?Chapter 288:


    Completely blindsided, Bonnie could only gasp, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. Never in her life had she expected Elliana to speak so brazenly, let alone throw insults with that level of precision.


    Years ago, Bonnie had orchestrated Trinity’s cement in the Evans family’s household, convinced that proximity would breed love—and eventually, marriage. The idea had been praised as clever, strategic even. But Elliana had just dismantled it in front of everyone, turning it into a public humiliation.


    One hand flew to Bonnie’s chest as tremors ran through her frame, her breath turning shallow and uneven.


    Across from Bonnie, Elliana remained stone-cold. There wasn’t a flicker of sympathy in her eyes, only the shadow of a smug grin. This wasn’t just payback for the crude words Bonnie had made earlier about her mother—it was her delivering justice, in and personal.


    While Bonnie swayed on the edge of copse, Elliana dipped into a sarcastic bow. “Pardon me,” she said casually, then turned and walked off like she owned the floor.


    Bonnie slumped back into her chair, soaked in cold sweat, her fury drained into sheer exhaustion.


    From the sidelines, Ruben was practically glowing. “Did you see that? Elliana just sliced Bonnie into pieces with her words and didn’t even blink!”


    Bertram and Emmanuel stood frozen, mouths agape, unable to process what just happened. They hadn’t caught the exact words that flew from Elliana’s mouth, but judging by Bonnie’s unraveling, it must’ve been a verbal knockout. One sharp line from Elliana, and Bonnie—once loud and smug—was left looking like she’d been hit by a freight train. Hands gleefully rubbing together, Ruben practically smiled as he said, “God, I need to know—what did Elliana say to knock Bonnie t like that?”


    Without missing a beat, Bertram and Emmanuel exchanged a look, both of them dying for the details too.


    Letting out a quietugh, Emmanuel turned toward Ruben. “You were right, Dad. Elliana is no pushover. Doesn’t matter if it’s someone Bonnie’s age—if they cross her, she’lle swinging.”


    “Exactly!” Ruben let out a bark of triumph, his chest puffed up with pride. “I chose Elliana for a reason. She might not be some wless beauty queen, but she’s got backbone, and that’s what matters. The Evans heir doesn’t need a trophy—he needs amander.”


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    Laughter broke out between Bertram and Emmanuel, both of them amused by how smug their father sounded.


    Not far away, Trinity had been watching the whole exchange y out. The moment she saw Bonnie looking rattled, she rushed over. “Grandma, what happened? Are you okay?” Trinity asked, crouching down with a look of concern.


    Bonnie wheezed, her voice hoarse with rage. “That wretched girl had the nerve to mouth off to me! I swear, I could drop dead from the fury!” Without warning, she mped her hand around Trinity’s wrist, her grip stiff and urgent. “Go find your father. I want him to put that insolent brat in her ce!”


    A nce toward the crowd told Trinity her parents were locked in conversation with Murray and his wife, far from avable. Trying to keep the moment from exploding, she bent closer and whispered, “Grandma, Dad’s busy right now. And this is Boris’s engagement, remember? Let’s not stir up trouble. Just breathe and let it go—for now.”


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