?Chapter 601:


    Suddenly, everything became crystal clear to Elliana. Back when she had dodged the Evans family’s search in Podgend, everyone had feared the absolute worst, and the traumatic experience had obviously leftsting emotional wounds on this sensitive child.


    Elliana gently ruffled his hair again, her voice softening. “Listen carefully—there’s no danger. I’ve simply been conducting research in theboratory. I give you my word. Nothing risky or harmful whatsoever.”


    Seeing her standing therepletely unharmed, Jeff finally allowed his rigid posture to rx, his threatening tears transforming into a wobbly but genuine smile.


    Taking his small hand in hers, Elliana guided him toward the staircase, her mind already spinning with new concerns. Jeff had be far too emotionally dependent on her presence. She needed to discover some engaging activity to redirect his intense focus elsewhere.


    Elliana’s stomach growled as she led Jeff down the stairs toward the dining room. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now. But the moment they stepped into the living room, she halted mid-step. Myles was already there—again—this time arriving even earlier than the day before.


    This time, Myles hadn’t brought a squad of men in suits. Just one person stood behind him, dressed in a crisp white uniform and holding an enormous food container. A chef, by the looks of it.


    As soon as Elliana saw the container, her mood did a full 180. Finally, Cole had done something right. Food delivered exactly when she was starving? She could’ve hugged him. Without waiting for any introductions, she stepped forward, eyes gleaming. “Okay, what is it this time? Where’s the food from?” she asked.


    Myles gave a subtle nod to the chef, who immediately stepped forward. He opened the container and began unpacking an impressive line of dishes, cing each one carefully on the table like pieces in a gourmet puzzle.


    The living room was instantly filled with mouthwatering aromas. As the final box was ced down, Elliana caught a familiar logo on the side: Ublento Hotel. Matthew usually managed everything about Ublento Hotel, so she’d never gotten involved. She didn’t know the chefs by name, and they certainly had no clue that the woman they were serving was actually the hotel’s owner.


    But one thing she did know: Ublento Hotel’s food was exceptional. With each fragrant, artfully ted dish, her appetite doubled. Even Jeff, standing beside her, looked like a kid in a candy store. He’d been up since four in the morning, standing guard outside theb without so much as a sip of water. Now, with the scent of fresh cuisine swirling around him, his stomach betrayed him with a loud, unmistakable growl.


    Elliana couldn’t wait a second longer. With zero ceremony, she dropped onto the sofa and began eating. Jeff didn’t hesitate either. He slid into the seat beside her and dug in with just as much energy, eyes lighting up with every bite. They moved from dish to dish, each one more vorful and expertly crafted than thest. The room fell into afortable silence, broken only by the asional hum of satisfaction as they savored every mouthful.


    gα?ησν????s, home to unforgettable stories


    Just then, Heather stepped out of the kitchen, holding a te of in pasta. She stopped cold. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene—Elliana and Jeff happily eating a full-course gourmet meal that she hadn’t prepared. Her grip tightened on…


    the te. Without saying a word, she turned and walked right back into the kitchen. Inside, her heart pounded. Was this it? Was she getting fired?


    Sure, cooking at Regal Grove was never her real job. She was one of the Four Guardians of Thorn Rose, after all. This chef gig was just a cover—a way to stay close to Elliana. She had gottenzy yesterday, and today, Elliana hadn’t even touched her cooking. Instead, Cole’s people had swooped in with a gourmet feast. Was this a sign? Was she about to be kicked out of Regal Grove? The thought sent a jolt of panic through her. No. She did not want to leave Regal Grove. If Elliana decided to ship her back to Delta, she wouldn’t get to see Elliana every day. She wouldn’t get to hang around and casually flirt with Hugh.


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