?Chapter 483:


    A heavy sigh escaped Ruben. “If I’m honest, yes. Carter’s my little brother. How am I supposed to be ruthless with him? He’s always been a handful ever since we were kids. It’s impossible not to be bothered.” Bitterness crept into his smile. “Elliana, would you like to hear how the Evans family ended up like this?”


    With genuine warmth, Elliana nodded. “I’d like that.”


    The floodgates opened. Ruben’s longing for a willing ear was obvious, and now that he had one, the memories came quickly.


    “I have seven siblings. Carter and I were rivals from the start, both fighting for the leadership of this family. When I won, Carter never really epted it. He’s never given up on securing the role of the family head. After I handed down the leadership to Jarrett, Carter had wanted his son, Conway, to take the ce of Jarrett. But Conway couldn’t keep up, not in talent or intelligence. Jarrett eclipsed him in every way. Now, with Cole running the family, Carter has been pushing hard to have his grandson, rence, take Cole’s ce. Carter is using Cole’s trip with you to Podgend as more fuel for his schemes.”


    A weight seemed to settle on Ruben’s shoulders. “At my father’s deathbed, he’d made me swear I’d always look out for my brothers. I’ve tried to keep the peace, but Carter’s never been willing to ept that leadership forever fell out of his or his descendants’ reach.”


    From where Elliana stood, Ruben’s situation looked impossible. Family business wasn’t her battlefield, but her resolve was irond—if Carter dared toy a finger on Cole, she wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. Ruben’s tolerance stemmed from the deep bond of brotherhood, but for Cole’s generation, the ties of kinship were considerably weaker.


    One thing nagged at Elliana—her gut told her that Carter might have been behind the Phantom Mercenaries’ attack on Cole. She wasn’t the type to make empty threats. If she ever uncovered hard evidence, Carter would regret attempting to eliminate Cole for the rest of his days.


    All those rtives had pegged Elliana as a failure, unable to help Cole in any way. Now, while Coley unconscious, they were circling like vultures. Elliana decided to let those morons think what they wanted. She’d make sure they learned not to underestimate her.


    At that moment, Ruben nted his cane on the floor and rose, intent on facing the gathering downstairs.


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    Elliana moved in and supported him. “Let mee with you,” she insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Ruben paused, studying her carefully. “Elliana, Cole’s condition is still uncertain. Honestly, you should consider letting him go and building a life for yourself. You don’t have to carry the Evans family’s burdens.”


    Her answer came instantly. “If I were no longer his wife, I’d stay out of it. But as things stand, I’m still married to Cole, and he’s still lying unconscious. I have to stand up for him. I won’t let them…”


    “Trample us.”


    For a brief moment, something like pride flickered in Ruben’s eyes. “That’s the spirit, Elliana. Let’s go—say your piece. I’ll back you up.”


    A real smile appeared on her lips. “That’s what I appreciate you for. Unwavering support for what I have in mind.” A low chuckle escaped Ruben.


    Side by side, they made their way to the first-floor conference room.


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