?Chapter 397:


    Jason hesitated, his jaw clenched. “There’s no denying she crossed a line with Hailee. That really did reveal some unttering aspects of her character. But I’m not giving up on marrying her. With my background, finding a suitable wife isn’t easy.”


    Cole studied Jason, his voice even. “So what’s your next move?”


    Jason’s answer was calm but resolute. “I’ll just have to shape her into the kind of wife I need—teach her until she measures up.”


    Cole exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “It’s your life. I won’t butt in, but do us a favor—don’t let your mess spill over onto the family. Understood?”


    Jason inclined his head as he responded, “I get it, Cole.”


    When the conversation ended, Cole left the study and made his way to the master bedroom, picturing nothing but a quiet night curled up beside his stunning wife. But the room was empty—no sign of Elliana. He searched every corner of the room, but she was nowhere to be found.


    With a flicker of worry, Cole fired off a text. “Honey, where are you?”


    Elliana answered with her location right away. “Gazing at the moon with your grandpa.”


    Cole’s brow knit with confusion, and he hurried downstairs in search of her.


    Expecting Cole toe searching, Elliana kept her gaze fixed on the pathway. The moment she caught sight of his figure in the moonlight, she turned to Lance and Jeff. “Cole’s on his way. Are you two going to hide or what?”


    Startled, Lance and Jeff scrambled into the bushes, tripping over each other in their hurry.


    The scene nearly sent Elliana into a fit ofughter.


    Cole soon reached Elliana, casting a nce at Ruben, who was sprawled out and snoring atop arge stone b. Turning to Elliana, he inquired, “Whye to a ce like this to watch the moon?”


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    Elliana, crouched beside Ruben, propped her chin on her hands and replied, “Your grandpa wouldn’t take no for an answer. He ims it’s the only ce left without interruptions.”


    Cole knew Ruben had been regressing into childish habitstely, so he let it go. Leaning down, he gently shook Ruben’s shoulder. “Come on, Grandpa, let’s get you back inside. It’s cold—you’ll catch something if you stay out here.”


    But Ruben stubbornly refused to budge.


    Having run out of options, Cole carefully lifted Ruben onto his back, reached for Elliana’s hand, and took them both back to the vi. Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Lance and Jeff watched the scene unfold with bated breath, tension etched across their faces.


    Jeff’s re toward Lance sliced through the night. “Weren’t you all about Trinity? Didn’t you im Elliana drove you nuts? Why are you suddenly stuck to her like glue?”


    Lance shot back with a scoff. “Oh, please, like you’re one to talk. Didn’t you once go against Elliana every chance you had?”


    Jeff’s jaw clenched. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stomped off, the cat tucked protectively in his arms.


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