?Chapter 782:


    Manley, ever the host, poured Cole a drink and smoothly shifted gears. “So, Cole. Just you and Hugh today? Where are Myles and Aron?”


    Before Cole could answer, Hugh jumped in, grinning widely. “They’ve been sent to Sundara for training.”


    An, Merlin, and Manley all turned, surprised. The three Fletcher men were practically glued to Cole’s side. Sending two of them away seemed out of character, especially with Hugh, the least sharp of the three, left behind.


    Manley chuckled, trying to keep things light. “Really? And what brought that on?” Hugh chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Let’s just say they picked the wrong woman to mess with.”


    An, Merlin, and Manley exchanged confused looks but wisely held their tongues. One sharp nce at Cole’s expression was enough to shut down any curiosity. Some stories weren’t meant to be dug up tonight.


    Seizing the moment, Manley, ever the peacemaker, shed a smooth smile, topped up everyone’s sses, and steered the conversation back toward lighter ground.


    Meanwhile, in the lobby of Nightfall, Elliana stepped through the doors with Adah by her side.


    Adah knew how tomand a night out. Determined to pull Elliana out of her gloom, she dressed to kill in a flowing red chiffon gown that moved like fire with every step. Her long waves framed her face in loose, sultry cascades, her makeup wless, her eyes glinting with yful mischief. She radiated confidence, charm, and unspoken challenge.


    Beside her, Elliana was her perfect contrast. She wore a white chiffon gown that skimmed her frame like moonlight on water. Her long hair, braided into an elegant fishtail, draped loosely over one shoulder.<fn2ab9> Chapters first released on F?nd-Novel</fn2ab9>


    Elliana wore a pair of delicate, lensless sses with intricately crafted frames that curled like filigree across her temples. They didn’t hide her beauty; they enhanced it, adding a mysterious edge to her already mesmerizing presence.


    g?lnσν????s is your escape to fiction


    It was a transformation. Anyone who had seen her true appearance would recognize her in an instant. But to the unknowing crowd, she was an enigma—too exquisite to be overlooked, too unfamiliar to ce.


    The moment the two women entered, the energy in the room shifted.


    Conversations faltered. Heads turned.


    “Who the hell are they?” someone whispered.


    “Never seen them before.”


    “From the way they carry themselves and the clothes they wear, they’ve got to be from rich families—but I don’t recall ever seeing them around Ublento.”


    People always noticed girls who were exceptionally attractive, and Elliana and Adah had gotten used to that sort of attention for quite some time.


    Elliana leaned in with a suggestion. “Why don’t we grab a private room?”


    A yful smile appeared on Adah’s face. “It’s just the two of us. What fun can we have in a private room? I’d rather stay out here in the hall. It feels more lively.”


    Thinking it over, Elliana realized Adah had a point. The two of them slipped into a booth instead. They sipped their drinks and chatted while keeping an eye on the stage performers.


    At one point, Adah nudged Elliana’s arm. “How about we get up there and dance? The people on stage look so stiff. They’re making it boring. Let’s show them how it’s done.”


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