?Chapter 439:


    Elliana’s anxiety, which had already been simmering, red into something sharper. Fine, if Cole didn’t want to see her, she wouldn’t show her face!


    Fueled by that frustration, she marched down the stairs, still concerned about Cole and puzzled by his sudden coldness. Back in the hidden passage, he had treated her with care. Yet, after they stepped outside and his gaze locked onto the snake emblem on that tree, he had shut her out without a word. What was the significance of that snake symbol to him? Why couldn’t he just exin it to her? Dodging her and hiding things—how was this supposed to be a real marriage?


    Down in the living room, An and Manley were sipping coffee and chatting, while Jason sat off to the side, silent and cold.


    When Manley noticed Ellianaing down, he greeted her warmly.


    “Elliana,e have a seat with us.”


    Elliana had intended to ask about Cole, so she took the open spot. Before she could get a word out, Manley handed her a fresh cup of coffee and asked, “Elliana, what’s going on with Cole? He’s locked himself in since morning. No meals, no water. Did something strange happenst night?”


    Elliana bit back her thoughts and answered with a slight shake of her head. “I have no idea why he’s acting this way. Last night was unusual, yes, but there wasn’t any real danger or anything that should’ve triggered such a change.”


    “I’d bet it has to do with the family elders questioning his decisions,” Jason interjected, his voice dry.


    Manley turned to him, frowning. “Those old schemers in the Evans family are stirring up trouble for Cole again?”


    “That’s right,” Jason said, not blinking. “They’re furious with Cole for dragging his unattractive wife into the spotlight, convinced it’s brought shame to the family and made them aughingstock. They im it’s damaging their standing and putting their interests at risk. And taking his fragile and in wife to a vtile ce like Podgend for business only made things worse in their eyes. Now they’re calling him reckless, saying he’s no longer suited to lead the family. Some of them are even pushing for him to step down on his own.”


    Jason shifted his gaze to Elliana, his tone measured. “Cole was groomed by Ruben to take over the family. Cole has poured everything into bing the family head. There’s no way he’d walk away from it willingly.”


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    Though Jason’s words came across as impartial, every syble carried a hidden message, all directed at Elliana. He implied that if she stepped away from the Evans family, Cole’s troubles would vanish.


    An and Manley exchanged awkward nces. Both of them were aware that Elliana wasn’t as fragile as she looked. Still, that wasn’t something they could say out loud. And truth be told, there was weight behind Jason’s usation. Elliana’s presence had indeed created waves. In Ublento, heads of wealthy families usually had wives who were elegant and breathtaking, their appearances contributing to the family’s prestige and reputation.


    Another woman might have faltered under the sting of Jason’s words. But Elliana held her ground and met him head-on. “Jason, I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Stop pushing this. I’m not leaving Cole.”


    Jason stared at her for a long moment, then looked away, the defeat heavy in his expression. He was truly worried about Cole. But if Cole was choosing to stay with a wife who didn’t fit the mold, there was nothing left to say.


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