?Chapter 516:


    At her reply, Kieran—still clutching a mop—bolted into the kitchen, emerging a secondter with a basin of fresh water. He dropped to his knees in front of her, both hands presenting the basin. “Let me help you wash your hands.”


    After rinsing her hands, Elliana found Clifton already waiting beside her, a towel draped over his arm. “Here, dry up.”


    The instant Elliana’s hands were dry, Heather swooped in, sliding a knife and fork into her grasp. “Hope you enjoy the meal.”


    Elliana let out augh at their attentive service. If they kept fussing over her like this, she’d end up hopelessly pampered in no time. The house overflowed with cozyughter and easy conversation.


    Out in the dim guardhouse, Damian sat by himself, loneliness twisting in his chest. Scents of dinner drifted his way, teasing his empty stomach until it gave a intive rumble. He pressed a hand to his belly and shot a wistful look toward the glowing windows. If only he could slip inside, join Elliana, and enjoy the warmth with everyone else.


    At that moment, a ck sedan glided to a stop at the curb. The passenger door swung open, and a boy with a shaved head hopped out, a cat tucked beneath one arm, a rolling suitcase trailing behind him. With the gate left ajar, the boy sauntered right in, whistling under his breath.


    Before the boy could take another step, Damian sprang into action, seized the boy—unmistakably Jeff—by the cor, and hoisted him into the air.


    Damian hardly broke a sweat as he hoisted Jeff high enough for their eyes to meet. Locking gazes, he asked, “So, you thought you could sneak in here and get away with it, huh?”


    A shock rippled through Jeff—he had figured only Elliana would be around Regal Grove. Now, out of nowhere, this towering blond stranger appeared.


    Of course, Jeff wasn’t the type to back down. Being the Evans family’s resident troublemaker had toughened him up. Chest puffed out, he red at Damian and eximed, “Who do you think you are, you weird blond giant? I’m Jeff from the Evans family! If anyone’s the thief here, it’s probably you and your whole crew!”


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    That response sent Damian into a fit ofughter. Normally, kids lost their nerve when he picked them up like this. Some even started bawling. But this one? This one had enough nerve to argue right back. For a split second, he wondered if he ought to take the boy under his wing.


    Still holding Jeff aloft, Damian studied him for a beat and then remarked, “Listen, my leader already ditched your family head. What are you still doing hanging around?”


    Wait—leader? The pieces started falling into ce for Jeff. Maybe this muscle-bound blond guy worked for Elliana. Instantly, his tone softened. “That’s exactly why I’m here. Cole and Elliana split up, so I’vee to take his ce. I’m going to be her future husband.”


    Be Elliana’s future husband? The deration caught Damian off guard. He eyed Jeff up and down and then gave a derisive snort. “Dream on, kiddo. Elliana’s got standards. You don’t even make the list. Might as well save yourself the heartbreak.”


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