?Chapter 596:


    Elliana epted every gift from Cole without blinking. Then, she gave three simple orders.


    First, to Kieran: “Please see them out.”


    Next, to Clifton: “Move all the diamonds to the vault.”


    Finally, to Heather: “I’m giving you onest chance. Go make me a proper meal. If you mess it up again, you’re done—and don’t follow me around anymore.”


    With that, Elliana headed upstairs to her candy room, popping sweets into her mouth to keep her hunger at bay.


    Elliana’s foul mood hung thick in the air. Clifton rushed off to reorganize the vault. Damian darted back to his guard post like he was on fire. Kieran gave Myles a small wave. “Right this way, Mr. Myles.”


    But Heather? Bold as ever, she didn’t head to the kitchen. Instead, she hurried after Myles. “Mr. Fletcher, why didn’t Hughe today?”


    Myles paused and gave her a long, hard look. This woman might actually be his future sister-inw? Yeah, no. Highly unlikely. Their eldest sister, Paulina, had made one thing very clear: Fletcher men must marry good, respectable women. And this seductive little snake in front of him? Paulina wouldn’t even let her set foot in the house.


    Still, Myles answered without emotion, “Hugh’s sick today.”


    Yesterday, after Hugh returned to the Evans estate and reported everything to Cole, he’d copsed. A doctor had checked on him and said it was a stress-induced fever caused by emotional fluctuation.


    Paulina had no idea what triggered it. But Cole knew. Myles and Aron knew too. It was all because of Heather. Cole wouldn’t stoop to gossip about his staff. And Myles and Aron? They didn’t dare tell Paulina the truth. If Paulina found out Hugh lost his cool over a woman, she’d flip. And when Paulina got mad at Hugh, she always punished them too, for not “guiding him better.” Telling the truth would just get them all burned. Pets got stressed, sure—but people? Who the hell got sick from excitement over being kissed by a woman? Only their weirdo little brother.


    Heather’s face tightened with concern. “What? Is it serious? Did he see a doctor?”


    Myles replied inly, “Just a fever. Nothing serious. He just needs rest.” And with that, he turned and led his team out.


    Heather stood there, her mind on Hugh’s condition,pletely forgetting she was supposed to be in the kitchen to cook for Elliana.


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    Elliana retreated to her candy chamber, popping a few milk caramels into her mouth to take the edge off her hunger. She lounged on the velvet sofa, flipping through a book while she waited for Heather to bring her noodles.


    But the minutes dragged by, and no food came. Her stomach growled louder. Her patience snapped. With a scowl, she tossed the book aside and stormed downstairs.


    There, Elliana found Heather still clutching that tattered paper bundle, staring nkly at it on the couch like she’d forgotten how to move. Kieran was out on patrol. Clifton was still on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor, grunting like an ox.


    The sight of Clifton and Heather sent Elliana’s temper soaring. She rounded on Clifton first. “Are you dense? Or just born with a screw loose? Scrubbing the floor once a day is enough. What are you trying to do by scrubbing it all day—polish a hole through the wood or clean yourself into an early grave?”


    Clifton jumped, scrambling upright and dropping his rag like it had burned him.


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