Chapter 1116
Chapter 1115:
Understanding flooded through both men simultaneously as the pieces finally clicked into place.
Jason released a low whistle of grudging admiration. “So Maxine’s actual objective all along was to manipulate you into killing Katrina for her. She must have extraordinary confidence in your combat abilities p>
Cole, on the other hand, let out a harsh, bitter laugh. “That woman is absolutely depraved. To accomplish her goals, she’s perfectly willing to be this merciless toward her own family members p>
Ruthless. Heartless. Monstrous.
Within seconds, these descriptors became permanently attached to Maxine’s name in Cole’s mind. A wave of anger and profound shame washed over him as he realized he shared even the smallest genetic connection with someone capable of such calculated cruelty. How could anyone this morally bankrupt be considered fit to lead an entire family? The fundamental values that guided the Griffiths family stood in complete opposition to everything the Evans family believed in.
Cole’s mind turned to his mother, who had been forced into a life of constant hiding and running from Maxine’s relentless hunters all those years ago, and to his grandmother, who remained imprisoned in the Griffiths family’s underground cells even now. His hatred for Maxine burned brighter and hotter than ever before.
Irritation pricked at Cole. He hadn’t even begun to settle old debts with Maxine, and already she was setting her sights on his unborn daughter with Elliana. Perfect. He was curious to see what other schemes the old witch thought she could pull off. Even if she decided to leave him alone, he would hunt her down himself. She wanted to exploit his unborn daughter as a tool to destroy the Campbell family? Well, he would respond by first obliterating the Serpent Society — that festering disease — from existence.
No one watching Cole could possibly detect the cold, deadly determination that was taking root deep within his heart.
Elliana carefully slid the ancient book she’d been examining back into its designated spot on the shelf. “We’ve uncovered all the secrets that were hidden away in this vault,” she announced with finality. “It’s time for us to return to the surface p>
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Being four months into her pregnancy meant her body was starting to enforce its natural limitations. The smartest decision was to head back home, where she could rest properly and wait peacefully for her babies to arrive. An ultrasound scan had already revealed the wonderful news — she was carrying twins, one boy and one girl. After her children were born, she was genuinely curious to see how Maxine would dare try to steal her daughter away from her.
Elliana wasn’t frightened by the possibility of Maxine coming for her daughter. If anything, she worried that Maxine might not show up at all. She was actually looking forward to their inevitable confrontation.
Cole and Jason returned the ancient volumes they’d been studying to their proper places on the shelves before standing and trailing after Elliana as she headed toward the exit.
When all three of them climbed back up into the daylight world, they discovered something unexpected waiting for them beneath the massive tree. Someone had…
Arranged a wooden table there, and it was covered with an impressive spread of hot, freshly prepared food. A folded piece of paper sat prominently in the center of everything.