?Chapter 256:


    Noticing how startled his sister was, Elliott immediately softened his tone. “Rx, Eloise. We’ll let the Reeds go just as you wish.”


    Only then did Eloise exhale, a smile appearing on her face.


    Watching with concern, Josh—dutiful as ever—stepped forward. “Miss Hubbard, your injury needs immediate attention,” he urged, brows knitted in worry. Thea truly deserved a harsh punishment for the way she had mistreated Eloise.


    Eloise held tightly onto Christina’s hand, her gaze fixed on Christina, unwilling to look away even for a moment.


    A quietugh escaped Elliott. “Don’t worry, Eloise, Miss Jones is here for the banquet. She won’t leave anytime soon,” he assured her.


    Elliott noted something special had sparked between Eloise and Christina. Since reconnecting with the Hubbard family, Eloise had always kept to herself, drifting on the outskirts of every gathering, lost in her thoughts.


    Never before had Elliott seen Eloise depend on someone so naturally. Gradually, Eloise loosened her grip, though her gaze remained firmly locked on Christina.


    With a gentle coax, Elliott tried again. “If you’d like, I’ll stay here with Miss Jones until you get back. I promise, Miss Jones isn’t going anywhere.”


    Pain and hardship had made Eloise wary, easily spooked by even small disturbances. Despite Elliott’s assurances, she hesitated, her hand still wrapped around Christina’s.


    This made Christina smile. Covering Eloise’s hand with her own, she said warmly, “Go ahead, let Josh tend to your wound. I’ll be right here when you return.”


    Seeking confirmation, Eloise quickly tapped out a message on her phone for Christina. “You mean it?”


    “Of course. When I give my word, I keep it,” Christina replied with conviction.


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    Trust finally settled in Eloise as she released Christina, though she nced back at Christina again and again as she followed Josh from the room.


    “She really likes you, you know.” Standing at Christina’s side, Elliott watched his sister disappear down the hall.


    A soft smile curved Christina’s lips. “The feeling’s mutual.”


    Elliott’s expression grew thoughtful. “If you’re willing, I hope you’lle visit often. Eloise needs friends she can count on after all she’s been through.”


    “Sure, I’d love to be friends with her,” Christina answered, then cast a look at Elliott. “By the way, do you have a moment for a private conversation after the banquet?”


    For a moment, Elliott was quiet, his gaze dropping as he studied her expression. Her face held a gentle smile, making it hard to guess what she was thinking. Elliott’s curiosity sharpened. “Does this have to do with my sister?”


    “You catch on quick.” A sly grin appeared on Christina’s lips.


    “Can’t we talk now?” Elliott asked.


    “Let’s hold off until after the banquet.” Patience glimmered in Christina’s eyes. She knew that news this heavy would cast a shadow over the celebration if she dropped it now. Reluctantly, Elliott agreed. “Alright. When everything wraps up, I’ll have Joshe find you.”


    “Sounds good.” A simple nod was her answer.


    Soon after, Eloise rejoined them, her wound properly bandaged, with Josh trailing just behind. That was when Elliott finally excused himself and slipped away.


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