?Chapter 429:


    Ever since Cole had called her out, Irene had scarcely left the sanctuary of her own room.


    Trinity had learned her lesson from the Boris incident and now kept out of trouble altogether.


    Jeff showed unwavering support for Elliana, and even Lance began to regard her with open admiration.


    Within the Evans household, Elliana needn’t concern herself with anything else. The freedom allowed her to quietly make arrangements for her uing journey to Podgend.


    Once Adah returned from Apricot Blossom Vige, Elliana met her discreetly at the Ublento Hotel and held a meeting with the team who would join her for the trip to Podgend.


    Cole made sure to push aside every urgentmitment, so when the seventh evening arrived, he swept Elliana away under the pretense of a business trip to Podgend. The stated purpose was to handle negotiations.


    Their private jet waited for them at Regal Grove. Right before they were about to board, several uninvited guests made their appearance.


    Jason arrived first.


    At the sight of himing closer, nked by men in ck, Elliana could not hold back a slight smirk. Whether it was the effect of the medicine she had given him, or perhaps just his strong body built up over years, he managed to recover with surprising speed in only a week.


    “What brings you here?” Cole asked, turning to face him.


    Behind the mask, Jason answered, “It is my responsibility to keep the Evans family head safe. Podgend is not without its dangers. I should go with you.”


    “You still haven’t fully recovered. You should stay here and rest. I have already set everything up,” Cole said, frowning slightly at Jason.


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    Jason shook his head, firm in his stance. “Nobody outside knows about my injuries. I might not be in the best shape, but I can still lead my team and hold off any rivals.”


    Afraid that Cole might refuse, Jason added quickly, “Besides, I want to see the Crown Auction for myself and maybe try to bid on a few things I want.”


    With Jason’s insistence, Cole finally agreed and let him board the ne.


    Once the group found their seats, An and Manley showed up. Upon boarding, Manley shed them a bright grin. “Cole, I heard you were heading to Podgend for business. We’re here to hitch a ride.”


    “Why the sudden interest in Podgend?” Cole asked, his brows furrowing as he looked over.


    “The Crown Auctiones around just once every four years, and there are always rare treasures,” Manley answered. “An and I thought we’de for the fun.”


    There was no more arguing, and Cole only asked, “What about Merlin? Isn’t he joining us?”


    Manley, already sprawledfortably on the sofa across from Cole, replied, “Merlin’s noting this time. From what I heard, he took his new secretary, Hailee, to a coastal city for some ‘business meetings.''”


    Everyone exchanged a knowing look and tried not tough. It was no secret that Merlin never brought a female secretary on business trips. It was clear he was trying to win Hailee’s heart.


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