?Chapter 324:


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh nearly lost it—Cole voluntarily going to the cafeteria? That was unheard of. The mere idea would send shockwaves through the building, especially with Elliana at his side. Unbothered by their disbelief, Cole pressed the elevator button, still holding Elliana close.


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh, stunned but obedient, hurried to follow, trailing after the couple.


    Riding the CEO’s private elevator, Cole and Elliana shot up to the tenth floor in no time.


    The Evans Group didn’t do anything halfway—thepany cafeteria was a gleaming showpiece, boasting a gourmet spread that could put high-end restaurants out of business.


    At the height of lunch rush, the room buzzed with energy, chatter ricocheting off ss and tile as employeesughed and dug into their meals.


    That was, until Cole and Elliana stepped inside. Just as Myles had feared, the entire cafeteria froze, conversations dying mid-sentence. Heads snapped around. Wide-eyed staff stared in silent panic, as if a single misstep might cost them their jobs. Even the employees behind the serving counter fumbled, hands trembling so badly that a spoon nearly ttered to the floor.


    Most days, Cole was practically a ghost—only the top execs ever saw him in the flesh. For the rest of the staff, catching a glimpse of their CEO was like spotting a celebrity at the annual g and never again. So when Cole strolled in today, wife on his arm, the entire cafeteria seemed to hold its breath in disbelief. Whispers rippled through the crowd, tension crackling in the air.


    A senior executive rushed over, all nerves and forcedposure. “Mr. Evans, is there anything you need?”


    Cole didn’t even blink. “Just grabbing lunch with my wife. Everyone can rx.” With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he brushed off the formality.


    The executive visibly exhaled, fumbled through a few polite phrases, and then quickly retreated.


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    Elliana’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, already scoping out the cafeteria’s spread, when a familiar voice suddenly called from behind, catching her off guard. “Elliana?”


    Elliana turned toward the source of the familiar voice. It was actually Lance.


    Lance had just entered the employee cafeteria, and Elliana’s bold makeup made her impossible to miss. He snorted, a derisive smirk on his lips as he was about to taunt her. But then, he noticed Cole nearby, so he quickly walked over and greeted him politely. “Cole.”


    Cole’s expression turned cold. “What’s with that look when you spotted my wife here?”


    Lance froze, caught off guard. He quickly shifted his demeanor toward Elliana. “Sorry for that.”


    Elliana hummed in response and looked away, brushing him off like he didn’t exist. Clearly, Lance only showed her an ounce of respect due to Cole’s imposing presence. Once Cole was not around, Lance would undoubtedly pick a fight with her. The look in his eyes said it all—he loathed her. She didn’t need to guess why. The answer was obvious—Trinity. Just yesterday, she and Hailee had caused a stir at the Craig-Sampson engagement party, and Trinity had probably gone crying to him. Now, Lance—blinded by feelings—hade to confront her.


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