?Chapter 251:


    But then Elliott’s lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smirk, and he spoke again, his voice deceptively gentle. “Go on. Tell it like it is, and I’ve got your back.”


    Nobody in the crowd caught the fleeting sh of bloodlust in his eyes—a dark, venomous glint that vanished as quickly as it appeared.


    Elliott’s words left the room in stunned silence. All eyes turned to Thea—some wide with envy, others narrowed with spite. Whispers followed. A few had already begun scheming how to get on Thea’s good side. After all, it seemed likely that she would be Elliott’s wife.


    Thea widened her eyes. Did she hear that right? Elliott himself had said he would back her up. The surprise hit her like a bolt from the blue. She couldn’t even tell when she’d caught Elliott’s eye.


    Thea’s heart raced with glee, her head spinning from the thrill. A smug smile crept across her face. She raised her hand and pointed confidently at Christina and Eloise. “It’s them! One’s a shameless flirt, and the other’s a mute with a rat’s heart. They’re both trash!”


    After the outburst, Thea stood tall, chin high, soaking in the attention like it was sunlight. For a moment, she felt invincible—like the world was hers for the taking. So, this was power. And it felt incredible.


    The crowd murmured among themselves, not daring to speak out. No one wanted to make the wrong move. Everyone watched and waited to see where the wind would blow before choosing a side.


    Thea didn’t notice the storm building in Elliott’s eyes. In her head, it was already a done deal—Elliott adored her. The title of Mrs. Hubbard was within reach. She imagined a life of luxury, high society bowing at her feet. The thought made her grin with pride.


    Elliott’s silence only fueled Thea’s fantasy. She assumed he was quietly plotting payback on her behalf. With a coy smile, she edged closer to him.


    ??ρ??α?????? ?????? ???? ????????ν????????????


    “Oops!” Thea let out a dramatic gasp, pretending to trip as she flung herself toward Elliott. She fully expected tond in his arms, the perfect picture of chemistry.


    But just as Thea was about tond in his embrace, Elliott dodged sharply. “Ah!” Thea’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t stop herself. She hit the floor with a loud thud.


    The impact knocked the air from her lungs. For a second, she saw stars. It hurt like hell. Mortified, she wished the ground would swallow her whole.


    Still, she told herself Elliott must’ve moved to protect her image. They hadn’t gone public yet, after all. Convinced by her own thoughts, she found his coldness oddly romantic. Blushing, she stood and snuck a shy nce at him.


    Then, Thea caught a few guests chuckling behind their hands. Her embarrassment quickly turned to anger. Trying to regain control, she swiftly shifted the topic. “So, Elliott, what’s the n? I say we kick them out and make sure they never step foot on Hubbard property again. Sound good?”


    Elliott gave a short, dryugh. His brow lifted slightly. “What I think? Sounds like you’ve already decided.”


    Thea blinked, uncertain. “So, what’s your call?”


    “Whatever you want. No need to ask me,” Elliott said coolly.


    Thea missed the sarcasmpletely. Her face lit up. Spinning toward the security team, she pointed dramatically. “You heard him! Toss these two tramps out!” she barked, basking in her moment.


    .


    .


    .