?Chapter 619:


    The cruel words reached An’s ears, and his expression darkened. Without saying a word, he took Adah by the arm and led her away from the prying eyes and wagging tongues.


    An yanked Adah out of the Royal Club, hurried her into his car, and tore away into the night without a backward nce. Nobody could guess where he nned to take her.


    Hopes for more drama still buzzed through the crowd, but now that the main yers had vanished, their anticipation hung in the air. Most people lingered anyway. After all, Cole and Elliana were still there, and their story had a reputation of its own—another of the city’s heavyweights paired with a woman the rumor mill had branded “ugly.” Their attention for An and Adah hadn’t faded, but curiosity about Cole’s efforts to win back his ex-wife was just as strong.


    Eyes shifted, every head in the room subtly turning to Cole and Elliana.


    A study in opposites, Cole and An seemed cut from different cloth. Where An radiated sophistication, he came off almost too soft. Cole, on the other hand, could chill a room with a single hard stare—a look that had a way of scattering troublemakers in seconds.


    A single icy nce from Cole was all it took to send the crowd scurrying for the exits. No one was willing to risk his wrath just for the sake of gossip.


    Only after thest whisper faded did Cole’s rigid features finally lose their sharp edge.


    Beside Cole, Manley couldn’t help but lean in, his tone thick with mischief.


    “So, what’s your bet on An and that country girl? Think sparks are flying, or what?”


    Cole answered with a re that could freeze water.


    “If you’re that interested, go follow them yourself.”


    Manley rubbed his nose andughed awkwardly.


    “No, thanks. I think I’ll pass.”


    Meddling in a private spat between an engaged couple was a step too far. Manley’s questions fell away as Cole shifted his attention back to Elliana, all traces of his earlier severity gone.


    “What do you want to do now?”


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    “Return to Regal Grove,” Elliana said quietly.


    The night had promised more fun, but with Adah gone, there wasn’t much reason to stick around. Besides, tonight’s spectacle had been thest thing she wanted Jeff to witness. No eight-year-old needed that kind of memory.


    Cole shared her thoughts.


    “Then let me take you home,” he offered, standing up and gently reaching for her hand.


    Elliana epted, and together they headed for the exit.


    Jeff finished his juice and hurried to catch up.


    Outside, Elliana stopped next to her motorcycle, making her intentions clear.


    “There’s no need for a ride, Cole. Jeff and I can take my bike.”


    Cole’s eyes drifted to Jeff, who was still trailing close.


    Jeff nodded with enthusiasm.


    “We’re good, Cole. Elliana and I will ride together. You don’t have to take us.”


    The way Jeff spoke made it clear that he got to stick around Elliana, while Cole was little more than a guest in their world.


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