?Chapter 282:


    “Mrs. Evans, I’ve been sent to assist you,” Paulina said politely. “There’s a car waiting downstairs, courtesy of Mr. Evans.”


    A flicker of delight passed through Elliana’s eyes. She had just been thinking of texting Matthew to make arrangements, only to find Cole had already anticipated her needs. Her heart swelled with affection. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and typed a message with a grin, saying, “Coley, thank you for thinking…”


    Ahead and arranging the ride. Love you! Kisses! Can’t wait to see you tonight once I return!” Soon, she received a reply from Cole, a simple, “Okay.”


    Elliana didn’t mind the brevity of his response. After their little exchange, she went on to other things.


    Back at Regal Grove, Cole sat casually on the couch, his fingers flicking over his phone, while Myles, Aron, and Hugh stood nearby, each man silent and still, waiting for whatever came next.


    Without warning, Hugh gave Aron’s sleeve a tug and leaned in to whisper, “Aron, check out Mr. Evans.”


    Lifting his gaze, Aron nced over—and Myles, curious, did the same a beatter.


    What met their eyes had them both startled: Cole’s face was visibly flushed, the tips of his ears glowing red like a schoolboy caught passing notes.


    “Mr. Evans, what exactly are you looking at that’s got you blushing like that?” Hugh blurted out, as direct as ever.


    Instantly, Myles and Aron shot him looks of exasperation. This guy never learned, always poking where he shouldn’t, dragging everyone else into the fallout.


    Just as they finished their silentints, Cole’s irritated voice snapped through the room. “All of you—out. Now.”


    Myles and Aron didn’t need to be told twice. They spun around and made for the exit without a word.


    Hugh, though, still hadn’t mastered the art of silence. As he lingered in the doorway, he turned back and muttered, “Was it Elliana again? Did she send you something flirty?”


    ?????? ???????????????? ????????????: g?????????ν????????????


    Cole lifted his eyes and fixed Hugh with a stare as t as ice, his voiceced with cutting sarcasm. “You really must have an abundance of free time.”


    There was no denying it—Hugh had made a habit of dissecting every twitch of Cole’s expression like it was some kind of mystery novel, convinced he was unraveling deep marital secrets.


    That level of scrutiny didn’t sit well with Cole. The irritation simmered, darkening his mood on the spot. With a grin that looked more like a threat, he said, “Since you’ve got all this time to spare, let me give you something useful to do.” He jabbed a finger toward the floor. “Six hundred push-ups. Right here. Don’t keep me waiting.”


    “Wait—what?” Hugh blinked, stunned, as though he hadn’t heard correctly.


    Having turned toward the exit, Myles and Aron had their ears tuned to every word. As soon as Cole’s punishment hit the air, their footsteps picked up speed, driven purely by self-preservation.


    Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on their side. Just as they reached the doorway, Cole’s voice cut through like a de. “Myles. Aron. Both of you—back here. Now.”


    .


    .


    .