Chapter 822
Chapter 821:
Name, with a father at the helm of the mighty Sun Group and a brother, the patient and gentle soul sitting beside her, set to inherit the family business. She had a family. Finally.
Milton’s palm resting on her head brought comfort that sank deep, filling the hollow spaces in her heart with gentle heat. A single, tremulous word slipped from her, thick with longing. “Milton p>
Unable to hold back, she hurled herself into his arms. Her face pressed against his chest, and the tears she had hidden for years soaked into his shirt. After their mother vanished, everything had changed. She had been forced to grow up fast, turning from a frightened child into someone who could survive anything. She had become a fierce leader, known as Death Thorn. Softness and tears had long been luxuries she couldn’t afford. But in Milton’s arms, her defenses finally gave way. For a moment, she was just a little girl again, letting all her pain and loneliness rush out in a broken plea.
“Why didn’t you come for me sooner p>
Milton’s embrace tightened. His hand moved in soothing circles on her back, his voice rough with regret. “I failed to locate you sooner,” he whispered. “You should never have had to wait so long, never suffered so much. I’m sorry p>
Time seemed to slow as they clung to each other. What passed between them was both breathtaking in its simplicity and staggering in its depth. It was a reunion only the lost and found could truly understand. All those hard years were written in the lines of their faces, yet blood had drawn them together, making every second of their embrace feel as natural as breathing. The ache of separation melted in the simple truth of their connection.
When the tide of emotion finally subsided, Milton eased away, searching her face. “Tell me, where is Mom? Is she safe p>
Elliana’s face dimmed with sadness. “She’s gone missing,” she answered quietly. “Mom left me behind in Ublento when I was five years old. Since then, it’s been complete silence. No word, no sign p>
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Elliana began telling Milton about her past, choosing her words with care and leaving out more than she revealed. Details about the Star Society and the Thorn Rose never crossed her lips. Family ties and shared blood did not erase the need for secrecy; everyone carries truths they choose to keep hidden.
Milton sat quietly, each part of her story hitting harder than the last. By the time she stopped talking, he stared at her, wide-eyed.
“Lilah… no, Elliana,” he said, stumbling over the words. “You and Cole p>
Elliana offered a quick, tight nod. “That’s exactly it. I’m Cole’s ‘ugly ex-wife p>
Out of nowhere, a loud bang rang through the car as Milton punched the steering wheel. Every bit of bitterness he felt toward Eva and Wanda came crashing out. Twenty years ago, Eva had come close to ending his mother’s life. Now, both Eva and the daughter she’d taken in had set their sights on his sister. There would be no running from what they’d done.
And as for Cole, Milton would never stand by and let him hurt his sister again.
“Listen to me, Elliana. Eva and Wanda won’t get away with this,” Milton declared, his tone steady but threatening. “They used our family’s name to hurt you behind my back and our dad’s back, and I will make them face the music p>
Elliana simply shook her head, her lips curling into a cold, self-assured smile. “I can handle them myself. You really don’t have to step in p>
She looked him right in the eye, her gaze turning sharper. “I only staged my fake death so I could get away from what I thought was the Campbell family’s hunting. Now that I know Eva and Wanda have no actual influence within the household, nothing holds me back anymore. Dealing with them is just a piece of cake p>