?Chapter 285:


    The socialites buzzing around Trinity had caught wind of the scandal. Rumors whispered that Elliana had started to outshine Trinity within the Evans family. There was talk of tension. Talk of rivalry.


    And now that Trinity had ditched Rosa, it didn’t take a genius to figure out why. Still, the socialites were too wise to say anything outright.


    Now that the socialites had noticed Elliana, desperate to win Trinity’s favor, they began whispering insults and casting sly jabs at Elliana the moment she turned away.


    “Elliana has no ce here, showing up at this high-profile Craig family engagement party. With Cole out of the picture, she should’ve just kept to herself instead of turning herself into a spectacle.”


    “So what if she’s Rosa? That doesn’t change the fact that she’s still a joke with a face only pity could love.”


    “The most ridiculous part? Elliana never stops giving our Trinity a hard time in the Evans household. What makes her think she can stroll in here and act like she’s royalty in the Evans family?”


    Trinity listened, letting their words wash over her. She didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. A small, satisfied smile curled on her lips while she continued to y the part of elegant royalty.


    Elliana’s kidnapping case had been buried deep beneath the Evans family’s polished surface. No one outside their circle knew the truth, and for good reason—if the socialites got wind of it, they’d chew up her reputation and spit it out with glee.


    While Trinity burned with the urge to exploit the incident, she wasn’t reckless. No matter how much affection the Evans family had shown her or how bitter she felt toward Elliana, even she knew better than to use that scandal as ammunition.


    With a delicate smile and a tone dripping in false warmth, Trinity said, “Let’s not badmouth Elliana.” Her words were sweetened with theatrical grace. “She’s the Evans matriarch, after all. The fact that she came to celebrate my brother’s engagement means a lot to us. I’m honestly grateful.”


    “You’re way too gracious. Elliana doesn’t belong here. What’s she got besides being Cole’s wife?”


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    “You’ve been putting up with her ever since she married into the Evans family. She’s clearly threatened by you. I mean, you’re smart, stunning, and poised. No wonder she’s bitter.”


    “Word is Cole bailed to Regal Grove just to dodge her. Then, she chased after him like a lovesick puppy, pretending to y nurse when he fell ill. Shameless.”


    “And don’t get me started on that marriage license. She waves it around like she earned it. I give it a month before Cole dumps her for good. Let’s see how long she clings to her title then.”


    The gossip swirled like cheap perfume, cloying and loud. Trinity listened quietly, letting their venom fuel her satisfaction. For too long, Elliana had been the thorn in her pride. But right now, with every petty jab aimed at Elliana, she felt vindicated.


    Still, she didn’t drop the act. “You girls are too much,” she said with a soft chuckle. “I don’t mind being misunderstood, as long as the family’s at peace.”


    That single line sent the socialites into a frenzy of ttery. Compliments rained down, all about how unfairly Trinity had been treated and how noble she was for rising above it all.


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