?Chapter 442:


    “Ms. Marsh!” Myles called out firmly as she reached the mansion’s entrance. “Podgend isn’t like Ublento. The political winds here shift dangerously, and this region is no ce to take risks. You should board the private ne and let our people escort you safely back to Ublento.”


    Elliana halted abruptly, pivoting with a sardonic smirk directed at Myles. “Do you take me for someone who needs your useless subordinates to escort me?”


    Myles bit his lip in frustration, speech caught in his throat. They had all witnessed firsthand Elliana’s formidable prowess—she truly needed no escort. Should trouble arise, those sent to protect her might only end up being liabilities.


    But Jason, unaware of her capabilities, frowned and warned, “Don’t assume that being stubborn will soften Cole’s heart enough toe see you. Podgend is far more perilous than you realize. Don’t y fast and loose with your life.”


    Elliana ignored Jason’s warning and turned to leave.


    Myles opened his mouth to persuade her once more, but she snapped coldly, “Don’t follow me.”


    Myles had no choice but to halt on the spot.


    An and Manley exchanged uncertain nces, hesitant about how to step into the brewing tension.


    Jason’s eyes narrowed as he watched Elliana’s retreating figure, his brows knitting in concern. Though his words had been sharp, his intentions were genuine—he wanted her to leave the Evans family, not to risk her life.


    As Elliana crossed the mansion grounds, Jason leaned toward Lanny beside him. “Take a few men and shadow her discreetly. Keep her safe. If anything beyond your control happens, report to me immediately.”


    “Understood,” Lanny replied, promptly leading his men in pursuit.


    Elliana stormed off, quickly pulling out her phone to contact Adah, instructing her to send a pick-up.


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    Once Elliana hung up, she sensed someone following her. A mischievous grin tugged at her lips as she darted sideways.


    Lanny underestimated Elliana, dismissing her as fragile. At first, he followed casually, smirking with condescension when she broke into a run. But after she rounded a corner and vanished, his pace quickened. He convinced himself she couldn’t have gone far, yet when he and his men swept around the bend, she was nowhere to be found.


    Secretly, Lanny had been carrying out Irene’s orders to ensure Cole met his end in Podgend, and thus, he cared little for Cole’s estranged wife. But now, with Jason’s directmand to protect Elliana, he dared not afford a slip-up so soon. Panic set in. “Search everywhere! We cannot let that troublesome woman fall into harm’s way!”


    “Yes, sir!” The bodyguards scattered in every direction.


    Lanny remained where he stood, tense and waiting.


    After nearly ten minutes, all the bodyguards regrouped, breathless but empty-handed. “Sir, she’s nowhere to be found,” they reported in unison.


    Lanny’s brow furrowed deeply. “How is that possible? She’s delicate—she couldn’t have gotten far. Did you even search properly?”


    “We searched thoroughly, sir. No corners were cut,” the bodyguards replied firmly.


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