Chapter 9 A Plot Is Brewing

Elliana was still half-asleep when Cole leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Her heart did a backflip the moment their lips touched, her long lashes fluttering like a startled butterfly. Just like that, her first kiss was history.

Cole pulled back, locking eyes with her. "Was that enough?"

Elliana's eyes blazed with fury as she shot him a glare. "We just laid down the rules. Why're you pulling this crap again?"

"Wasn't it your request?" Cole gave her an innocent look and pointed out the window. "I figured you had some big reason, so I played along..."

Elliana followed his gaze and realized they were already parked outside the Jones family villa.

She whipped her eyes back to him, still steaming. "Why the heck would I ask for that?"

Without a word, Cole handed her his phone.

Another video recording? Elliana frowned, baffled by his obsession with recording everything.

Grabbing the phone, she hit play.

The video showed Cole focused on driving while she dozed against the car window. Then, out of nowhere, she mumbled, "Come here, darling, give me a kiss and a hug..."

Elliana stared at the screen, stunned into silence. She wanted to explain she was dreaming of her cat, not Cole. But there was no way he'd believe her, so why bother? She could only grit her teeth. Honestly, losing her first kiss like this was what she brought on herself. Still, the more she stewed, the madder she got. Who knew one tiny drink from yesterday would hit her so hard? Even a nap turned into a trainwreck.

She shoved the phone back at him and climbed out of the car.

Cole watched her slender figure walk away, his throat tightening. How could her lips be that soft, that sweet?

Despite the awkwardness, Elliana forced herself to turn and wave. "Thanks for the lift. Catch you later."

Quick as a flash, Cole reached through the open window, snagged her phone, tapped a few things, and handed it back. His voice was low and smooth. "Call me if you need me."

Elliana glanced at her screen. His number was saved, and he was now her contact on the social platform.

"I'll swing by to pick you up later." With that, he sped down the road.

Elliana pocketed her phone and headed toward the Jones family house.

Upstairs, Paige had been glued to the window, watching the whole scene, a storm brewing in her chest. She'd stayed up all night, hoping for the news that Elliana had been murdered and Cole had become single again. But instead of a scandal, she saw Cole personally dropping Elliana off, the two of them looking way too chummy.

As Cole's car vanished, Paige's eyes filled with tears, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn't make sense of it. Why would Cole go along with this farce? Didn't he care that Elliana was just average? If he really didn't mind, then what was she supposed to do now?

Panic set in, bubbling just beneath her skin. Paige stormed off in search of Kiara.

As Paige stomped into the living room, Elliana stepped through the front door. Paige's face twisted in rage as she hissed, "Elliana, you two-faced snake. What sick game did you play to hook Cole?"

Elliana wasn't here to trade insults. She just came to collect her mother's things. Thus, she chose to throw a quick jab at Paige. "Paige, you must have forgotten. I didn't lift a finger, and then Cole became my husband. Believe me, I'd love to pull a few tricks, but I just didn't get the chance..."

And with that, she breezed past Paige and started up the stairs. Still, she couldn't resist twisting the knife. "Oh, and just so you know-Cole and I slept together last night. What can I say? That body, that strength, those skills... Paige, it's a shame you'll never get to experience that."

Elliana disappeared around the corner, leaving Paige seething behind her.

Upstairs, Elliana could still hear Paige's unhinged scream echoing. Smiling, she stepped into the room where her mother's belongings were kept. But the sight before her made her heart sink.

Rita, Elliana's mother and a medical prodigy, had always been sensible, never one to cause drama. Even when she discovered Darin had an affair and even an illegitimate daughter, she had decided against confrontation, choosing instead to pour herself into researching medical treatments.

Then one night, a fire had torn through the Jones family home. Acting decisively, Rita had dragged Elliana to safety, whispered a few final words, and run back into the flames, never to return.

The world had written Rita off as dead, but Elliana didn't buy it. She knew, deep in her soul, her mother was still out there somewhere.

She was determined to find her mother. And she'd uncover the truth behind that fire, no matter how long it took.

Rita's keepsakes were few-a photograph and a few treasured items. Elliana gathered them with care. Nothing was getting left behind.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Paige had found Kiara and burst into tears. "Mom, what do I do now?"

Kiara's gaze darkened like a brewing storm. "Be patient. Once we capture those compromising photos of Elliana and spread them online, let's see how long the Evans family holds onto those absurd traditions."

Paige blinked in shock. "What are you planning?"

"We'll do this..." Kiara leaned in and whispered something into Paige's ear. Paige's eyes lit up. "Mom, get more guys involved. I want Elliana ruined. Utterly gangbanged!"

Just then, Elliana walked back down the stairs. Kiara was quick to paste on a warm, sugary smile as she said, "Elliana, darling, I reserved a private room at Royal Club. Let's have a family dinner to celebrate your recent marriage."

Elliana smiled sweetly, seemingly unaware of the trap being laid. "Sounds wonderful..."