?Chapter 396:


    Bringing his voice down to a soft murmur, Lance leaned in and whispered, “Elliana, I need to speak with you.”


    Elliana shot him a sharp, questioning look as she replied, “What is it now?”


    Lance faltered, his gaze darting over to Jeff—clearly, this wasn’t something for Jeff to overhear.


    “Then keep it to yourself,” Elliana said tly, her patience thin.


    Flustered, Lance forced a smile and turned to Jeff. “Hey buddy, hang out here and keep an eye on Grandpa, okay? Elliana and I need to talk over there.”


    Jeff started to object, but before he could even finish a word, Lance had already seized Elliana by the wrist and hurried her off.


    They barely made it twenty steps before Elliana wrenched her arm away, ring at him.


    “Sorry, Elliana. I wasn’t trying to upset you,” Lance hastily said, retreating a step, palms up.


    She crossed her arms, her eyebrow raised. “Just say whatever you came here to say.”


    He rubbed the back of his neck, an awkward grin flickering across his face. “So, would you consider, I don’t know, maybe taking me on as your apprentice? I’d really like to learn tech from River.”


    Elliana wasn’t surprised. She’d seen thising for weeks. Still, she’d never brought it up, waiting to see if he’d ever ask outright. Now, seeing him finally work up the nerve, she didn’t even blink before shutting him down.


    “No.”


    Lance stiffened, stunned. “Why?”


    Elliana fired back, her words sharp as broken ss. “You think you’re anywhere near Hutton’s level? Don’t kid yourself.” She didn’t bother softening the blow. “It’s already more work for me because Hutton is my apprentice. If I had to take you on—someone not even close to his league—I’d never have a moment’s peace.”


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    Her blunt rejection hit Lance like a punch to the gut, leaving him reeling and speechless.


    With a final, icy re, Elliana spun on her heel and strode away, not sparing him a second nce.


    Lance remained rooted in ce, feeling like a leaf tossed around in the wind.


    Elliana’s swift return prompted Jeff’s eyes to brighten with delight.


    “Elliana! Want to pet the cat with me?”


    She nodded, and the two started to y with the cat together.


    Meanwhile, as his video call ended, Cole didn’t retreat to his room. Instead, he picked up his phone and dialed Jason. “Come to my study. NOW.”


    Jason arrived a few minutester, curiosity written on his face.


    “What’s going on, Cole?” he queried.


    Cole wasted no time and got right to the point. “After everything that went down tonight, are you still thinking about marrying Trinity?” Tonight’s debacle had exposed Trinity for who she truly was—a conniving little snake.


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