?Chapter 563:


    Three years? And she wanted to date other men—many other men? Cole drew a steadying breath. “Could I skip ahead somehow?” He shoved his wallet into her hand as he spoke. “All my assets are yours if you’ll consider moving me up the list.”


    Elliana’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Absolutely not.”


    Cole raised an eyebrow, recognizing that her anger would need time to cool. He would have to earn her forgiveness slowly, piece by piece.


    “I want to meet that fake Milena,” Elliana dered.


    Cole nodded without hesitation. “We’ll question them together. I’m curious about the conspiracy behind that impostor. Is he targeting me by openly iming to be researching Psychephrenia?”


    Elliana secured her disguise—the wig and artificial Adam’s apple—transforming herself once more. Together, they left the room and headed toward the warehouse where their captives waited.


    Myles, Aron, and Hugh fell into step behind them.


    Jason observed from afar as the group disappeared toward the back warehouse, understanding their mission without asking. He didn’t follow. Those matters were for Cole to handle, and he didn’t need to intervene. Perhaps there were secrets Cole preferred to keep private.


    After the warehouse door closed behind them, Irene appeared at Jason’s side like a shadow.


    Jason acknowledged her presence with a single word. “Mom.”


    Irene’s gaze tracked Elliana’s path with undisguised hatred, and her expression could have curdled milk. “Cole must have discussed Psychephrenia treatments with Milena. If he finds a cure, your chances of taking over the family will vanish forever.”


    Jason’s brow furrowed into deep lines. “Mom, I’ve told you before—I have no such ambitions. Please stop saying such words.”


    Irene released a frustrated sigh. Her son’sck of hunger for power bewildered her, especially when his capabilities far exceeded Cole’s, or so she thought. For Jason to ascend to the throne, she would need to remove Cole from the equation entirely. Eliminating Milena might prove necessary just to ensure no one could cure Cole. In doing this, she would have more time to execute her schemes properly.


    Irene had learned from past mistakes, though. Jason would remain ignorant of her true intentions this time.


    “Fine. Since youck ambition, I won’t push the matter further. Let’s discuss Death Thorn instead,” Irene said, her tone shifting to calcted warmth.


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    Jason turned to face her fully. “What about Death Thorn?”


    “I’m delighted to know Death Thorn’s affection for you. During the recent family meeting, I spoke with your grandfather and everyone. They unanimously support a marriage between you and her,” Irene stated with practiced directness. “I’m here to learn how your rtionship is progressing.”


    At the mention of Death Thorn, Jason couldn’t help but nce toward the warehouse. But when he realized he had likely mistaken Milena for Death Thorn, he quickly looked away. He then answered honestly, “Mom, ever since I parted ways with Death Thorn back in Podgend, I haven’te across her again.”


    “Has she reached out to you?” Irene asked.


    He shook his head. “No.”


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