?Chapter 538:


    Elliana took one step inside the glittering room—and then she saw him. Cole.


    Cole sat quietly in his wheelchair, surrounded by the four Fletcher siblings.


    The moment Elliana’s eyes found Cole, he turned as if he felt her gaze. Their eyes locked across the crowded hall.


    Cole had recovered impressively in recent days, but his face still looked pale and worn, as though exhaustion clung to him.


    Their silent exchangested only a few seconds before Cole looked away. Elliana wasn’t fazed—she let her eyes wander over the other guests, her face calm and unreadable.


    Though Trinity hailed from the Craig family, she had been raised in the Evans home. So, both families had shown up in full force for her banquet.


    Ruben stood proudly at the front of the Evans family, surrounded by younger members. Even the elusive Jason had made an appearance.


    Jason kept his mask on and stayed off to the side, quiet and alone. He didn’t speak to anyone, and his cold, distant air came off as aloofness. The Craig family, once crushed by Merlin, now basked in attention thanks to the famous Milena, who was supposedly about to be Trinity’s mentor, a story fed by Trinity and Murray.


    Bonnie was happily chatting with Ruben, while Norwood and Joslyn wore smiles that didn’t seem to fade.


    Beyond the Evans and Craig ns, the hall buzzed with medical elites and heirs from powerful families, all hoping to rub shoulders with Milena.


    The president of Ublento Medical University had arrived, with Murray by his side.


    Since Milena was purportedly about to partner with Ublento Medical University, a rumor spread by Trinity and Murray, a wave of socialites and top doctors gathered around the university president and Murray, eager to get close. Some were angling for a role in the uing project. Others hoped to use Milena’s name to boost their careers. A few simply sought to admire Milena face-to-face.


    ????????????????: g????????????????.??????


    Elliana’s eyes scanned the crowd. She was surprised to find Darin, Kiara, and even Paige.


    Paige had barely been seen since the yacht incident. She was still healing, yet she dragged her frail body to the banquet. For a family like the Joneses, missing a chance to see Milena wasn’t an option.


    Ran stood beside Paige.


    As soon as Paige spotted Elliana, she froze. Darin and Kiara tensed as well. They were all afraid of Elliana now. Paige had returned iming Elliana was a ruthless killer who didn’t flinch at the sight of blood. None of them dared challenge her like they had before.


    Ran stiffened too—but for another reason. News of Elliana and Cole’s divorce had already spread, and he feared she might pursue him. But Elliana’s gaze scarcely lingered on them before shifting elsewhere—she paid no mind to their presence.


    .


    .


    .