture with his phone.


    Wanting to lighten the mood, Cole said, “Honey, I’ve got an urgent meeting to handle. I’ll be in the study for about half an hour. Once I’m done, I’lle right back to spend time with you. Sound good?”


    “Sure,” Elliana said sweetly.


    Cole stood up and made his way out. The door shut gently behind him. The second he was gone, Elliana pulled out her phone and messaged Adah. “Cole has left. You can talk freely now.”


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    Adah replied, “So? Did it work? Did you manage to fool him?”


    At Adah’s question, Elliana tilted her head slightly, thinking it over. For now, it seemed like Cole was fooled by her words. Her earlier performance had been wless,plete with sweet words and practiced smiles to throw him off track. He hadn’t questioned a thing, caught up in his feelings.


    But she didn’t expect the illusion tost for long. He was bound to snap out of it soon. After all, he wasn’t the type to stay blind for long. Once the haze lifted, he’d put the pieces together—and then the anger would follow.


    Elliana shot a text to Adah. “I think I pulled it off, but who knows how long the lies will hold?”


    Adah responded right away, “How’d you manage that?”


    “With sweet nothings,” Elliana replied, keeping it short.


    Adah texted. “I’ve got a genius n! When he figures out the truth, just kiss him. He’ll be so dazzled that he won’t even care about the lie!”


    Elliana let her lips curl into a crooked smile but didn’t bother replying to that one.


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