?Chapter 478:


    Meanwhile, Trinity was quietly thrilled at the notion that Elliana might be in danger. Her glee bubbled up so strongly that she couldn’t control her expression—her lips lifted into a visible smile. A chill abruptly crawled down her spine as she turned and caught Lance’s piercing re fixed on her.


    Scrambling, Trinity erased the smile and put on a mask of concern. “Lance, you’re right. Podgend is so dangerous. I’m terrified for Elliana’s safety.”


    Instead of answering, Lance turned away, his expression as frosty as his silence. Elliana had been right all along—Trinity was deceitful, and he hadpletely misread her character before.


    With spite in her heart, Trinity muttered to herself bitterly, “If only Elliana would meet her end in Podgend!”


    Yet, the very moment that evil thought surfaced, Elliana stepped into the living room with effortless poise.


    “I’m back!” Elliana announced, her smile glowing with warmth.


    Heads turned, breaths caught, and for a heartbeat, the room fell still.


    Jeff, cradling a snow-white cat in his arms, gawked at Elliana as though he were seeing a ghost. Then, without warning, he erupted into loud, aching sobs that tore through the silence. Tears streamed freely as heunched himself into Elliana’s embrace, gripping her tightly, his emotions crashing down like a tidal wave. Her shirt was instantly soaked, but she didn’t flinch.


    In his excitement, Jeffpletely forgot about the cat in his arms. As he threw himself at Elliana, the poor thing was tossed aside.


    The cat, Darling, flew from his grasp like a startled fluffball, thudding softly against the floor and rolling to a stop.


    With a grumpy flick of her tail, Darling stood, gave an indignant meow, and red daggers at Jeff’s back. With a swift pounce, she hurried to Elliana andtched onto her leg.


    “Meow! Meow!” The soft cries wereced with yearning.


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    Darling had always been a clever, fiercely loyal little soul. Even after Paige had heartlessly abandoned her, she’d never once forgotten Elliana, the woman who truly loved her.


    Jeff had tried—treats, toys, endless belly rubs—but Elliana was the one Darling waited for.


    When everyone was talking about Elliana’s disappearance earlier, Darling had picked up on the bad vibes, pacing, restless and wide-eyed. Now, with Elliana stepping into the house, safe and sound, Darling couldn’t get close fast enough.


    Elliana nced down at Jeff, still clinging to her like a lifeline. His shoulders shook with the force of his sobs. She remembered this kind of crying—she’d only seen it once before, during that terrible showdown with the Hendersons.


    “I thought you were gone forever,” Jeff said, trembling. “I thought Podgend swallowed you whole. I thought I’d lost you.” His voice cracked beneath the weight of his grief.


    Jeff’s words weren’t fancy, but the raw sincerity behind them struck a chord with everyone in the room. This wasn’t just concern—it was the kind of deep,


    Unwavering emotion came from truly loving someone. Once her sharpest critic, Jeff now looked at Elliana like she hung the stars.


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