Chapter 23
Chapter 23:
Darin sounded somewhat embarrassed. “Elliana, I want the five hundred million back—the money I gave you p>
The moment those words left his mouth, Elliana couldn’t help but laugh—sharp and biting.
Ever since Kiara’s scandal exploded, business partners had been fleeing like rats from a sinking ship. Darin, now desperate and discredited, didn’t have the nerve to turn to Cole for help. Still, with the Jones Group bleeding money, he came crawling to Elliana—shamelessly asking for the wedding gift he’d prepared—originally for Paige, no less.
Not a chance Elliana was giving it back. “Mr. Jones,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Aren’t you even a little embarrassed saying that out loud p>
Darin was a bit flustered and angered. “Elliana, the financial mess the Jones family is in began because of you. As a daughter of the Jones family, you’re accountable for both its rise and its collapse. You can’t just stand back and watch the Jones Group fall apart p>
“Mr. Jones, what you’re saying isn’t true. This money was set aside for Paige, and she’s the reason for the financial mess. Be honest—if you’d known I was the one marrying into the Evans family, would you have spent a single cent p>
“Fine, Paige was the cause,” Darin said loudly. “But you’re the one who took the funds. The Jones Group is drowning, Elliana. You really want to watch your father’s legacy go down in flames p>
“My mother built the Jones Group with her hands—her formulas, her reputation. That money came from her brilliance. I never once reaped the benefits of the family name, so why should I be the one to save it p>
Darin, coming to terms with the failure of this reasoning, shifted his tactics and eased his tone. “Elliana, I know I’ve treated you unfairly over the years. If you’re unwilling to return the money, I understand. But could you speak with Cole about investing in the Jones Group? The Evans family has more money than they know what to do with, and even a small sum from them would be enough to keep the Jones Group afloat p>
Elliana rebuffed his request without hesitation. “Are you being serious, Mr. Jones? I’m nothing more than a worthless, unattractive woman. Do you honestly believe I have any sway over him p>
Darin fell silent. Deep down, he knew she couldn’t change Cole’s mind. He was just driven to the edge by desperation.
ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇꜱ ɪɴ ɢᴀʟɴᴏᴠᴇʟꜱ.ᴄᴏᴍ
Elliana gave a small, amused laugh. “Honestly, Mr. Jones, your best bet is to dress Paige up and marry her off fast. Maybe she’ll charm some rich fool into saving you p>
“Keep your filthy mouth shut!” Kiara’s rage exploded through the speaker, loud enough to make Elliana wince.
“Elliana, you jealous snake!” Kiara shouted. “How dare you plot against Paige? She’s Ublento’s crown jewel, the woman meant to marry the richest man p>
Elliana took her time flicking imaginary dust from her ear. “I gave a suggestion, that’s all. If it doesn’t suit you, throw it out. When Cole finally tosses me aside, you’ll have your golden chance to shove Paige into his arms p>
Without another word, Elliana ended the call. She imagined the Jones household in utter chaos and grinned. Their panic made up for her sleepless night—and for the first time in hours, she felt ready to close her eyes.
Back at the Jones family’s estate, as soon as the call cut off, Darin spun and struck Kiara across the face with a loud crack.
“Ah!” Hitting the floor, Kiara grabbed her cheek, now red and swollen, and glared up at him with fury. “What is your problem? Why did you hit me again p>
Clenching his jaw, Darin jabbed a finger toward her face. “You worthless idiot! We’re in desperate need of Elliana’s help, and you insulted her? Now that you’ve pushed her too far, how exactly do you expect us to deal with the financial crisis in the Jones family p>
Kiara didn’t back down. “Like she’d help even if I begged? Get real! Ever since she took Paige’s place and married Cole, she’s been ruthless. She’s got a spine now, and she’s not scared to use her words like weapons. She never talked like that before p>
Even Darin couldn’t deny it anymore. Elliana used to keep her head down and bite her tongue, but now her words stung like barbs, laced with sarcasm that made his blood boil. The worst part was, he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. As part of the Evans family, Elliana became untouchable. Whether Cole doted on her or not didn’t matter—disrespecting her now would be no different than spitting in Cole’s face.
Paige, who had been silently observing with a frosty gaze, suddenly spoke. “Elliana isn’t wrong p>
The comment hit like a slap. Kiara and Darin both turned to her in disbelief.
Paige’s mind flashed back to that awful moment—Cole just stood there, letting Elliana tear her down in public. That was when the truth clicked. Cole hadn’t been tricked or swayed. He had hated her all along. Even if Elliana hadn’t stepped in, he would never have made her his bride. She couldn’t even imagine how he would have canceled the wedding if nothing unexpected had happened that day. That title—wife of the wealthiest man—was out of reach now. Whether Elliana kept it forever or not didn’t matter. It would never belong to her.
“Don’t stress yourselves, Mom, Dad. I’ll handle the mess the Jones Group is in,” Paige said, cool and steady.
And with no further explanation, Paige turned on her heel and climbed the stairs. But in her heart, she made a promise—she’d save the Jones Group and crush Elliana beneath her heel when the time came.
The next few days passed in silence. The Jones family kept their heads down, and no one from the Evans family’s side caused Elliana any trouble. Following Ruben’s wishes, she played the part of a studious girl, nose buried in SATs.
On the evening of the third day, she picked up a call that completely took her by surprise.