Across the ballroom, Ruben’s laughter rang out. He had watched Allan’s humiliation from start to finish, seeing the powerful businessman rebuffed by a beautiful woman who chose Lance’s arm over his.
It was Elliana and Cole’s wedding—already an occasion for joy. The drama unfolding in the background was the icing on the cake for Ruben, filling him with satisfaction. He had bested Raymond once, years ago. Now, it seemed his own grandson would surpass Raymond’s as well.
But just as Ruben was savoring his triumph, unease flickered through him. What if Allan found a way to win that pretty woman back? Anxious, he hurried to Elliana and Cole, pointing at Adah’s retreating figure, and asked, “Tell me, who is that woman? Whose daughter is she?”
Elliana and Cole had seen everything. With hearing far keener than ordinary people, not a single word of Allan and Adah’s exchange escaped them, nor did Raymond’s scorching reprimand of Allan.
Cole, already familiar with the long-standing animosity between Ruben and Raymond, didn’t need any special ability to guess what Ruben was thinking. Watching the old man practically glow with delight, he let out a quiet laugh.
Elliana, on the other hand, had no such context. She simply answered honestly, “Adah is my best friend.”
“Your best friend?” Ruben’s eyes lit up as if fate itself had just handed him a prize. “Great! You need to speak nicely of Lance to her. Make her see how wonderful he is. She has to marry into our family!”
Elliana was stunned. Ruben had only just met Adah and knew nothing about her. Why was he so intent on matchmaking her with Lance?
Before Elliana could ask, Ruben’s face turned serious. “Elliana, you must make this happen. If that brat Allan snatches your friend away, I’ll starve myself in protest!”
With that dramatic declaration, Ruben turned sharply and marched off.
Elliana was left torn between laughter and disbelief. She immediately looked to Cole. “What was that all about?”
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Cole smiled faintly and explained the decades-old rivalry between Ruben and Raymond.
After hearing it, Elliana couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. Who would have thought two men could spend a lifetime competing, only to carry their feud over to their grandchildren? It was beyond petty.
Elliana’s gaze drifted toward Adah and Lance not far away. The two were chatting animatedly, already comfortable with each other, as though they’d known each other for years.
Adah spoke with bright enthusiasm, her expressions lively and unguarded, while Lance watched her openly, admiration written all over his face. This was exactly the dynamic Adah had always craved.
As Adah’s closest friend, Elliana remembered countless conversations about Adah’s ideal partner—an energetic man who adored her without reservation and treated her like royalty. By every measure, Lance fit the image perfectly.
Watching Lance and Adah together, an idea quietly began to form in Elliana’s mind.
At first, Elliana had been firmly against Adah flirting with Lance for one clear reason—she was afraid Adah was only chasing excitement, while Lance would end up genuinely invested. If that happened, in the end, Adah might leave without hesitation, and Lance would be the one left nursing a shattered heart.
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Message from Noah: Have a wonderful weekend, lovely people. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ? – ? ) ?
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