Chapter 218
Chapter 218:
Unfortunately, Cole’s feelings, delivered through Paulina’s careful mediation, shattered the warmth in Paige’s heart.
The bitter truth struck Paige: Cole felt nothing for her, not even the smallest spark. Despite their near-marriage, he remained completely detached. She could discuss anything with him except emotions. Her feelings registered as nothing more than entertainment in his eyes.
This realization made Paige draw a sharp breath, her heartache threatening to suffocate her. Cole’s indifference made it clear that pursuing any romantic conversation would only bring more pain. Under these circumstances, she decided that seizing this moment to demand concrete benefits represented her best strategic move.
Having made her choice, Paige offered Paulina a calculated smile and declared, “Since we’re being direct, I’ll skip the pleasantries. I have three conditions p>
Paulina’s lips curved upward. “Please, Miss Jones, continue p>
As Paige gathered her thoughts, Kiara rushed forward, lowering her voice to whisper urgently, “Paige, think carefully before you speak. Given Cole’s cold attitude, if you don’t make the most of this chance, you’ll never get another opportunity to negotiate for advantages p>
“Mom, I understand what’s at stake,” Paige replied with quiet confidence.
Seeing Paige’s composed demeanor, Kiara stepped back without further comment.
Paige turned her attention to Paulina and announced, “First, I need Mr. Evans to invest two billion in capital into the Jones Group p>
“Agreed,” Paulina responded without hesitation. Before arriving at the hospital, Cole had instructed her to resolve any problem that money could fix, ensuring all ties with Paige were severed quickly.
At Paulina’s immediate agreement, Darin’s eyes sparkled. This massive financial injection would enable his remarkable corporate comeback.
Kiara caught Darin’s eye, her expression glowing with pride. Their daughter certainly knew how to create winning situations.
𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗼𝗺⧽
Darin read Kiara’s silent message perfectly and returned a measured smile.
Paige ignored her parents’ exchange and stated her second demand.
“Next, before I become part of the Hudson family, Mr. Evans must guarantee my safety. No harm must come to me or my family—by anyone p>
This second condition held crucial importance for Paige. Back on the yacht, Elliana’s threatening presence had terrified her, creating persistent anxiety about possible revenge. Before gaining the Hudson family’s protection, she needed an intermediary power capable of neutralizing Elliana’s threat.
This time, Paulina didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she pulled out her phone to text Cole.
Meanwhile, Cole lounged luxuriously on a sofa at Regal Grove, enjoying Elliana’s devoted attention. When he craved grapes, she prepared and fed them to him personally. When he complained of stiff limbs, she massaged them with her own hands. She fulfilled his every request with meticulous care, awakening unexpected feelings of being treasured within him. The woman who had once dismissed his presence now treated him like royalty, having discovered her newfound affection.
Reclining lazily, he watched Elliana’s attentive efforts with sweet contentment. These moments represented the peak of satisfaction in his twenty-seven years. The universal male dream of marriage suddenly made perfect sense. Having a devoted wife truly brought incomparable joy.