Chapter 864
Chapter 863:
Ruben’s hands shot forward, claiming the device with desperate hunger as emotions crashed. Among everyone gathered, only Ruben had gazed upon Elliana’s authentic beauty, leaving the others mystified by his sudden transformation. They assumed Ruben had simply fallen under Lilah’s spell—another victim of her ethereal allure.
After all, genuine beauty possessed universal power to enchant. Though Ruben had weathered more than seventy seasons, his spirit still danced with youthful appreciation for life’s most exquisite creations.
Taylor sneaked a glance at his grandfather’s transfixed expression, a secret smile playing at his lips as he continued, “Grandpa, you agree this girl just looks like an ethereal angel—not a terrorist menace, correct p>
Ruben’s eyes were still glued to the glowing screen, his silver head bobbing with unconscious agreement as emotions built like storm pressure within his chest. “Absolutely right—she embodies pure celestial beauty p>
No shadow of doubt remained in Ruben’s mind—the girl captured in digital amber was indeed Eliana! Elliana had survived death’s grasp and returned to Ublento, wearing Lilah’s identity like protective armor.
Ruben’s heart hammered against his ribs with the wild rhythm of rediscovered hope.
Taylor, oblivious to the true source of his grandfather’s excitement, interpreted the reaction as validation and pressed his case with renewed confidence. “Exactly! Any rational person would reach the same conclusion! But Cole and Jason p>
Taylor jabbed a finger at Lilah’s image on his phone screen, his voice defiant. “Just because I said I wanted to pursue her, Cole and Jason have delivered severe warnings. I’m not taking their advice! Then Mom and Dad got mad, too. Grandpa, you have to stand up for me p>
A sharp smack split the air. Ruben’s palm landed squarely across Taylor’s face. Taylor yelped in pain, frozen.
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Everyone else stared in disbelief. From the way Ruben usually treated Taylor, no one expected this. They thought Ruben would scold Emmanuel and Louisa after hearing Taylor’s complaint. But instead, he hit Taylor himself.
“Grandpa, did you hit the wrong person?” Taylor asked, stunned.
Ruben’s hand came down again, another crisp slap. “I hit exactly who I meant p>
Taylor was too shocked to be angry. Had he just crossed some unspoken family line? “Why p>
Ruben snorted, pointing at the phone screen. “Your cousins are right. This girl isn’t someone you should be dreaming about. Get your head straight! Go to your room and take a good look at yourself—do you really think you’re a match for her p>
Without waiting for an answer, Ruben waved Taylor off. “Go back to your room and reflect on this. Don’t stay here and get on my nerves p>
Taylor was dumbfounded. He couldn’t understand why the whole family had suddenly turned against him. Even Ruben, who had always spoiled him, was now mad at him. Afraid of another slap, he hurried upstairs.
Once Taylor was gone, Ruben ignored the curious stares and went upstairs, his expression unusually eager. Once inside his room, Ruben pulled out his phone and called Cole.
The line connected quickly.
“Grandpa, is something wrong?” Cole asked.
Ruben got straight to the point. “Cole, I don’t agree with you marrying the Campbell family’s heiress p>