Chapter 10 Is She Really Naive

In a tucked-away private room of the Royal Club, Cole lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, cool as a cucumber. Across from him, his three friends-Allan Shaw, Merlin Blakely, and Manley Swain-gawked at him, their minds bubbling with thoughts over his recent marriage to Elliana.

In Ublento, the Evans, Shaw, Blakely, and Swain families were the big dogs. Aside from being Cole's tight-knit crew, Allan, Merlin, and Manley were the heirs to their respective legacies.

After watching Cole in silence for a bit, Manley's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Cole, you've been sitting there, not eating, not drinking, and not even sparking up a smoke. Don't tell me that Elliana, that so-called plain Jane, has you in a depressive slump?"

Manley then let out a dramatic sigh. "You're too straitlaced, man. All those family rules and traditions are weighing you down. If it were me, no way I'd sign up for that! If they tried to stick me with someone that plain, I'd rather have my head lopped off and tossed to my grandpa for a game of kickball!"

Allan lifted his glass, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Cole, if you're really feeling that down, we'll drink with you until you forget your own name."

Cole flicked his eyes toward them, his lazy glance screaming, "Why do you guys think I'm down in the dumps?"

Cole hadn't touched food, drink, or cigarettes because he was still savoring the sweet memory of that kiss lingering on his lips. No way was he washing that away.

Unlike the mischievous Manley, Allan had a sleek, polished vibe. He sipped his drink slowly, his smile sharp. "Looks like we got worried for nothing."

At that, Merlin leaned back on the sofa, eyes shut, stealing a quick catnap. Having retired from the international special forces, he had a frosty, intimidating aura. He wasn't much for chit-chat, blunt as a sledgehammer, and frankly, not the life of the party.

Cole didn't bother to explain anything. As he casually glanced over, his eyes caught Elliana strolling in, flanked by Kiara and Paige.

"Is Elliana really that naive?" Manley snorted. "Kiara and Paige were out for her blood yesterday, and now she followed them here? Isn't she worried they'll sell her down the river? What a dope!"

Manley flicked his cigarette away and stood. "Cole, like it or not, she's your wife now. If she gets into trouble, it's your name on the line. I'm gonna grab her and bring her over."

Cole shot him a calm look. "Sit down and mind your own business."

Manley blinked. "What? You want Kiara and Paige to end Elliana and make you a widower?"

Allan's calm voice cut in. "Cole's not that guy. If he's staying out of it, he's got a plan. Let's just kick back and see what happens."

Manley shrugged. "Fine, I'll check the cameras."

Merlin didn't even crack an eye, completely checked out.

Elliana, meanwhile, trailed the Jones family into a private room.

Darin, who'd always treated Elliana like she was invisible, suddenly turned into Mr. Hospitality. "Elliana, order whatever you want tonight. It's on me."

Elliana found it laughably ironic. For fifteen years, Darin hadn't given her the time of day, letting Kiara torment and humiliate her while she was stuck in some crumbling shack out back. She could've keeled over and rotted for months before anyone noticed. Now, out of the blue, he was playing doting dad? He just wanted to milk her Evans family connection for all it was worth.

Kiara slid a cup of coffee her way with a smile faker than a three-dollar bill. "Elliana, have some coffee."

Elliana gave a faint smile. Kiara wanted her six feet under, yet here Kiara was, playing sweet stepmom. Did they really think she'd fall for it and drink?

"Thanks." As Elliana took the cup, she smoothly nudged another one toward Kiara. "You should have some too."

"Oh, absolutely," Kiara said, keeping her smile plastered on as she sipped from her cup. "This coffee's pretty good. Elliana, go on, drink yours."

Elliana smiled and knocked back the coffee in one fluid gulp.

Paige, watching from the sidelines, was practically vibrating with glee, waiting for the show to start.

Over in the other room, Manley was glued to the surveillance feed. He bolted upright. "Yo, did you see that? Elliana swapped the coffee cups!"

Allan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Slick move."

Manley spun toward Cole, eyes gleaming. "Cole, your plain Jane might have some brains after all."

Cole's lips twitched into a faint smile.

Merlin, finally curious, sat up and shuffled over to the screen for a better look.

Just then, on the feed, Elliana pressed a hand to her forehead. "I'm feeling woozy..." She didn't even finish before face-planting onto the table.

Kiara and Paige both smirked, smug as cats with cream.

Darin, still in the dark, frowned. "What'd you give her?"

Kiara tilted her chin up, her perfectly made-up face beaming with pride. "Yup, I spiked her coffee. We're about to send her upstairs with a few guys, snap some juicy photos, and splash them all over the internet. That'll sink her for good!"

Seeing Darin's frown deepen, Kiara pushed harder. "Darin, you can't seriously think she's gonna bring us any benefit. She'll only make the Evans family hate us and drag us into the mud! Our future's riding on Paige. Only Paige can lock down Cole!"

Hearing this, Darin's doubts melted away. "Alright. Do it neatly. No loose ends. She's still Mrs. Evans, after all."

Kiara's smile turned cold. "Don't worry. I've got this handled."

Soon enough, Elliana was carted off to a private room.