?Chapter 453:


    The unease from the recent nightmare lingered, and Elliana felt an overwhelming need to investigate further. Without hesitation, she climbed out of the car and approached the gate. Though it was locked, it barely slowed her down. With practiced ease, she climbed the wall andnded quietly inside.


    Adah hesitated, then followed her over.


    Elliana wasted no time and rushed straight to the house. She pushed open the door and stepped into the darkened space. Just as she had feared, there were no lights, no sounds. The air was still and empty.


    Elliana sprinted up the stairs to Cole’s bedroom. The door swung open into silence. She stared at the bare room, her chest tightening. Where could he be?


    Adah stepped in behind her and gently said, “Elliana, I think you’re overthinking this. He’s probably fine. Maybe he just moved, maybe to avoid you.”


    Elliana didn’t respond, though the exnation seemed usible. The estate showed no signs of struggle—no overturned furniture, no broken ss. It looked like a deliberate departure. Everything important had been taken.


    This estate had long been managed by a butler and servants. Before Cole stayedst night, he had given them a few days off for privacy reasons. It was possible that, in light of some shift in his business dealings, he had temporarily relocated.


    With this thought in mind, Elliana let out a small, sarcastic smirk. Men really could be that cold. When Cole had been enamored with her, he would have done anything for her, even risked his life. But now, when he no longer cared, she meant nothing to him. And yes, she was capable, but had he never once considered the dangers she might face on her own in Podgend? Not even a hint of concern for her well-being?


    Sadness surged within her, sharp and painful, as she swallowed the lump in her throat. Was that how easily she had be nothing to him?


    Adah ced a hand on her shoulder. “Elliana, he’s not worth the pain. A man who can be this cold-hearted doesn’t deserve your sorrow. We’ve got bigger things to focus on.”


    “Focus on the task at hand. The Crown Auction is tomorrow, and we’ve got to stay sharp if we’re going to beat ze Wildfire.”


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    Elliana gave a silent nod, then turned on her heel and walked away without looking back. There was no point in shedding tears for a man who had already closed his heart. If he could be so indifferent, why should she hold on to him? She had more important things to do—missions that demanded her focus, strength, and rity. No man, no matter who he was, would stand in her way.


    Back at their mansion, Elliana showed no signs of weariness. She had already rested earlier, and now her mind was too restless for sleep. Needing an outlet, she asked Heather to bring her painting tools. With every brushstroke, she poured her emotions onto the canvas—graceful, precise, and full of quiet intensity. Slowly, the chaos in her heart began to settle as she lost herself in the rhythm of creation.


    By the following afternoon, the painting was done. She stepped back, gazing at her work. For the first time in hours, her mind had felt calm. Setting down the brush, she changed into fresh clothes and headed downstairs. Adah and the Four Guardians stood ready, waiting for her instructions.


    Elliana met their eyes and said evenly, “Let’s go.”


    Within minutes, the six of them exited the mansion—focused and prepared.


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