?Chapter 192:


    Catching Dn’s confusion, Christina exined, “Elliott just dropped by to chat about some drifting techniques—something about racing.” Earlier that day, not long after Christina had ended her call with Dn, Elliott had shown up at her door. She still remembered how, back in Rd, Elliott had stepped up for her when Brendon tried to cause trouble. She hadn’t forgotten that.


    “It’s nearly dinner,” Dn said, his underlying message impossible to miss. Of all the moments to show up, Elliott had chosen the most inconvenient one. Elliott’s intentions couldn’t be more transparent.


    Before Christina could respond, Elliott offered a grin at Dn. “My apologies. I ran into an issue with my race car and couldn’t figure it out. I thought I’d drop by for Miss Jones’s help. Didn’t really think about the timing, to be honest.” Turning to Christina, he added with genuine regret, “I hope I’m not crashing your dinner ns, Miss Jones.”


    “It’s alright,” Christina replied without missing a beat. “I’ve got four servings of steak and pasta ready. If you don’t mind, you’re wee to join us for dinner.”


    Originally, Morse had been ted to join them after his session, but he’d canceled at thest second. That extra serving of steak and pasta turned out to be just right for Elliott.


    “Mind? Not in the slightest,” Elliott replied, shing a look at Dn that almost dared him to object. “I’d be delighted to stay.”


    Dn’s expression hardened into something cial. Elliott’s very presence rubbed him the wrong way.


    “Food will be ready in a sec,” Christina said. “You two grab a spot—I’ll go get Chloe.” With that, she slipped out of the room.


    The moment Christina disappeared, a heavy, electric silence fell between Dn and Elliott, as if the whole room was holding its breath. Neither man flinched. Both exuded an effortless confidence, each refusing to be the first to look away.


    For a second, Elliott felt his certainty flicker, but pride kept him firmly in ce.


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    Christina soon wheeled Chloe into the dining area, instantly sensing something strange in the air—a tautness that prickled at her nerves. Yet, with Dn and Elliott sitting calmly at the table, it was hard to pinpoint the cause. Were it not for theck of ck eyes or split lips, she might have assumed there had been a scuffle.


    A cheerful voice broke the tension. “Dn,” Chloe called out, her smile warm and inviting.


    “Dn.” He stood up smoothly, moving to take charge of the wheelchair and help settle Chloe at the table.


    “I heard Elliott dropped by tonight. d to have you!” Chloe said, turning to him with a weing smile.


    “Appreciate it, Miss Scott. And thank you, Miss Jones, for having me,” Elliott replied, polite and easygoing.


    “Let’s see if dinner lives up to your standards. Go ahead and dig in,” Chloe replied, her voice light.


    “Okay,” Elliott responded, carefully cutting into his steak and sampling a bite. He took his time savoring the vor before offering an approving nod. “This is really good.”


    “Happy to hear that,” Chloe said with a smallugh, lifting her ss. “Let’s have a toast!”


    Dn, Elliott, and Christina joined her, sses raised, chiming together before each of them took a drink.


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