?Chapter 612:


    The shift was delicious. And the idea that Adah might actually break character? Elliana had to bite her lip to keep fromughing out loud.


    Beside Elliana, Cole had been quietly watching her amusement. He leaned in, his voice low and curious.


    “Is it really that funny?”


    Elliana nced at him sideways and only then realized he was still holding her hand. With a quick jerk, she pulled it away.


    “Why do you care?” she said sharply. “It’s none of your business.”


    Her tone was harsh, but Cole didn’t flinch. He saw past the anger. Beneath her sharp words and defensive walls, there was something softer. Concern. Her love for him wasn’t gone. Notpletely. The thought sent a gentle warmth spreading through his chest.


    Cole looked back at Adah and An, still locked in their strange, wordless standoff, and then nced at Elliana again. With a smile tugging at his lips, he leaned closer and whispered,


    “Standing here’s exhausting. How about we grab that booth over there, order something, and enjoy the show properly?”


    He nodded toward a nearby corner with cushioned seats and a clear view of the scene.


    Elliana followed his gaze, her expression unreadable for a beat, and then nodded.


    “Alright.”


    Without hesitation, Coleced his fingers through hers and guided her toward the booth. As they settled in, he waved down a server and effortlessly ordered all her favorite snacks and drinks—clearly, he hadn’t forgotten a thing.


    Jeff trailed behind them, awkward and unsure. He slid into the farthest corner of the booth like a guilty party guest, trying his best to vanish into the cushions. With Cole’s infamous jealousy hanging in the air, he knew better than to draw attention.


    As Cole and Elliana shifted toward the booth, Manley realized he couldn’t linger behind. Reluctantly, he followed, trailing after them, still desperate to keep an eye on the unfolding drama. Sliding in beside Cole, he leaned close and murmured,


    “So, do you seriously think An’s falling for Adah?”


    Before Cole could answer, Adah’s voice rang out, sharp and furious.


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    “What is wrong with you?” she snapped, herposure cracking. “Stop staring at my teeth like you’re choosing cattle at a market!”


    Manley burst intoughter.


    “Damn. Looks like our little Adah has some bite after all.”


    Adah’s sudden outburst snapped An back to reality. A hot flush crept up the back of his neck, his skin burning with the weight of what had just happened. He, who had always found Adah thoroughly unappealing, had just stood there, openly mesmerized by her teeth, of all things. It was humiliating.


    Mortified, An clenched his jaw and shot her a venomous re before striding off toward the booth without saying a word. He didn’t join the others. Instead, he dropped into a seat slightly apart from them, his face a mask of cool indifference.


    Adah sighed and then followed.


    “Don’t get mad,” she murmured to herself. “Stick to the n. Make him hate me. Get him to call the engagement off.”


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