?Chapter 479:


    Elliana felt it—the sincerity radiating from him like sunlight—and it melted away any remnants of the past. She reached up and gave his shiny head a gentle pat, grinning. “Okay, tough guy, enough with the waterworks. See? I’m back in one piece.”


    Jeff sniffled and blinked up at her, his face red from crying. “But… how’d you make it back on your own? No sketchy weirdos gave you trouble? Nobody tried to mess with you? You didn’t starve or anything?”


    Elliana chuckled and dabbed at his cheeks with her sleeve. “No weirdos, no drama, and I definitely didn’t starve. I caught a cab, headed straight to the airport, and hopped on the next flight. But not before tasting some amazing food and checking out the sights in Podgend.”


    Jeff blinked. That was it? No gritty street fights, no shady characters, no desperate escape? He’d imagined Podgend as a war zone—not a foodie’s paradise. Was she sugarcoating it just to ease his mind?


    Elliana caught the suspicion flickering across his face and gave him a light flick to the forehead. “Hey! I’m telling the truth. It was a breeze. Look at me—not even a paper cut. You gotta trust me.”


    Lance stepped forward, calm and confident. “She’s telling it straight, man. She looks solid.”


    Jeff gave Elliana one more once-over, and then his frown melted into a huge, relieved grin. “I knew it. You’re the luckiest person I know, Elliana!”


    Elliana burst outughing and gave his head another affectionate pat. Just then, Darling let out an even louder cry. “Meow!”


    The little cat was clearly not having it, clinging to Elliana’s leg like a jealous toddler.


    With a chuckle, Elliana bent down and scooped the cat into her arms. “Oh, Darling, I missed you so, so much,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to the fluffball’s tiny face.


    “Meow!” Darling purred contentedly, burying her head against Elliana’s chin, tail flicking with joy.


    Author’s version avable at g??ln ov els.????


    Ruben watched the tender moment unfold, his lips curling into a smile. Around the room, the others breathed easier, their shoulders rxing. But not everyone was pleased. Off to the side, Irene and Trinity simmered with silent rage, their jaws tight and eyes narrowed. They’d whispered, hoped, and even prayed that Elliana would vanish for good in Podgend. What stung them most wasn’t Elliana’s return—it was Jeff. The same Jeff who once adored Trinity’s every word and followed Irene like a…


    The loyal puppy now clung to Elliana as if she were his entire world. After soothing Jeff with one final head-pat, Elliana gently ced Darling back in his arms. Then, she turned and walked toward Ruben.


    “I’m sorry I made you worry,” she said softly.


    Ruben’s eyes met hers, warm and brimming with unspoken emotions. She wasn’t a pleasant sight to behold, but her grit, loyalty, and strength made her more radiant than any polished beauty. He had long seen her as the granddaughter he never had. And now, with Cole nning to divorce her, his heart ached with sympathy and concern.


    He remembered the storm of whispers when Elliana first entered the Evans family. She had faced every judgmental stare, every cutting remark. Now, barely into the marriage, she was soon to be tossed aside, likely drawing more ridicule. He felt like they had failed her.


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